  Our Commitment
Our Commitment is multi-faceted and comprehensive; To develop a profitable business model that creates environmentally sustainable and economically viable communities, and to develop partnerships with government, businesses, civic groups, and homeowners associations to implement the programs that will make the green city vision a reality.
  Model Green City
To develop the balance of the development of St. Charles—which encompasses 11,000 housing units and 5 million square feet of commercial over 4,000 acres—into a model green city.
  The Living Laboratory
St. Charles will become a testing ground where new technologies are researched and developed, and we’ll share the results with whoever who wants to help preserve our environment for future generations. Learn More
 Our Case Studies
Developing efficient Communities Using GPS Natural Resource Management LED Lighting
ACPT Green Policy
American Community Properties Trust (ACPT) aspires to create a green culture within its organization as an example for businesses, community members, employees, and government officials. It is our goal to develop model policies encouraging conservation and environmental sensitivity that will become the standard for other businesses to follow. We envision a time when resources are replenished and waste becomes fuel.
While we understand creating a green culture takes time, we see corporate responsibility as an integral part of how we can use the energy and passion of our people to create meaningful change. We are committed to building a connection with the community to create a positive environmental impact. As a company, we have already begun to put many procedures in place and have identified others that will be implemented in the months ahead. We are focusing on how our choices impact people and the environment. We plan to organize ourselves to achieve innovative and sustainable results for our evolving business and our community.
- Move to a paperless environment
In the summer of 2010, the ACPT offices will be relocating to the O’Donnell Lake Office building. Prior to the move, ACPT has committed to eliminate 75% of all files on site and in storage. The paper we do use will be recycled. We see 75% as a starting point and will continue to strive to increase this percentage. In order for this to happen, we will need to accomplish the following:
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Goal
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Projected Time
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Systems upgrades (to include software and hardware)
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In process
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Computers on automatic sleep (during short breaks)
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Completed
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Conduct monthly audit to track current consumption of paper and Xerox usage to monitor going paperless results
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Our goal is to reduce paper usage by 75%. We have identified our baseline starting point (40 cases per month/$1,560) and will conduct a monthly audit to track progress.
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Upload standard forms, green policies, and instructions by utilizing and maintaining our intranet
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IT will have all forms, policies, and instructions uploaded by Dec. 31, 2009.
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Orientation documents, evaluation forms and personnel files will be stored and accessed on-line
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All documents to be scanned by Dec. 31, 2009.
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Install electronic filing system and Retention Standardized system throughout the company.
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The document retention policy is in draft form and should be ready for distribution by early December 2009.
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Cancel all current hard copy subscriptions and replace with online versions (if available).
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Subscription currently being cancelled or switched to online versions.
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Shred Project
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Until we move to O’Donnell Lake, we will devote two days per quarter to the shred project.
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Working with Tech Unity to wirelessly dispatch technicians through mobile device application.
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IT currently researching.
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Developing online accounts payable system to include electronic payments to vendors. Account reconciliations and journal entries to be completely paperless.
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The goal is to test the system and be up and running by Dec. 31, 2009.
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Remote deposits for all St. Charles properties to eliminate the need to drive to the bank to make deposits.
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Process has already begun and should be complete during the 4th quarter of 2009.
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Weekly management meetings are hosted on WebEx, where documents are electronically displayed, thus reducing the need to print meeting documents. As a side benefit, parties from multiple locations can participate in the meeting, eliminating the need for travel.
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Currently in place.
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LAND DEVELOPMENT
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When contracts, reports, sketches, or other documents are distributed for review (both internally and with external vendors) they shall be done electronically
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Complete, current contractors and vendors notified
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When plans and specifications are submitted to various government agencies for review, require our copies to be electronic
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On-going. We will work with various agencies to encourage them to change their submission policies.
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Require invoice submissions be made electronically
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On-going. We are notifying contactors and vendors of the change on policy.
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- Mandate recycling, green thinking and energy savings in our offices and at our properties.
We have received a plan from Waste Management to bring paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum recycling to our properties and our workplace (recycling at our properties is currently non-existent and at the office has been minimal).
