By Brian Simon
This article appeared in Business Insider Magazine’s second issue of 2009
While entire nations must grapple with the harsh implications of “global warming” and how to address it, it will ultimately take cooperation on an individual grass roots community level to spread the message espoused by leading scientists to make a meaningful impact across the country. With that in mind, a number of South Bay-based businesses, agencies and cities have already made their mark on the green front. Here is an overview of a few notable contributors to the cause.
Homestead Realty West Makes Environment a Realty Show
When thinking about traditional “green” businesses, real estate companies typically don’t come to mind. But last fall, Manhattan Beach-based Homestead Realty West became the first business in the South Bay and the first real estate office in the country to achieve green certification through a Hermosa Beach-based firm (Green Certifications) that uses at least 110 separate criteria—and virtually no paperwork in the process—to assess a business’s environmental performance and, if that business passes muster, then recognize the accomplishment. Efficiency, reduction and conservation are the key areas considered, with various subcategories attached. So businesses that like to think of themselves as “green” can actually take specific steps to get there and then flat out prove it with an independent certification.
“We had to get our office as environmentally friendly as possible,” said Sabine Birkenfeld, Realtor and Certified International Property Specialist who joined Homestead in the early ‘80s. To qualify, the company took a number of steps, including keeping recycling bins in the office; using environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies and paper products; conserving electricity by not keeping computers on at night and using energy-efficient bulbs; and contributing dollars to local environmentally supportive projects such as the Redondo Beach Sea Lab.
“We also encourage clients from out of town to rent hybrids,” added Birkenfeld, who said that one challenge for Realtors is that they have to use cars to get to the properties for previewing and showing. “We can’t walk our clients around. Because we do a lot of driving, we have a carbon offset program where each year, depending on the mileage driven, we buy wind power credits.”
Homestead Realty West began its quest for certification about a year ago. “You fill out everything you do step-by-step,” said Birkenfeld, who admitted that some goals are difficult to achieve, such as finding a local printer who uses environmentally-friendly inks to make up business cards, or locating a green pest control outfit.
Though getting certified certainly costs the company money, it may also bring it some new business as well to potentially help offset the price of the aforementioned offset. “We’re just in the beginning stages of getting the word out, so ideally we want attract the types of clients who are like-minded and are supportive of someone like us who also care about the environment,” said Birkenfeld. “At the same time, we hope it will raise awareness and inspire others in the community to follow suit. The next trend will be green housing where homes are getting more environmentally efficient. I think it will turn into something spectacular eventually. All our agents are really excited about it. It’s still all so new.”
Speaking of housing, Homestead recently moved into a new energy-efficient building with tank-less water heaters, low-flush toilets, and landscaping that requires minimal watering. “Everything new that gets built will have stricter standards,” added Birkenfeld.
Meanwhile, the real estate world itself has upped its own green ante. The National Realtor Association now offers a two-day Green Designation Program—a two-day course that teaches real estate professionals how to list and market green properties, while passing on vital information to their clients about the latest green standards and initiatives.
“It’s an ongoing process where you try to do better each month and each year in order to achieve a higher and higher percentage of green activity,” said Birkenfeld. “You just have to make a concerted effort to be conscientious.”
Cities Lead the Way to Greener Pastures
In order to encourage businesses and residents to jump on the green bandwagon, city governments must lead by example. Several South Bay communities have developed environmental action plans and incentives to do just that.
Even before a recent spate of green activities, the City of El Segundo boasted a strong track record in environmental responsibility. El Segundo is among the top handful of cities in California in diverting solid waste to recycled products or other uses. Also, at least half of the water used in El Segundo is reclaimed, cleaned and recycled for use. That statistic leads the state.
On a related note, El Segundo recently garnered recognition for its water conservation program from Southern California Edison as part of the latter’s annual Flex Your Power awards, and received grant monies from regional water agencies to launch banner programs spreading the message about reducing water use.
Meanwhile last year, El Segundo became the first South Bay community to become part of the globally acclaimed “Re-Use-It” network—an online forum where citizens can ensure their unwanted stuff doesn’t end up in a landfill, but instead gets into the hands of those who truly need those items.
El Segundo adopted its own environmental action plan in January 2008 containing more than two dozen priority items to consider as steps to achieve “a more green and sustainable community.” Major categories include energy conservation, solid waste reduction, community design standards, community environment, transportation, environmental health, water conservation and environmental council.
