3+Potential+Positive+Actions

=Potential Positive Actions =

This page will showcase actions that could be implemented to further provide a positive impact on the environment. The Taskforce will consider all potential positive actions and reserves the right to publish or withhold positive potential actions during the consideration phase.

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ICT Individuals || This is a huge area the taskforce could look into which could include potential practices like automatic lighting, reducing heat leakage, automatic computer shutdown, etc. || Curriuclum? Contractors || A potential positive action we could take is to monitor air quality on site. This could be accomplished with instruments we purchase and deploy on site. Reasons for monitoring our own air quality include: 1-accurate, up-to-the-minute information on current conditions (currently: using AQI from Chinese govt. released at noon for the PREVIOUS 24 hour average from 12 stations throughout Beijing - not local, not current) 2-we can choose to follow international standards (E.U, US EPA) for air quality rather than Chinese AQI. For example: Chinese govt measures Particulate matter for particles PM10 and larger (PM is the largest contributor to air pollution in China). U.S. and E.U. measure smaller particles, PM 2.5 which can be inhaled more deeply. Also, the "healthy", "unhealthy" ranges are not the same between the different standards. 3-we can collect longitudinal data and identify practices and have an impact. For instance, changing the timing of students getting on buses and their exposure to PM pollution. || Individuals could consciously try to use less water - turning of water when soaping up. || Sodexho || White roofs are more reflective than darker roofs. This contributes to Earth's albedo. Albedo is how much light, or heat energy is being reflected out of the atmosphere. For more information, see http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-184699150.html MS GIG suggestion ||
 * ==Area for Improvement== || ==Group or Department Involved== || ==Description of Action== ||
 * Carbon Footprint || Facilities || We could reduce our carbon footprint with renewable energy initiatives. We could place small wind turbines on site perhaps, our VAST rooftop is a great place for solar panels. Is geothermal heating possible? What about production of biogas from our waste? ||
 * Energy Reduction || Facilities
 * Air Quality || Facilities
 * Use less water || Facilities, Individuals || Water saving devices could be installed on toilets, sinks and showers.
 * Thicker curtains || Admin || The curtains at our school are currently very thin. Closing these in the Winter would actually make the room colder, due to lack of sunlight. However, if they were thicker, closing them at night could prevent the room from getting too cold at night, allowing people to not use the thermostats as frequently as they currently are. MS GIG suggestion. ||
 * White roofs || Admin
 * Bricks in toilet tank || Facilities office || Placing bricks in toilet tanks reduces the amount of water used by the toilets. MS GIG suggestion ||
 * "If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down" || Admin || Enforcing an "If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down" policy will reduce the amount of water used in bathrooms. MS GIG suggestion ||
 * Changing urinals to air pressure flush || Facilities office || http://www.zeroflush.com/ CHECK IT OUT! MS GIG suggestion ||