For the third year running, the NRPA Green Team participated in the sixth annual Loudoun Green Business Challenge — this time as the returning winner of the commercial category. Once again, NRPA was awarded top honors as the most sustainable business in Loudoun County, Virginia, at the Green Business Awards Gala, held November 5, 2015.
NRPA achieved the competition’s highest designation — platinum — along with 24 other participants. A total of 66 local companies competed in the challenge, regarded as a friendly points-based competition and certification process that challenges and encourages businesses to implement more efficient and sustainable practices. Participation also demonstrates leadership, an eye toward improving the bottom line, creating a healthier work environment for employees and minimizing the environmental impact organizations have on their communities. The challenge focuses on five specific categories: Education and Outreach, Energy, Water, Waste and Transportation. Here are a handful highlights of what NRPA accomplished during 2015:
Energy: Installation of new LED fire exit signage, light motion sensors in all conference rooms and auto-timer surge protectors to reduce phantom plug loads.
Waste: Installation of automatic hand towel dispensers for 100 percent post-consumer waste towels and participation in the “Grounds to Grow On” Keurig k-cup recycling program.
Education and Outreach: Hosted an Innovation Lab on the economic impact of park and recreation facilities, programs and services on communities, initiated a multiyear grant program with American Water to provide funding sources for localities to improve infrastructure in their communities, and developed a program to engage and educate youth in basic conservation practices that will be rolled out nationwide in 2016.
Water: Installation of floating wetlands and grass buffers in and around the pond at NRPA headquarters to improve water quality, reduction of building water pressure to help prevent unnecessary wear and reduce water use and leaks, and replacement of NRPA’s 18-year-old water heater.
Transportation: Conducted a staff transportation survey, participated in Bike to Work Day, and hosted a staff carpool day.
We look forward to the 2016 challenge and mentoring other businesses in the county to encourage greater participation and improve sustainability efforts in our local community.
Ted Mattingly is NRPA’s Director of Facilities and Administrative Services.