The Refinishing Touch Blog

Schools with green design are nothing new. Neither are schools with a green curriculum. Schools that use their green design as a key component of a green curriculum, though, are much harder to find.

The Valley View Middle School in Snohomish, Washington does just that. The building follows all of the tenets of green design, but uses its architectural and sustainable features to teach students. All of Valley View’s mechanical equipment, ranging from boilers to water systems, is color-coded and visible to students. This allows the students to, for example, watch rain water travel through pipes to be reused in bathrooms.

The Da Vinci Arts Middle School in Portland, Oregon uses the same teaching methodologies. In addition to a net-zero music room and a water garden for collecting storm water, Da Vinci Arts allows students to track energy use from the school’s photovoltaic solar panels, donated by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

With an environmental slant, school buildings themselves can turn into a teaching tool, an able supplement to the lessons learned inside, and teachers can see both students and their buildings at work.

Labels: Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Da Vinci Arts Middle School, Education, Green, Valley View Middle School

Oftentimes we like to discuss “Sustainability around the world” and look at how different companies and organizations in different countries apply sustainable ideas and ideals to their work. Our favorite posts are, of course, the ones about hotels—we’re always excited to see when a hotel on another continent adopts new energy-saving practices or uses recycled materials in innovative ways, which is why this article on Treehugger around design-savvy eco-hotels caught our eye.

The hotels themselves are visually striking: in one case, a geodesic dome blends into its Swiss Alps surroundings, and in another, picture windows frame rooms overlooking an English cliff. But these designs stand out even more because the level of thought extends beyond aesthetic appeal.

For example, the ALT Hotel in Quebec, Canada uses a green heating system recovers heat from laundry water and exhaust, helping to save 7 kg of CO2 per room every day. At the 968 Park Hotel in Lake Tahoe, California, denim from blue jeans are used for insulation and an old pool fence was recycled to make furniture for its lobby.

A number of hotels go the extra mile to stand out design-wise and, increasingly, sustainability-wise. When the two work in combination, the best-looking hotels look even better.

Labels: Eco-hotels, Environment, Green, Hospitality

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve expanded our Touch Textiles upholstery fabric collection to include a new line of weatherproof upholstery fabrics, durable enough for both indoor and outdoor use.

We first launched Touch Textiles in 1990, and since then we’ve seen the market for sustainable upholstery grow. In addition to function, our customers want great fabrics with rich textures and bold patterns and palettes –that don’t cost the earth in any way.

The new additions to the range are, as you’d expect, in line with our core values: they’re made with an environmentally responsible manufacturing process with low chemical emissions and a dyeing process that creates no harmful wastewater, and they’re built to last, with durability that lasts up to ten times longer than standard fabrics, with resistance to UV rays, sunlight and cleaning agents. And, of course, they look great.

For more on Touch Textiles, read some of the first press coverage from our friends at Askmando.com, and of course, check out the Touch Textiles website.

Labels: Fabrics, Green, Touch Textiles

The 1600-plus public schools in New York City include schools of all different shapes and sizes, with areas of study ranging from language-immersion programs to schools for the sciences and academies for the performing arts. Recently, these have been joined by green schools, or more specifically, schools that have involved environmental education into all subject areas.

The “green” in the name of the Green School in Brooklyn or the Growing Up Green Charter School in Queens isn’t a buzzword, but an essential part of the curriculum. How schools apply their environmental focuses varies: some high schools teach vocational skills, like how to install solar panels and insulation. Elementary schools take a different approach, teaching students introductory lessons about recycling and habitats.

Even with a well-designed, scalable curriculum, these schools face the challenge of appealing to a broad range of students. To do so, they tap into local resources, investigating contamination of Brooklyn’s Gowanus Canal or the ecological implications of razing homes. Through the development of practical skills and conceptual frameworks, students are meant to about more than the environment, but that their choices make an impact in the world around them.

Parents and teachers are part of a generation that is learning how to become environmentally conscious. These green schools are part of a larger movement: fostering the growth of a group of young people who already are.

Labels: Education, Environment, Green, New York, Schools

Last week the world’s foremost winter athletes descended on Vancouver, kicking off the 2010 Winter Olympics. These Olympics see the realization of more than 12 years of careful planning, and then, only 16 days after they began, they’ll be gone.

The city of Vancouver will be left with more than sporting memories though. In these past 12 years, Olympics planners haven’t just been structuring events schedules and sketching logos; they’ve also been determining what kind of legacy they want to leave in British Columbia. The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Games (VANOC) took a big step in crafting that legacy by creating the Sustainability Stars program, which recognizes initiatives by sponsors, partners and VANOC itself that promote social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability Star awardees thus far include Purolator, which created a battery-operated electric delivery vehicle called the Quicksider for Vancouver’s couriers. The Quicksider generates 99 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional courier vehicles. The City of Vancouver’s LiveCity Yaletown project, paved with recycled rubber tires, also earned a star. More sustainable than brick or asphalt, the pavers will be used in other parts of the city after the Games end. Teck and the Royal Canadian Mint’s Metal for Medals program is another star recipient. Teck provided metal from e-waste as part of the winners’ medals, created by the Mint, for both the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics.

