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Posted by Michelle on February 2, 2012 |
The idea of corporate sustainability or corporate social responsibility programs have often been seen as a marketing strategy. However, a new global survey of more than 2,800 business leaders by MIT Sloan Management Review and the Boston Consulting Group suggest that planning for sustainability within the company is directly related to profits and competitiveness.
According to the study, “31% of companies say sustainability is contributing to their profits, and 70% have placed sustainability permanently on their management agenda.” This study also suggest that two-thirds of companies see sustainability as necessary to being competitive in today’s marketplace. The survey focuses on “Harvesters” who are the 31% of companies that say sustainability is related to profits. Harvesters are not just implementing individual initiatives but are changing their operating strategies. The report shows three key areas where sustainability has driven significant organization change among Harvesters:
- Managers at Harvester companies are often supported by a separate cross-functional senior management committees that can sanction as well as support corporate sustainability objectives.
- 57% of Harvesters say they have a business case for sustainability, compared to just 18% among the rest of respondents.
- Greater collaboration among geographic business units is a hallmark of Harvesters’ sustainable business practices. And, Harvesters collaborate more with customers and suppliers than other companies.
Knut Haanaes, a BCG partner and coauthor of the report explains, “there’s a learning curve to incorporating sustainability into strategy. Companies that have had it on their agenda and have worked on it for years are now seeing tangible results. Our research suggest a pattern: First a company focuses on reducing costs, boosting efficiency, and enhancing its corporate reputation. Then, after a while, it takes a broader view, becoming innovative with products and processes, and gaining access to new markets.”
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About e-PlanSoft:
e-PlanSoft™, the leader in Electronic Plan Review solutions, represents a revolution in how Public Agencies, Design Firms, and Construction Professionals can review, mark-up, and manage construction plans, drawings and project management information. These Electronic Plan Review applications provide you with instant access to your project documents anywhere and anytime through the Internet, and allow you to go green and paperless!
Posted by Michelle on January 18, 2012 |
Green building has become a priority for many when creating multi-family homes and consumer friendly home energy technology. The trends within green building were identified by Earth Advantage Institute based on the discussions that took place in 2011. The sectors of this discussion included policymakers, builders, developers, architects and home owners. Due to the recent economy, homeowners are now using green building to benefit their management in energy and improvement with their existing home. The following are important trends that are highlighted from the “10 Green Building Predictions for 2012″ from the Earth Advantage Institute:
1) Urban density.
Filling in the spaces is the name of the game as homeowners and builders opt to create more living space through the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), laneway homes (bordering the back lane behind the main house), and build on infill lots. All this because the younger crowd and the empty nesters are opting to settle in the city where they can be closer to cultural activities, mass transit, more sustainable lifestyles, and other like-minded people.
2) Green multifamily homes.
As a corollary to the urban density trend, Earth Advantage Institute has seen a large spike in Northwest multifamily building certifications this past year. The increased interest by building owners and operators in energy efficiency savings coupled with 2011’s 17 percent growth in multifamily homes (McGraw-Hill) means that we can expect to see a rise in certifications in this sector, especially in progressive regions.
3) Energy upgrades start to drive home remodels.
Builders and remodelers who are plugged into changing consumer preferences (smaller homes, reduced energy bills) have been able to capitalize on energy upgrade work. They have moved into the energy audit and residential retrofit market by either expanding their service offerings or, in the case of large West Coast remodeler Neil Kelly, creating entirely new service groups. In the Northwest, demand has increased, leading to significant new energy improvement business for these firms. Remodelers see such work as a driver to help bring in more remodel leads.
4) Deployment and testing of new materials.
Although architects and builders are eager to try to new energy-saving materials and systems, these products require significant testing to ensure that the materials and benefits will last the life of the building and to avoid litigation. As a result, national labs and university research departments are partnering with builders to create test beds and sensor-filled buildings that log the energy performance of new materials and equipment. Portland State University’s mechanical engineering department recently partnered with a local builder to measure the effects of phase change material used as insulation in a duplex passive house, while Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories is constructing a test bed that will track all performance aspects of new materials and equipment.
