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Office Overview
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Sustainable Solutions Corporation (SSC) was founded in 2001. As our company name implies, sustainable practices are incorporated into every project. SSC moved into our new office in Royersford, Pennsylvania in November 2008. With a focus on sustainability, we have made many practical, cost effective changes and choices to make our new office as green as possible. We have incorporated a comprehensive in-house source reduction and recycling program while reducing our water and electrical consumption. We have also selected furnishings and finishes to serve as a model for sustainable purchasing and office renovation.
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Sustainable Site
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Original drawings of the Buckwalter Stove Company. |
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Original photo of the buiding. |
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Our new office is located in a building which started as the Buckwalter Stove factory back in 1867. This brownfield site has had a long history as a manufacturing facility and is located in an already densely developed area that is currently undergoing redevelopment. The projected SEPTA R-6 extension stop is less than a quarter mile from the building as is a SEPTA bus route. The building is located along the Schuylkill River which provides recreation and beautiful views for our employees.
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Resource Conservation
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Only minor changes made to exisiting building as a part of the office fit-out. |
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Use of high recycled content and refurbished and reused furniture is a model of resource conservation. |
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SSC focused on resource conservation, most of our furniture is either reused or contains high recycled content. We utilized 100% recycled content, FSC certified MDF for desk and table tops. Our chairs are cradle to cradle certified and we were able to maintain all existing walls, ceilings and flooring materials in the space. Our comprehensive waste management program integrates source reduction, reuse and recycling into all of our operations.
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Energy and Atmosphere
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SSC has removed one bulb per lamp fixture and decreased energy use by 1300 watts while still maintaining the recommended 30 foot candles for commercial interiors. |
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Abundant daylight and operable windows provide an energy efficient and productive work space. |
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The natural light that enters our space allowed us to reduce the number of lamps in each fixture. This has resulted in reduced electricity consumption and more comfortable light levels for the employees. Programmable thermostats were also installed to reduce energy consumption and operable windows allow the HVAC system to be shut down completely during temperate weather. These changes provide cost savings as well as reduction of our carbon footprint.
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Indoor Environmental Quality
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Abundant plants improve indoor environmental quality as well as the aesthetic of the office. |
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All paints and coatings utilized in the office renovation were VOC free and all furniture has no added urea formaldehyde. |
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Indoor environmental quality is critical to a healthy and productive work space. Low and no VOC paints, coatings and composite wood furniture as well as GREENGUARD certified chairs ensure our employees are not exposed to chemicals that can impact their health and productivity. Abundant daylight and views of the river also keep us connected to the outdoors and make our space an enjoyable place to work.
- GREENGUARD Chairs
- Greenboard - MDF
- Daylighting (daylight sensors planned)
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Water Conservation
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Dual flush toilets reduce our water consumption. |
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SSC has installed a CoolerSmart water cooler. Ths system filters the domestic water, eliminating the impacts of using bottled water and providing cost savings |
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Water conservation helps protect a critical resource and reduces operating costs. We installed dual flush toilets and low flow aerators on all faucets to reduce our water use. The CoolerSmart water cooler filters city water and eliminates all the impacts of using bottled water. We have reduced our water consumption by over 35% from these changes.
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