An Environmental Committee, appointed by the El Segundo City Council last fall, has taken on a large workload of green items, including a green building ordinance. “We’re also working on creating a green building resource center inside City Hall for residents and developers to obtain literature on green building,” said El Segundo Senior Administrative Analyst Lauren Mahakian, whose job includes handling all of the City’s environmental outreach. Speaking of green building, the City hopes its new Fire Station 2 now under construction will achieve LEED certification for environmental responsibility. Additionally, El Segundo continues to look at ways to reduce greenhouse gases while also saving itself some money over the long haul. Over the past year, it has installed LED traffic signals, replaced multiple office machines with all-in-one energy-conserving equipment, and picked up a couple of gas-efficient hybrid vehicles.
To engage the community, the City scheduled several eco-events this year, including a free composting workshop that took place in May, a high-efficiency toilet giveaway on June 13 and a free gardening and landscape workshop on June 27 where residents learned how to create ocean-friendly gardens using indigenous plants and water-efficient devices.
On July 2, the City hostsed its second annual Environmental Expo. More than 1,000 people attended the inaugural event last year that featured a variety of green and conservation-related vendors. “This year, we had electric bikes and vehicles, eco-friendly racing cars, electronic waste recycling drop-off, and (Assemblymember) Ted Lieu available to answer questions about state legislative efforts regarding water conservation.” Mahakian said women could also donate their unwanted business attire to the non-profit organization Working Wardrobes, which helps women in difficult financial shape or those who have endured other life crises to build confidence to enter the workforce. “This is a wonderful cause that helps both the environment and women in need,” said Mahakian.
In September, El Segundo hosts the second annual South Bay Environmental Excellence Development (SEED) awards event honoring groups and businesses that have exhibited top-rate performance in environmental sustainability and targeting areas such as alternative energy, energy efficiency, environmental education and outreach, green building, and more.
And finally, a series of free green workshops is set to kick off this fall. “This will provide perspective from both sides of the planning counter to educate residents, architects, builders and developers about various green topics,” said Mahakian.
While such programs and events won’t solve the world’s environmental problems, every little bit helps. “If each individual community does its part, we can make a difference,” said Mahakian.
While Manhattan Beach garnered widespread media attention last year when its City Council passed an ordinance banning plastic bags, that move was just one component of an overall commitment to environmental responsibility that began to truly take shape in 2007.
In November of that year, the City of the Manhattan Beach released its comprehensive Green Report that, among other things, outlined a commitment to develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to reduce local greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide emissions to at least seven percent below 1990 levels by the year 2012. The 19-member Environmental Task Force (appointed by the Manhattan Beach City Council last summer to make recommendations on current green policies and future improvements) and Environmental Programs Manager Sona Kalapura oversee the CAP’s development. The City also created an interdepartmental Green Team to identify current “green” practices, and set the climate protection goal. The tight timeframe means the group has its work cut out for it.
“When the City released the Green Report, it included an assessment comparing 1990 levels to 2005,” explained Kalapura, whose position was created last summer. “Based on those numbers, we’ll have to reduce our carbon footprint 20 percent from 2005 levels alone.” Though the City has already taken such measures as using LED energy-efficient lighting and turning off computers after the workday is over, it is continually in the process of reviewing any and all potential eco-friendly changes. Besides judging the environmental benefits of a given decision, short- and long-term cost-effectiveness must also balance out the equation.
Kalapura detailed a list of Manhattan Beach’s key green accomplishments and programs, which include permit fee waivers for solar panel installation, purchase of hybrid cars for public safety and a CNG Dial-a-Ride vehicle, installation of drought tolerant planters along downtown as well as recycling containers along the Strand and city parks, green workshops for seniors, and an extensive energy audit and water rate study.
New programs include battery recycling, unwanted medication drop-off, and Sharps (needles, syringes, lancets, etc.) material disposal. The City also holds a number of green events during the year, most recently a Reusable Bag Day, Solar Homes Tour, and Earth Day celebration.
Meanwhile, a dedicated “Going Green” page on the City’s website updates citizens about ongoing and upcoming environmental programs, events and initiatives.
Outreach is a vital aspect of Kalapura’s job. In addition to overseeing the CAP, Kalapura also serves as a point person for public education on green issues and liaison to the Environmental Task Force. “It was important for the Council to involve the community to make Manhattan Beach the greenest city it could be,” she said. “The backgrounds and expertise of the people on the Task Force are very impressive, so we’re very glad to tap into our local talent pool.”
The task force holds public meetings on a monthly basis and makes recommendations to the Council on areas dealing with carbon emissions reductions, solid waste and recycling, green building and water conservation.
“It’s a great opportunity for the City to look at what policies to implement to help the environment, and what we can do in the future” Kalapura said. “The programs span across all departments of the City, including public works, parks and recreation and community development. There’s much to be done, but everyone is very knowledgeable and committed to making it happen.”