5) Consumer friendly home energy tracking devices.
The introduction of the Apple-like Nest Learning Thermostat, and Belkin’s Conserve Insight energy use monitor that tracks energy use by appliance, are two of many sensor-based energy and water monitoring products for the home that are easy to use and help save money. Large electronics players like Fujitsu and Intel are also developing products, among others.
6) Energy education for commercial tenants.
The growing adoption of commercial building energy disclosure (New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, Austin) has building owners/operators and utilities seeking effective ways to educate tenants on saving energy. Technology can only go so far in conserving energy without tenant participation.
7) Transparency in home marketing.
The increasing use of smart devices by consumers to instantly access information at a home site means that buyers are much more informed and can see through any greenwashing claims. Those builders, remodelers, and real estate professionals who can clearly educate their clients about the benefits and features of energy efficient, green homes will be those who earn the buyers’ confidence.
8 ) More accurate appraisals.
The old-school appraisal criteria based on a drive-by look at a home – view, approximate square footage – no longer holds. The ability for sellers and buyers to ask their banks for a green-certified appraiser (Certified Residential Green Appraiser) means that the lending community will buy into the idea of the additional value and return on investment offered by new certified homes and remodels.
9) Broader adoption of residential energy ratings for homes.
Energy labeling systems are appearing in many states, offering a miles-per-gallon style estimate of a home’s energy consumption for homebuyers and homeowners. The Energy Performance Score and the Department of Energy’s own Home Energy Score have been rolled out in different climate zones across the US to encourage homeowners to compare energy use and undertake energy upgrade work.
10) Smart grid-compatible high-performance homes.
According to Smart Grid News, household appliances (heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, electronics, hair dryers) account for 60 to 90 percent of the residential electricity consumption in the U.S., depending on whose reports you read. Increasing numbers of those appliances are becoming “grid-aware” and are gaining the ability to monitor and report their own usage and to increase or decrease their electricity usage by remote command.
Source: Earth Advantage Institute
Posted by Michelle on January 11, 2012 |
We understand the importance of keeping New Years resolutions. At e-PlanSoft™ we believe that resolutions should not only be individually based but also for the office environment. Whether you work at home or in an office, it is important to be environmentally conscious with your materials and work. The following 10 tips are cost-effective solutions to help create a green environment and better workplace.
1. Natural Light
If your office has windows use natural light as much as possible. Don’t forget to turn off your lights when leaving the office. If lights are needed in your work space be sure to use CFL lighting. Compact flourescent light blubs use up to 75% less energy than standard light bulbs.
2. Turn off Office Equipment
Computers are the most energy draining devices in the workplace so encourage your co-workers to turn off monitors and computers every evening.
3. Print Smarter
Not everything in the workplace needs to be printed. If printing does occur remember to purchase recycled paper and make sure to print double sided. When purchasing a printer make sure that it contains the ability to go into eco-mode/energy saver while at idle.
4. Recycle
Place recycle bins at the end of each hall wall to encourage employees to recycle. Make sure that ink is disposed in the recycle bins or refilled to cut cost. You can purchased recycled ink from organizations to raise money for non-profits and schools.
5. Carpool or Bike to Work
Get to know your co-workers and see if you can rotate on driving to work. By carpooling once a week you are reducing carbon emissions by 20%. Carpooling also saves money on gas and helps you build relationships within the workplace. Biking to work is also a great way to have physical activity especially if your work requires you to sit for most of the day.
6. Go Paperless!
A solution to printing unnecessary paper is storing and sharing documents online or through a public folder. With online databases such as Salesforce, Cloud Storing, and Go to Meeting it is easy to keep a paperless environment. By going paperless you are increasing productivity, reducing cost, and creating a more secured database to store private/important files in case of physical theft or diasters.
