Reducing Waste
Our shredding and recycling efforts keep our clients’ personal information safe while reducing waste. In 2024, we recycled an estimated 205,500 pounds (103 tons) of paper. In addition to recycling paper, we provide recycling bins to collect glass, plastic and other recyclables throughout our properties.
We work with our suppliers to procure more environmentally friendly products, including recycled paper products, whenever possible.
In addition, by increasing our use of document imaging, we are significantly reducing the amount of paper and ink we purchase. During 2024, we purchased approximately 7 percent less paper than in 2023, and the amount of paper purchased in 2024 is 59 percent less than the amount purchased in 2019. This overall decline in paper consumption, coupled with a decline in on-site paper shredding, could suggest a continued change in paper usage habits over the past few years.
1Data from calculator at
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sws/footprint/
Reducing Energy and Resource Usage
We contribute to a sustainable environment through business practices that protect and conserve natural resources. Highlights of our efforts include:
LED Upgrades
We have installed energy-saving LED bulbs and fixtures throughout our facilities.
Renewable Energy
Under our electricity supplier agreement for our Maryland and Washington, D.C., locations, we purchase renewable energy credits equal to 10 percent of our total annual usage. Each credit represents the environmental benefits of 1,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy that can be paired with electricity.
Energy-Efficient Systems
At our new and renovated locations, we have installed HVAC systems that can be controlled based on a time schedule along with light fixtures with sensors that detect motion. We select Energy Star-rated products for all new and replacement appliances.
Water Consumption Programs
At our new and renovated locations, we install water dispensing machines (which reduce use of plastic water bottles), faucets with motion sensors and water-saving toilets.
Other Waste Reducing Features
We evaluate our new and renovated locations for waste-reducing opportunities, such as the installation of wall-mounted hand dryers instead of paper towel dispensers.
Energy Usage Monitoring
Through our energy use monitoring initiative, we review energy use data to identify reduction opportunities. We evaluate HVAC systems in new and renovated locations for energy-saving upgrades and track energy use savings at locations where upgrades have been installed to inform future upgrade decisions.
Energy Star Benchmarking
In 2024, we completed the Energy Star Benchmarking process for three Montgomery County office locations.