South Bay Environmental Service Center:
The One-Stop Shop for Eco Info
While individual cities and businesses have taken it upon themselves to carry out their own green initiatives, others need a little direction. Thankfully, help is out there. Describing itself as the “South Bay’s local clearinghouse for energy efficiency, water conservation and environmental information,” the South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC) assists public agencies (including cities and school districts), businesses, commercial property owners and residents of all ages in the quest to go green. According to its mission statement, SBESC exists to “significantly increase the availability of information and resources to the people in the South Bay region to help them save water, energy, money and environment.”
Through partnerships with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, The Gas Company, Southern California Edison, West Basin Municipal Water District, the City of Torrance , and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County , SBESC sponsors ongoing free workshops, seminars and outreach speaking events geared to residents and business owners to help them establish “best green practices.” The agency also provides a wealth of valuable information (both online and at its Lawndale-based offices) on everything from utility rebate incentives and refrigerator recycling to green building and solar technology. Through SBESC, you can get water conservation tips as well as a list of various “no-cost things” you can do right now to save energy and money.
Solar is just one example of a more efficient power source promoted by SBESC. Information about biomass, wind, hydro, and geothermal applications is readily available on the agency’s website.
Meanwhile, SBESC’s Energy Efficient Plus (EE+) program helps businesses and agencies save energy by joint procurement of energy-efficient equipment such as refrigerated vending machines that automatically power down when dormant, and computer network power management software.
“South Bay businesses and residents are encouraged to learn about water conservation programs, both indoor and smart landscaping outdoors,” said SBESC Program Manager Marilyn Lyon.
On its online calendar at www.sbesc.com, SBESC lists virtually every eco event happening in the South Bay on a monthly basis.
Torrance Firm Helps Businesses
Go Green and Save Green
A relatively new Torrance-based firm offers “sustainable business consulting” to help small businesses go green and save money in the process. Incorporated early last year, Tech Go Green sends field experts to offices to conduct energy audits, utility bill analyses, end-user surveys, and management interviews.
The program aims to reduce a business’s carbon footprint, waste generation, and water and power usage while also encouraging recycling, energy-efficiency and use of post-consumer content.
Tech Go Green’s staff members are trained in energy management practices with college degrees in environmental sciences as well as additional education from Southern California Edison. “We try to be as comprehensive as possible,” said Tech Go Green Director of Development Heather Ramirez, who said the on-site evaluations typically take a week from start to finish. “When we’re done with the walk-through, we give them a proposal that describes how sustainable they are and how they can become more sustainable. We hand-hold them through the entire process and help them implement programs and policies by talking to local distributors and contractors.”
The evaluations are meant to leave no stone unturned. For instance, an evaluation of Switzer Learning Center revealed that employees didn’t reset the thermostat after leaving the office. “They would adjust the temperature to too hot or too cold but didn’t change it back before they left,” explained Ramirez. “So we recommended installing lock boxes.” Going green doesn’t always mean big investments. Many green solutions are simply creative everyday alternatives.
To take their work to the next level, Tech Go Green is now developing a Torrance Green Business Program to provide businesses with the necessary technical assistance to become a “Certified Green Business.” To achieve certification, businesses must comply with regulations and adopt environmentally sound practices in energy efficiency, water conservation, solid and hazardous waste reduction, and pollution prevention. The program will eventually expand to the entire South Bay.
While most environmental consulting can be pricey, Tech Go Green has managed to get around that obstacle. “We filed for non-profit status so that the small businesses we work with wouldn’t be hampered by consulting fees,” she said. “This allows us to secure outside funding to cover those fees and allows businesses to spend more money actually implementing our recommendations.” Such recommendations are not only meant to be eco-friendly, but also help the bottom line. “It’s a win-win situation for the business and the environment,” Ramirez added.
While Tech Go Green’s business analysis identifies every possible and even obscure energy-wasting behavior, one high-profile area is the biggest offender: lighting. “You don’t need a consultant to tell you your lighting isn’t energy-efficient,” said Ramirez. “But lighting alone can save thousands of dollars. Also, bathroom fixtures and toilets can make a huge difference.” Ramirez added that changing employee mindsets is also critical. “We look for the best way to educate employees on green issues and how to change their behavior at work,” she said. “Turning on a screensaver doesn’t reduce energy consumption, for example. On the other hand, even if you install energy-efficient lighting, it defeats the purpose if you leave it on at night. Our goal is to educate them about going green so they in turn spread the message to their friends, family and people in the community to do the same.”n
Brian Simon is a freelance writer who lives in El Segundo.