7. Reduce Fax Related Material
There are services that offer the conversion of faxes into digital form. The faxes are sent to e-mail instead of wasting paper. This method requires no physical fax machine which means no paper or ink cost.
8. Reuse Shipping Boxes When Possible
Don’t forget to buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste are reduced. Shipping companies are currently selling material that is recycled for purchase. If possible reuse shipping boxes instead of purchasing new ones.
9. Green Breakrooms
Encourage employees to use real glass/mugs/dishes when using the break room. Save money on purchasing break room plastic utensils and provide reusable utensils. When making coffee for the office use recycled coffee filters. Avoid Styrofoam and one use water bottles. Instead promote reusable water bottles that contain a water filtration inside.
10. Green Cleaning Materials
When cleaning the office use nontoxic cleaning products. The products should be free of volatile organic compounds. When furniture is to be purchased it is suggested that the material is recyclable. Lastly, the addition of plants in the office enhances the appearance but also reduces stress and air pollutants.
Posted by Michelle on January 4, 2012 |
As the new year begins, many cities and companies look into the implementation of innovative ideas. A popular goal for the 2012 year is the idea of going completely paperless. Cloud storage has become a conventional pairing to the following green movement. More cities and companies are successfully reaching their goal by investing in cloud storing software that is entirely web-based. Users are able to adjust to the ease of creating, moving or storing files within the cloud in a paperless manner.
A great example of this idea has been in the electronic plan review industry. Electronic plan review (also known as electronic plan submittal) has become a priority investment for municipalities, architects, engineers, and contractors. The users are now able to actively seek ways to cut cost, increase efficiency and become environmental conscious by switching to the paperless method. Electronic plan review allows the city, architects, and construction professionals to submit changes online by marking up or editing drawings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the world. The usage of the tool functions create a constant communication where clients are able to collaborate with one another at real time editing. Users are also able to track their progress and organize their plans in an inexpensive manner. The ease use of electronic plan review makes the transition from paper base to digital plan review extremely valuable.
For years cities and companies have implemented their own handwritten plan review system; however, with technology we now have the ability to use electronic plan review to our advantage. By implementing the web-based software, clients are now able to keep a high level of accountability within government organizations and companies. Electronic plan review has the opportunity to impact and become an advantage to the economic structure of the building industry today.
Posted by Michelle on December 19, 2011 |
The winner of the 2012 TED Prize for the first time in it’s seven year history is not a person. Instead TED has decided to award the $100,000 prize to the latest idea Cities 2.0. The panel of experts who will be deciding “the wish” aspect of the prize will be announced at the February 2012 Conference in Long Beach, CA. TED defines Cities 2.0 as:
“The City 2.0 is the city of the future… a future in which more than ten billion people on planet Earth must somehow live sustainably. The City 2.0 is not a sterile utopian dream, but a real-world upgrade tapping into humanity’s collective wisdom. The City 2.0 promotes innovation, education, culture and economic opportunity. The City 2.0 reduces the carbon footprint of its occupants, facilitates smaller families and eases the environmental pressure on the world’s rural areas. The City 2.0 is a place of beauty, wonder, excitement, inclusion, diversity, life. The City 2.0 is the city that works.”
Cities 2.0 began it’s move with the increasing amount of internet mobile data, wifi enabled devices and the availability of increased internet applications based on government owned data. As government data becomes more available on the internet, Cities have been able to successfully adapt to the overwhelming request for sustainability. The urge for sustainability has moved cities to look at more ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Cities are now more willing to invest in computer software that offer cloud storing in an effort to be more paperless.
Electronic plan review is a concept that has helped cities achieve their goal of becoming paperless. By using the internet based software, Cities are able to use their electronic plan review process to quickly store data and obtain optimal responses needed for plan review. Electronic plan review is a new trend that Cities are now focusing more attention too and has helped greatly with the Cities 2.0 movement.
