We're all responsible for reducing the impact we have on the environment, whether it be at the individual or corporate level. For this reason, Orchard Park set out to achieve BOMA BESt Level 1 certification. BOMA BESt is a national environmental recognition and certification program. The program assesses how well buildings are performing and suggests ways to improve environmental practices. BOMA BESt strives to achieve healthier workplaces and sustainable building development and management practices. By attaining BOMA BESt certification, Orchard Park aims to reduce our impact on the enviroment, and inspire others to do the same.
Orchard Park carries out the following initiatives to achieve BOMA's BESt Level 1 certification:
- Converts all our used cooking oil into biofuels.
- When the mall is closed so are the heating/cooling systems.
- Utilize a free cooling system, whereby outside air cools the inside of the mall.
- Exterior compactor ensures 140,000 lbs of cardboard is diverted from landfills annually.
- Exterior plants are grown locally, and irrigated using our own wells, not city water.
- We have over 500 plants and flowers in-mall to help improve air quality.
- Floors are cleaned with environmentally friendly solutions.
- Garbage cans contain biodegradable garbage bags that decompose in less than a year.
- Motion activated taps in the washrooms ensure that water only flows when needed.
- Our toilets use less than 6 litres of water per flush.
- Our urinals use less than 4.2 litres of water per flush.
- The hand soap we use in our washrooms is environmentally friendly.
- All paper products are 100% recycled and green certified.
- Over 40,000 bottles and cans are recycles annually, of which the proceeds are invested in local community initiatives.
- Reserved Parking is available as an incentive for those who use forms of transportation that are less harmful to the environment (Smart Cars, Hybrid Vehicles, Motorcycles, Scooters and bicycles).
Orchard Park will continue to develop and implement new green initiatives where possible, striving to be environmentally friendly and spreading the message among others to do the same. For more information, please contact Orchard Park's Operations Manager, Ron Stevenson.
Visit the BOMA BESt website to learn more >>
