"They had a head start on the eastern region, they're farther ahead but we're working with all contractors now to introduce sustainable practices in all of our contracts for equipment, materials or processes," said Hartt in a recent interview from his Connecticut office. For a while we were howling into the wind, now the wind has changed and every one is hearing it."

  The result he said is that tenants in the buildings Ashforth owns and manages are starting to request that all contractors use environmentally safe chemicals, recycled paper products and "green" practices.

  Premier Maintenance was one of the first contractors to hear the change in the wind. According to Premier President Michael Diamond, "We closely examine the client's needs and then establish a floor-to-ceiling process which includes how paper is used and dispensed; how trash is collected, separated and disposed of; and how water use is managed. Our service professionals determine the 'big picture' before establishing protocols designed to fit each client's space, budget and specifications."

  Through his involvement as the president of the southern Connecticut chapter of BOMA, Hartt has helped inform building owners and managers about the benefits and practicality of green cleaning.

  "Our involvement has made BOMA an early advocate for these issues. 4 years ago we were ahead of the curve-now it's everywhere," he said. And the message is spreading to other facets of building operations like corporate interior build-outs and the management of construction waste. The bottom line, he said, is this:

  "If you don't get it now you're never going to get it. If your company is not focused on ways to improve and ways to go farther with sustainable efforts, you will become less competitive. It's not a nicety anymore it's a necessity."