Posted by Andrea on August 30, 2011 |
In a down economy architects, engineers, and constructors turn to technology to save costs
A recent article in The Epoch Times highlights a new construction software that aims to improve bottom lines in the architecture-engineering-construction (AEC) industry. AECs have been hit especially hard by the downturn in our economy. As stated in the article, “In 2008, the AEC industry accounted for more than $1 trillion in aggregate project costs, or 7.5 percent, of the US GDP, according to the US Census Bureau and the Associated Contractors of America. Revenues from construction this year are expected to fall to $750 billion, a 25 percent decline in 3 years.” Times are tough for AECs.
The downturn in business and the resulting lower revenues have caused AEC firms to tighten their belts—and in many cases lay off staff and increase the workloads of the staff they did keep. New technologies that automate the old manual processes, eliminate redundancy, and improve efficiency are almost required for staff to manage their increased workloads and accomplish tasks on time. The article goes on to describe how more and more AECs are looking to technology to help them improve processes and save money. While AECs have traditionally been slow to change, they are now quickly adopting these new technologies.
e-Plan Review a leader in electronic plan review is one such software. Similar to the software discussed in the article, e-Plan offers software for the AEC industry with built in workflow and sophisticated, yet easy to use, tools that help improve process and speed efficiency—ultimately saving time and money.
e-Plan currently offers two products: e-PlanReview® and e-PlanCheck™; both are focused on design and construction plan review. AECs perform design review, peer review, constructability review, and quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) with e-PlanReview. Municipalities perform plan review (or plan check) to ensure code compliance and approve issuance of the permit for construction with e-PlanCheck.
Unlike some of the other “review” software products on the market, e-Plan is much more than a just mark-up tool or comment spread sheet. e-Plan’s comments are stored in a database that links graphically to the plans, allowing for better organization, management, searching and reporting capabilities. This is a unique and innovative technology that e-Plan recently patented. e-Plan is also web-based, which allows multiple reviewers online access to comment and collaborate simultaneously on the same plans, in real time. As well, e-Plan supports sustainable initiatives by reducing, or eliminating, the need for paper hard copies (and their associated costs). These features and many more, ultimately save reviewers time and money.
Posted by Andrea on August 24, 2011 |
While being a pilot is hard enough, carrying 38 pounds of paperwork around for every flight makes it harder! United Airlines has decided to make its pilots’ lives a little easier by buying 11,000 Apple iPads and distributing them to their pilots. Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck has taken all the flight manuals, charts, reference handbooks, checklists, and log books and put it into their mobile app allowing pilots electronic access to the information they need while in flight. Another industry joining the revolution and going paperless!
e-PlanSoft, the leader in electronic plan review software, is also at the forefront of the paperless movement by providing public, private, and government agencies with software that allows them to perform plan review and plan check services with ease, online from anywhere in the world! Check out our website for more information on paperless reviews! http://eplansoft.com
Check out the original article: http://gigaom.com/apple/with-ipads-paper-no-longer-flies-for-united/
Posted by Andrea on August 23, 2011 |
Has it come to this? The end of the PC-Era? I hope not, we don’t want a single computing company in control of the market. We want competition, and good competition among computer companies! The war of PC vs. Mac should reign on! Your thoughts?
End of the PCs?
e-PlanSoft, the leader in electronic plan review software, is compatible with both PC and Mac.
Posted by Andrea on |
The wave of Cloud servers is coming, and it is overtaking the Government too! GovCloud Should the government trust Cloud servers to store our Nation’s data?
e-PlanSoft products, e-PlanCheck and e-PlanReview, can be Cloud hosted. Our software is web-based. e-Plan is the leader in electronic plan review software.
Posted by Andrea on August 22, 2011 |
Data centers around the world consume 1.3% of electricity! Hopefully this one GE data center will start a trend among them!
GE Data Center
