Sharp & Diamond office sustainability

at Sharp & Diamond we practice what we preach

We have committed to green practices for the benefit of our office performance, our employees, and to save our natural resources.

We see sustainability as an ethical and moral responsibility. The wellbeing of our social and natural worlds depends on choices towards responsible use of resources, and long-term considerations.

a summary of our environmental office practices

PAPER AND MATERIAL REDUCTION:

• Use recycled products as much as possible, including recycled paper.
• Printing half-sized drawing sets instead of full size where practical.
• Minimum printing of e-mails, digital faxes, and other digital documents.
• Re-use of paper for other office functions.
• Active recycling of all paper and plastics used in the office.
• Minimizing the use of disposable products in favour of permanent or
  recyclable products.
• Rechargeable batteries are used for computers and electronics.
• Reduced physical mail-outs in favour of digital marketing materials.

ENERGY REDUCTION:

• All computers and electronics are maintained and kept modern to
  reduce energy use.
• Automatic thermostats minimize heating and cooling for the office space, and reduce energy use during off-hours.
• Electronics and appliances are turned off when not in use.

TRANSPORTATION:

• Promotion of sustainable employee transit: transit passes; in-office storage of bicycles; shower facility for cyclists; encouraging car-pooling or transit.
• Car co-op memberships provided to visit project sites, reducing the need for personal cars.
• Use of technology to reduce travel, such as teleconferencing.
• Central location – We chose our office space to be close to transit, where people live, and other consultants and clients, to minimize travel.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT:

• Installation of a dedicated water filter to reduce bottled water use.
• Creating a healthy office environment – We maintain a bright, clean, and healthy office with an outdoor amenity patio, views, and solar access.
• Improving ergonomics.
• Office renovations minimize the use of products that off-gas or require hazardous solvents or glues. Dirt and allergen trapping materials such as carpets are being replaced with cleaner and easier to maintain surfaces, such as tile.
• We chose a space with maximum natural lighting to reduce the need for artificial lighting, and reduce energy consumption.
• Our office has a large balcony where we can get some fresh air and be outside, as well as grow some plants. Composting of vegetable waste to improve soil.

our office environmental goals:

• Reduce energy use and conserve natural resources
• Make a better working environment
• Increase employee satisfaction and contentment
• Save office expenses through smart decisions
• Promote green business practices to others