We are certifiably GREEN—twice!
Our office was awarded LEED Silver certification for Commercial Interiors by the US Green Building Council. We are grateful for the grant from green | spaces that covered the expenses associated with documenting and commissioning the project. And we couldn't have done it without Berry Construction and Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects.
These are the measures we took to achieve the silver certification level:
Water Conservation- To conserve water, we installed all water-conserving fixtures, including low-flow sinks, a bubbler for brushing teeth, and new low-flow toilets.
Natural Lighting- Because our space has only one wall with exterior windows, we capitalized on the available natural light by using translucent panels at partitions and for many of the doors.
Location- Our office is located on Main Street, within a quarter mile of over ten other shops offering basic services. This allows people to park in one place and take care of various needs without the use of a vehicle. Additionally, we are located within a half mile of three public bus stops.
High Recycled Content- In selecting materials for our office construction and furnishings, we opted for materials that contain a high level of recycled materials. Twenty percent of all materials in our project are recycled.
Biking- To encourage biking to work, we have provided a shower for the use of all employees. We have also provided a bike rack adjacent to the parking lot to allow both employees and guests to secure their bikes if they choose to use alternate transportation to the office.
Energy Star- Over ninety percent of the power from office equipment we use is Energy Star qualified.
Recycling- We recycle paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals. We also participate in a sharps recycling program, along with Dr. Baldree’s office. During the construction of our space, we recycled over 75% of construction and demolition waste.
Good Air Quality- We do not allow smoking anywhere within 25 feet of the entrance to our space and we exceed the requirement of national standards for fresh, outdoor air intake. Additionally, all paints, adhesives, sealants, flooring materials, and composite wood products used in the building have minimal to no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Even our furniture is low-emitting.
Efficiency- Our connected lighting density is over thirty percent less than what is required by national standards and every employee can adjust the lighting in their area to suit their tasks. To ensure that our HVAC, lighting, and hot water systems were operating at the efficiency we expected, a commissioning authority was employed and verified the installation and performance of all the building systems.
Being LEED certified was a big part of our also reaching the Gold level of GreenDOC Dental Office Certification by the EcoDentistry Association! Listed below are some of our additional initiatives that make us EcoDentistry Certified Gold.
Waste Reduction & Pollution Prevention
we use a steam autoclave with reusable instrument cassettes instead of paper-plastic pouches, and we distill our own water
we have reduced the use of plastic barriers and disposable supplies
we use eco-friendly disinfectants for surfaces and equipment lines
we have eliminated the use of toxic cold sterilants by selecting instruments that can be heat sterilized
we have a digital x-ray system, which eliminates chemical waste
we subscribe to a recycling service and even our sharps waste is recycled
we collect and recycle ink and toner cartridges, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, propane and oxygen bottles, and small appliances
we recycle the disposable toothbrushes used by patients in our office, as well as aligners and plastic bags
we compost our kitchen waste
we provide filtered drinking water in our break room and reception room to eliminate the need for bottled water
we save transportation and shipping waste by having an in-house lab for our models and retainers
we use rechargeable batteries where possible
we purchase in bulk and choose recycled content, recyclable, and/or compostable supplies when available
we purchase supplies from eco-friendly vendors when possible
our cleaning service uses green cleaning products and processes
we utilize an eco-friendly landscape management company
our stationery and printed communications are printed on FSC-certified paper
we send appointment reminders and many other communications electronically
we print and copy double-sided when possible
we send patients’ take-home supplies in a reusable shopping bag
Water Conservation
we use hand sanitizer instead of soap and water when possible
our landscape plantings are drought-tolerant and we do not irrigate automatically
Patient Care, Workplace Policies, & Community Contribution
we participate in charity dentistry projects such as Smiles Change Lives
my staff and I take continuing education about green dentistry
we use only BPA-free adhesives
I provide patient education regarding whole-body health
we provide xylitol as the sweetener at our hot beverage station for patients
we give patients a BPA-free reusable water bottle with Xylitol-sweetened candies and gum when patients get their braces off
we send healthy gifts to referring offices, such as oranges, chocolate-covered strawberries, and trail mix
Oh, and did I mention I drive a Prius? And since my husband works next door, we frequently carpool to and from work!
As a healthcare provider, I seek to practice sustainably and in a way that "does no harm" - either to patients or to the environment. As eloquently put by Christopher Gavigan, co-founder with Jessica Alba of the Honest Co.: "Most people think living greener is about safeguarding the Earth, but my approach is about living for your health, which ultimately has positive impacts for the planet."
-MBF