Question

Commercial buildings and industrial facilities account for a major share of a company's environmental impact. Identify one business that has implemented green building standards and describe the advantages they have gained from their efforts.

Answer 1

Ans:  Hewlett-Packard ,evidence is growing that green buildings bringing multiple benefits :

They provide some of the most effective means to achieving a range of global goals, such as addressing climate change, creating sustainable and thriving communities, and driving economic growth.

Highlighting these benefits, and facilitating a growing evidence base for proving them, is at the heart of what we do as an organisation.

The information technology giant, Hewlett-Packard, has committed to improving its sustainable practices, including green building. One example is the data center the company completed in Hockley, Texas, in 2010. To be energy-efficient, HP employed a photovoltaic solar power system that provides 280,000 kWh of electricity each year. The data center also has a system for reusing wastewater from the cooling process by diverting it to landscaping uses. The materials used to construct the building were largely recycled or locally produced, and the wood was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. In addition, the facility includes bike racks and preferred parking for low-emission vehicles. Because of all these features, the building achieved Gold LEED certification.

Another structure, HP's Customer Experience Center, located in Houston, has Silver LEED certification. HP boasts that it features reused furniture and low-flow water fixtures. It also incorporates energy-efficient lighting, and the waste from construction was largely diverted from a landfill.

Hewlett-Packard is one of the first companies to have reported its greenhouse gas emissions, after which they have initiated plans that are aimed at reducing emissions and cutting back on toxic substances used in manufacturing its products like cartridges. The company also has an aggressive recycling program that ensures most of the manufacturing waste does not end up in landfills. Furthermore, it has taken the lead in spreading word on the importance of environmental responsibility in its ads that promote green initiatives.