Persevering through the pandemic
While we have entered Stages 2 and 3 of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery, it's still not business as usual. Budget uncertainties, competing priorities, and disruptions of all kinds may be challenging your efforts to maintain and expand your sustainability program. Here are a couple things to focus on:
Keep your Green Team Active: Adhere to your regular meeting schedule. Even if some projects have to be delayed, it will help ensure that you're taking advantage of the unique opportunities of the moment. If your team has been working remotely, you may be missing some of the impromptu collaboration of being in the office together. Video conferencing that allows some time for brainstorming can help tee up projects for another time.
Focus on Savings: Initiatives that make your operations more resource efficient -- whether it be with energy, water, or raw materials -- may jump to the front as your organization looks to cut costs. For tips on how to pitch cost-saving energy projects to your financial officers, read this paper to cover your bases.
The good news is that customer and investor support for environmental performance remains as strong as ever. So despite the disruptions and uncertainty you may be facing, keep sharing your efforts through your Maryland Green Registry profile so we can help you get the recognition you deserve.
Laura Armstrong
Director, Sustainability Program and Maryland Green Registry
Keeping it Green during COVID-19
The COVID crisis has created a number of opportunities and challenges to facilities management. Here are a few topics and resources to consider:
Water: Conduct a leak audit to make sure faucets aren't dripping or toilets running in unused spaces. When fully reopening, note that flushing of systems may be necessary to address water quality:
Maintaining and restoring water quality in buildings with low or no use.
Energy: Continue to monitor lights and temperature settings during low or no-use periods.
Increased teleworking and digitization of businesses has reinforced the importance of data centers and cloud management and the need to focus on energy efficiency. See what upgrades may be eligible for funding under this program:
Maryland Energy Administration Data Center Energy Efficiency Grant Program
MEA offers a number of other valuable incentive programs. Check them out here.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: If there was ever a time to focus on waste reduction over recycling, this is it! Local government recycling programs have been stressed by the volume of recycled materials. Be aware that in some cases they have restricted recycling or made changes to the materials they will accept.
Recycling During COVID-19 Pandemic
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ATTN: Food & Beverage Processors
There are two spots left for Maryland food and beverage manufacturers to receive free technical assistance in reducing waste and energy and water usage. In light of COVID restrictions, the program will adapt to the time frame and needs of the participating facilities. Click here for more information and to let us know your interest.
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Member Spotlights
Annapolis Green and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center are the latest members to step into the spotlight.
Member Spotlights are posted on MDE's social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) where we encourage members to like and share through their own accounts as well.
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Who wants to be next?
Just e-mail the following to green.registry@maryland.gov:
- your company logo,
- two photos (one with people in them), and
- three sustainable practices (20-40 words)
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