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Goal
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Projected Time
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Provide additional recycling containers throughout the office
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Complete.
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Scheduling a bi-monthly cleaning to all computer systems
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In place.
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Office Supplies are recycled, reusable items; use recycled supplies as much as possible. We currently use soy based toner cartridges for printing.
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In place.
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Cleaning Company use non-toxic cleaning products.
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Request has been made and will be implemented.
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Employees bring dishware from home and stop purchasing paper plates and plastic utensils.
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Implement immediately.
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Turn off computers and power strips when leaving work.
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Implement immediately.
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Turn off lights when leaving office for more than 15 minutes.
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Implement immediately.
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Paper, glass, plastic, batteries, cell phones and lights are being recycled.
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In place.
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Office paper, binder and paper clip re-use
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In place.
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Printers will be set to default to two-sided printing. Only in special cases should employees opt for one sided printing.
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Current printers are being replaced with printer that allows two-side printing. The new printer is ENERGY STAR compliant and is capable of using SoyPrint cartridges. Four printers will be replaced by one. Employees will only print documents when absolutely necessary.
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OPERATIONS
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Installed photo cells so lights do not stay on all day.
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Has been completed at all.
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Rehab unit with energy efficient bulbs and fixtures.
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As units are turned, energy efficient bulbs and fixtures will be used.
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Institute recycling at all the sites.
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Recycling will be implemented at most sites by 12-31-09. Initially there are four test sites.
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Explore Smart Uniform Program – Uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles.
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Currently researching.
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Landscape with drought resistant trees, plants and grasses.
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In place
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Properly dispose of appliances, blinds, and light bulbs. When switching out units replace with energy efficient light bulbs.
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Appliances are currently being sent to the dump to be recycled. Blinds are no longer put in the trash dumpster, and Operations have secured the appropriate boxes for the handling of florescent bulbs.
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Conduct green energy audits at apartment complexes.
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On-going.
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As toilets go bad they are replaced with water saver toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush.
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Has been implemented.
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Installing water efficient sink aerators.
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In process.
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Use recycled carpet when changing out unit.
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Has been implemented.
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When switching out units or replacing broken A/C units, replace with high efficiency models.
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Has been implemented.
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Installing new energy efficient windows at Crossland.
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In process.
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When switching out unit, install shower heads with water saver seals that lowers water flow. ACPT is committed to 50% water reduction for all buildings.
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In process.
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New energy efficient washing machines are being installed at Huntington, Smallwood Gardens, Lakeside and Brookside
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In process.
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LAND DEVELOPMENT
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Add language to all contracts that require contractors to have a written plan in place to minimize construction material waste and recycle to the maximum extent possible (Note: this is a requirement with LEED certification).
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Complete, new contract language has been added.
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Green Code development: complete review of Charles County zoning codes, building codes, and ordinance to promote energy efficient buildings.
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On-going.
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Add language to all contracts that requires contractors to utilize recycled materials whenever possible.
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Complete, new contract language has been added.
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3. Outreach to Government Officials and Businesses.
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Goal
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Projected Time
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Meet with County Commissioners
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Complete
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Meet with State Senators Delegates
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Complete
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Meet with Governor’s Staff
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Complete
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Meet with Steny Hoyer
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Complete
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Meet with Governor O’Malley
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November 30, 2009
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OPERATIONS
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Work with SMECO to see how we can partner with them to provide energy savings to tenants and new homeowners. Incorporate energy management systems into apartments (including retrofits).
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In process
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LAND DEVELOPMENT
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Work with County and State officials to review ordinances and codes to make them more compatible with environmental design principals.
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On going. We have started the process through the design of the Homefield Neighborhood.
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Work with County officials to limit the number of paper copies that need to be submitted when working through the permit process.
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On going. We will work with various agencies to encourage them to change their submission policies.
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4. Educate Employees
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Goal
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Projected Time
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Create internal E-newsletter to educate employees on our green policies and procedures. This newsletter will also provide semi-monthly tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint at home and at work and how to protect and improve our environment.
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Send out quarterly. First issue was distributed September 18.
