News Releases

Sustainability Dashboard Tools, LLC Begins "Need-to-Know" Service
 
EPA Energy Report Receiving Renewed Attention - Likely Impact on the Cleaning Industry  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bloomington, IN - February 11, 2011 - Although it was released last year, a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is receiving renewed attention due to discussions regarding future directions of the organization.
 
The report, "International Energy Outlook 2010 with Projections to 2035," covers a number of energy-related issues, "many of which will impact the professional cleaning industry," says Cynthia Schultz, chief operating officer of Sustainable Dashboard Tools, LLC.
 
For instance, the report states that in the next 35 years, assuming no policy changes, global energy consumption will grow by 50 percent.
 
Fossil fuels will provide nearly 80 percent of the world's energy consumption by 2035 with petroleum still the world's major energy source.  And the report says oil prices are expected to reach $133 per barrel.
 
"The report also says renewable energy will gain a growing share of total energy consumption," says Schultz. "It is expected to rise by 111 percent in the next 30-plus years."
 
Other global trends noted in the report:

• Natural gas consumption will increase by 44 percent.


• Coal use will grow by 56 percent.


• Nuclear power generation will increase by 74 percent.

Needs to Know
"We feel our industry needs to know about these trends because they will have an impact on the cleaning industry, how we operate our businesses, and the bottom line," Schultz says.
 
"That is why we are starting a regular 'Need-to-Know' news service for the industry regarding sustainablity issues."
 
Schultz says the Need-to-Know service will not take a stand on issues, but just present the facts.
 
"The information will always be from respected sources and deal with issues that are pertinent to our industry," she adds.
 
For more information about the EPA's report, visit
www.worldenergyoutlook.org/docs/weo2010/key_graphs.pdf.

Ashkin Addreses Real Estate Roundtable

Making It Easy To Go Green

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bloomington, IN – Feb 1, 2011 - Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, recently met with members of the Real Estate Roundtable’s Sustainability Policy Advisory Committee in Washington, D.C.
 
The Real Estate Roundtable is a non-profit public policy organization based in Washington that represents the interests of the commercial real estate industry throughout the U.S.  They focus on a variety of property-related issues including energy, homeland security, and the environment.
 
The organization is made up of some of the largest real estate firms in the country such as Brandywine Realty Trust, TIAA-CREF, GE Capital Real Estate, Vornado Real Estate Trust, and others.
 
According to Ashkin, the goal of his presentation was to show the Committee and the organization’s members how easy it is to incorporate Green Cleaning into their properties.
 
“Most of these [Roundtable] members spend enormous sums [of money] on measures that can help reduce the amount of energy used in their properties,” says Ashkin.  “However, as much as they are concerned about Green Cleaning, it is [frequently] pushed aside, often because they simply have too many other issues on their plate.”
 
To simplify the process, Ashkin provided the group with his company’s “Green Cleaning Product Contract Addendum.”
 
The Addendum can be attached to a building manager’s request for proposal (RFP).  It outlines exactly what types of cleaning chemicals, equipment, paper products, and other tools are to be selected in order for a Green Cleaning system to be implemented.
 
“The Addendum is easy to understand and follow,” says Ashkin.  “It takes the guesswork out of Green Cleaning and puts everyone on the same ‘Green Cleaning’ page.”
 
Ashkin adds that it is clear to him that many of these major real estate organizations will be transferring to Greener and more sustainable cleaning systems in coming years. “They know the time has come, they just need the tools to make it happen now.”
 
Steve Ashkin is available for interviews, presentations, and commentary on Green Cleaning-related issues, sustainable buildings, industry trends, and facility management. He may be reached by calling (812) 332-7950.