 New Sustainability Standards Coming
 This fall, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is rolling out the G4, a new set of sustainability reporting guidelines . This is the first major revision of the guidelines since 2006, and it aims to deliver more meaningful reports by focusing on documenting what really matters to the organization. "The new framework moves away from broad, general disclosure," says Anna Dengler, Great Forest's director of sustainability. "For example, it removes the A, B and C grade levels, which direct the public to how much information the company is disclosing. To many, this had the appearance of rewarding higher letter scoring companies even though having an A does not necessarily mean that that company is more sustainable than one with a C level. It just means their report covers more ground." >>Read more
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How China's Green Fence Is Affecting Your Waste and Recycling Costs
 Some of you might already be seeing increases in your waste and recycling costs due to China's Green Fence policy, implemented in February to prevent the import of trash--including contaminated scrap metal, paper and plastic--into the country. Since the U.S. exports about 50% of all materials collected for recycling, sending two-thirds of that to China, the Green Fence has greatly affected the market for recyclables.
"We expect to see waste and recycling costs go up here in the U.S. because of the Green Fence. But that does not mean that buildings and businesses cannot do anything about it. Those who are prepared for the new market can work to manage those costs," says Kenneth Richards, director of Great Forest Management Services. >>Read more
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Keep Cool At Work This Summer
 Stay cool this summer and save on energy costs without making your air conditioner work overtime.
- Reduce heat sources - Switching from incandescent to fluorescent lighting does more than help your bottom line by saving energy. It also reduces excess heat produced by inefficient incandescents, keeping your office cooler. Look for other electronics and appliances that can be switched off, or into energy saver mode, to reduce heat sources in other ways. >>Read more tips
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