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Raise awareness of new green technologies and educate on social programs that can benefit the community.
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In planning phase.
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A healthy planet and healthy people go hand and hand. We will continue to promote healthy living.
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We currently offer employees reduced health club membership through the Capital Club House and there will be lunchtime and after work Pilates available when we move to the O’Donnell Lake building.
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Nurture workforce innovation to take advantage of unique ideas created by employees promoting green operations, healthy living and social change.
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Innovation Plan in place.
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LAND DEVELOPMENT
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Educate construction workforce on the use and benefits of utilizing Integrated Delivery (IPD) and a Building Information Modeling (BIM) system
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Ongoing. Training scheduled for late October.
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5. Community Outreach
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Goal
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Projected Time
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OPERATIONS
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We will hold a “Going Green” kick-off for all of St. Charles.
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4th Quarter 2009
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St. Charles Internet - Share internal green newsletter with residents
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Currently up and running.
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Continue to educate residents
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Information on “How to be Green” will be available at all upcoming “Live the Good Life” events.
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Work with organizations to plant trees or recycle newspapers.
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Looking to possibly partner with Boy Scouts of America
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Donate office supplies and furniture to local charities
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Office supplies and furniture have been donated to local schools, the Children’s Aid Society and the Veterans.
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Donate clothing and linens, work with local charity and other programs to foster community involvement
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Continue to work with the United Way and other charities to support the local community.
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Develop program with local communities
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Currently researching hosting a local community outdoor clean up day
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LAND DEVELOPMENT
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Create Green Job Opportunity Zone by creating 20,000 green jobs
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In planning phase
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Work with existing neighborhood associations and residents to increase energy efficiency and water usage in existing homes and neighborhood centers. Work will include identifying and applying for various grant funds.
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Begin process.
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6. Transportation
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Goal
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Projected Time
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Offer flexible work schedules to employees
(working from home, working a compressed work schedule). This is another example of helping employees and the company reduce their carbon footprint.
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Currently rolling out within individual departments.
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Car fuel efficiency standards for employees
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Promoting the purchase of fuel efficiency vehicles, promote carpooling when possible.
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7. O’Donnell Lake Office Building – LEED Gold
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Goal
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Projected Time
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Commit to purchasing 30% of the company’s total energy use from renewable energy.
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The purchase of renewable energy will begin with our move to O’Donnell Lake. Our initial purchase will be a two year commitment. This is equivalent to planting roughly 4,000 trees to offset carbon emissions.
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With our move to O’Donnell Lake we will be collecting rainwater to flush all commodes and utilizing renewable energy to include solar, biomass, methane and geothermal.
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In planning phase. Our water efficiency plan will save approximately 88,000 gallons per year ($750 per year), about a 60% reduction compared to a typical office. Our energy and atmosphere plan could save nearly $13,000 per year in energy costs compared to a code building. Our current electrical costs are $52,450 per year, this equates to a 24% reduction in costs.
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All equipment will be ENERGY STAR
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In planning/purchasing phase
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8. Miscellaneous
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Goal
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Projected Time
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Add language to all land sale contracts that any structure built on land sold by St. Charles must be at a minimum LEED certified equivalent.
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Begin process. To be completed by March 2010.
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To the maximum extent possible, revise all existing architectural covenants, declarations, and associated neighborhood documents to include environmental standards for design of new construction projects.
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Begin process. To be complete by March 2010.
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Waldorf West Library located in the O’Donnell Lake Business Park is being designed to be a green building with the intent of obtaining LEED certification.
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In process.
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  New Retrofit Program
The retrofit program is designed to help homeowners reduce their energy and water use. Visit our partner, SMECO, to learn more about energy monitoring and reduction programs like Cool Sentry, and financial credits for installing Energy Star appliances in your home. Over the months ahead, SMECO will be working to bring smart meters, high efficiency lighting and HVAC systems, and quick home energy check-ups to residents throughout Southern Maryland. Check back often for more information about how to cut energy use in your home and business!
Learn More
  Our Tenets
How we're going to make St. Charles the greenest city in America!
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