FEA and the IFMA Foundation release second in Sustainability 'How-To Guide' Series

FAIRFAX, VA — Facility Engineering Associates (FEA), in partnership with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Foundation, recently announced the release of the second guide in the Sustainability "How-to Guide" Series: The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star Portfolio Manager, according to a press release.

Written by Maureen Roskoski, Laurie Gilmer, and Greg Hughel, all from FEA, the EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager was created to help facility professionals better understand how to maintain a successful energy management program, the release stated.

The guide highlights essential terms and explains monthly and annual energy consumption within buildings and how this consumption can change over time, the release noted.

Eric Teicholz, executive editor of the Sustainability "How-to Guide" Series, said: "We are very happy with the response received to the first Getting Started guide and look forward to an even greater response to this guide because of the traction received as a result of the initial guide."

To obtain your own copy of the EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager guide, visit FEA's website at www.feapc.com, the release added.

Rubbermaid receives the 2009 ISSA Best in Customer Service Award

WINCHESTER, VA — Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC recently announced their being awarded the 2009 ISSA Best in Customer Service Award, which was presented at the 2009 ISSA/INTERCLEAN^® North America Trade Show in Chicago October 6-9, according to a press release.

The ISSA Best in Customer Service Award is presented annually to the exhibitor that exceeds expectations by providing the best one-on-one interaction, innovative product demonstrations and overall customer service experience during the show, the release stated.

Distributors, building service contractors and in-house service providers attending this year's trade show cast their ballots in favor of Rubbermaid Commercial Products in the supplies category of booths 400 square feet or larger, the release noted.

Larry McIsaac, global president of Rubbermaid Commercial Products, said: "This customer service award is a tremendous accomplishment given the quality of competition and individuals participating in the selection process. The award demonstrates the involvement and attention to detail Rubbermaid strives for with its customers in all aspects of our business."

Attendees at the 2009 ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America Trade Show saw the unveiling of a number of products from Rubbermaid Commercial Products and Technical Concepts, the release added.

LaGrange College now has a LEED-certified library

LAGRANGE, GA — The Frank and Laura Lewis Library at LaGrange College recently received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Silver level, according to the Ledger-Enquirer.

Built by Batson-Cook Construction, the three-story, 45,000-square-foot library is the third library in the state of Georgia and the first outside of the city of Atlanta to earn the LEED distinction, the story stated.

Sustainable aspects of the $15.5 million library include: Low-flow plumbing; abundant natural lighting; energy efficient fixtures; and utilization of recycled materials, the story noted.

While LEED certification costs more on the front end of the project, those who build green reap the benefits later in the more efficient operation of the facility, the story added.

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Disney ups H1N1 prevention efforts

ORLANDO, FL — In an effort to minimize the spread of the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, Walt Disney World and Disneyland have installed numerous hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the theme parks, according to the Associated Press.

More than 60 dispensers have been strategically placed in hotel lobbies, character meet-and-greet areas and other venues at the highly frequented parks, the story stated.

Disney has also placed signage throughout the parks reminding patrons to frequently wash their hands, cover their mouths when they cough and other general hygiene reminders, the story noted.

These precautions are the most visible steps taken by Disney since the H1N1 outbreak struck the United States last spring, the story added.

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NBC programming to include pro-environmental messages

NEW YORK — The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is taking its "Green is Universal" campaign to prime-time by writing pro-environmental messages in the scripts of five of its popular television programs, according to the Mother Nature Network.

According to the story, environmental themes were also added to the scripts of "30 Rock," "The Biggest Loser," "The Office," "Heroes" and "Community."

Several NBC shows have done much to reduce their carbon footprints off-stage, including: Using filtered tap water instead of plastic water bottles; using chemical-free cleaning products; renting hybrid vehicles to transport actors and crew members; and making company facilities more eco-friendly, the story stated.

Jack McBrayer, the actor who portrays Kenneth on "30 Rock," said: "It's something that is relatable and is something that a lot of people are doing. Everybody is on board with greening up the place and being more environmentally-friendly in real life. Every now and then, people need to be reminded of things that can be done."

Examples of the pro-environmental messages include: "30 Rock" corporate boss Jack Donaghy telling the late-night show's staff that it has to cut its carbon footprint by 5 percent; Dwight from "The Office" takes the role of Recyclops; "Heroes" features cast members filling a truck with recyclables and talking about the importance of giving back to the Earth; and in the comedy "Community," the college is renamed Environdale, the story noted.

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The world's first LEED Platinum-certified hospital

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas is the first health care facility in the world to achieve Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Platinum level, the highest offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a press release.

By optimizing energy performance, the Dell Children's Medical Center was able to achieve 14 of the total 17 points available in the Indoor Environmental Quality category, the release stated.

Phil Risner, project manager and building systems network engineer for the Seton Family of Hospitals, said: "We had a vision for LEED Platinum from the outset of this project, as we sought to create the optimum environment for our patients as well as our employees. There was no doubt in our minds that being green had real, positive effects on both the environment and our healthcare delivery capability."

LEED certification standards are difficult to meet for any building, but are especially tough for hospitals because they operate around the clock and use large amounts of energy, the release noted.

Overall, the project earned 54 out of a possible 69 points, meeting requirements for LEED certification for New Construction, the release added.

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'The Rachael Ray Show' selects My Maid Service for cleanup

WILMINGTON, OH — My Maid Service was selected by "The Rachael Ray Show" to provide post-construction cleaning for the Wilmington United Methodist Church's food pantry Your Father's Kitchen following a renovation, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

"The Rachael Ray Show" selected Your Father's Kitchen to be the recipient of its 2009 Thanksgiving community service project that included facility upgrades and a year's stock of food courtesy of the Sara Lee Corporation, the story stated.

According to the story, "The Rachael Ray Show" filmed on location at Your Father's Kitchen November 7 and 8 and the episode is set to air November 25.

Derek Christian, owner of My Maid Service, has been involved with numerous philanthropic causes and was excited to receive the call from "The Rachael Ray Show" producer, the story noted.

Christian said: "We know that Wilmington is going through a tough time right now with the recent closing of DHL. Quite a few families are really struggling right now. This is something we can do to contribute to a worthy cause and I'm more than happy to help out."

My Maid Service is a full-service provider of cleaning tasks, including: Mopping floors; vacuuming; dusting; changing bed linens; cleaning carpets; cleaning windows; and much more, the story added.

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