ACEEE staff strongly believe in sustainability and daily activities are infused with a desire to leave a smaller carbon footprint. ACEEE focuses on the following areas in its commitment to workplace sustainability and includes this commitment in its strategic plan.
Office Build-Out
While typically handled through facility management, ACEEE took advantage of its 2008 relocation and subsequent build-outs to incorporate many energy-efficient components into its office design:
- Energy-efficient lighting and occupancy sensors (T8 and T5 lamps; color-adjustable LED lighting)
- Sidelights and clerestory windows
- ENERGY STAR-rated kitchen appliances
- Zero VOC paints
- Ceiling tiles 40% recycled content
- Carpet tiles contain recycled content and recyclable at end-of-life
- Non-carpeted flooring linoleum based, not vinyl based
Commuting
- All Washington, D.C. staff take advantage of transit benefits, commuting by train, bike, or foot. By commuting, ACEEE realizes a reduction of 198,396 vehicle miles traveled/year and a gas savings of 8,897 gallons of fuel annually.
Environmental Sustainability
- Eco-friendly office consumables (post-consumer content, biodegradable paper products/packaging; non-phosphate soaps; fair trade coffees/teas)
- Regularly recycle office products (paper, glass, aluminum, toner, cardboard)
Green Team Efforts
- Ongoing office campaign to increase energy-efficiency messaging and shape behavior
- Regularly revisit the sustainability of our operations
- Open dialogue with building engineers which provides insight to facility energy-efficient measures in place and provides an opportunity for ACEEE to share efficiency information as appropriate
Support the Work That Makes Energy Go Further
ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.