Vancouver and the rest of the world will see its share of memorable performances and world records over the course of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the kind of moments that stay with spectators for a long time. These memories are to be cherished, but the Sustainability Stars program ensures that that Vancouver will see its Olympic legacy throughout the city, in tangible, environmentally-conscious ways.

Labels: 2010, Environment, Green, Olympics, Vancouver

In December, we wrote about the City of Palo Alto, California and their web conference with AltaTerra Research called Carbon Footprint Reduction for the Long Haul. One of the key voices behind the conference was that of Karl Van Orsdol, Sustainability Leader and Energy Risk Manager for the City of Palo Alto. Karl was kind enough to take some time to talk to TRT and share his thoughts on sustainability as the first to take part in our series of “Keeping it Green” interviews.

What inspired you to get involved in sustainability?
I have always been inspired and awed by the natural environment. Starting out as a tropical biologist, I realized that forest use by timber companies, water use by power companies, and industry were major threats to the natural environment. So I focused my career on the interface between business and the environment. Sustainability is a natural outcome of that evolution. Sustainability is business and people acting to preserve nature and natural resources for future generations.

What does your job involve?
I work to help the City of Palo Alto develop and manage renewable power. At this point, about 70% of the City’s electricity comes from renewable, non-fossil sources. I also manage the City’s Greenhouse gas emissions work, where we are working to cut emissions by 15% by 2012 from their 2005 levels. This involves setting up an enterprise-wide system for monitoring electricity, natural gas, water, gasoline, diesel and compressed natural gas use in our fleet of 130 facilities and 600 vehicles. We are also looking at reducing our CO2 by ensure all products that are recyclable are not discarded.

What’s the best example of sustainability you’ve come across?
This is a tough question. Certainly some European cities, especially in Scandanavia, have developed renewable energy, public transportation, and 100% recycling programs that are clear leaders and which we in government in the US are trying to model. The key is to maximize sustainability while maintaining and improving living conditions.

What’s the most difficult element of your job? Do you find it challenging to motivate others to be sustainable?
The most difficult part of the job involves motivating myself and others to be sustainable. People want to be sustainable and want to make the right choices – or at least if they knew the impact of some decisions and had lower cost options available, they would choose those options. Motivating myself and others to continually look at what they do, what choices they make, and to see if there are better options is challenging sometimes. You can’t aim to achieve perfection, but if you can do the 80:20 rule, we would be so much closer to a sustainable future than we are now.

If you could enforce everyone to follow one sustainable initiative, law, or regulation, what would it be?
I don’t think enforcement works. I much prefer providing options that take into account the true environmental costs of actions, and letting people choose. Ultimately, if we fully account for the hidden costs of environmental degradation in products and services, people would make the lower cost, environmentally sustainable, choice. What we need to do is ensure that those costs are fully incorporated into products and services.

Who is your green icon?
The rural people of sub-Saharan Africa. In my years of working with them they show a resourcefulness in recycling, a lack of conspicuous consumption and an ability to live within the natural environment that is amazing.

What do you do in your everyday life to be more sustainable?
In California we have a looming water issue – so we reuse our dish and shower water to water houseplants and the lawn. We keep what lawn grass we have long to reduce water demands. We minimize our driving whenever possible and when we do drive, we use a hybrid. We manage our energy use very closely. We try to buy less, and when we do buy, we buy locally. Despite our efforts, our personal GHG emissions are still non-sustainable in the long run.

How can people make an everyday difference with regards to sustainability? Do you have an simple tip that can easily help people live more sustainably?
The two biggest factors in greenhouse gas emissions are electricity use and transportation. Keep your home heated or cooled at a reasonable level; put on a sweater if it’s cold. Try to walk, bike, or take public transport to work at least once a week.

Labels: City of Palo Alto, Green, Sustainability

For many organizations and hotels, the uncertainty of 2009 means that 2010 needs to start with a definite direction. But where to head?

In 1900 L. Frank Baum published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, also known as the ‘Great American fairytale’. The story resonated with readers across the globe, with engaging characters, narcoleptic fields of poppies, winged monkeys and the notion that ‘there’s no place like home’. When a tornado lands her in Oz (on the Wicked Witch of the East) Dorothy finds herself wondering where to head after being told to see the wizard in Emerald City for help in getting back home. She’s in an unknown land and doesn’t know quite what to do.

Many hotels, recovering from the tornado of the 2009 economy, find themselves in a similar bewildered state. They’re in an unknown land – one full of low occupancy rates, harsh business conditions, increased competition – with no given directions. Where do they head now?

There may not be a yellow brick road to follow, but a greener path continues to present itself for industry leaders to follow as a means to achieve more sustainable business practices in whatever way possible.

Refurnishing and refinishing are two ways that businesses can help themselves as they continue on their way in 2010. From hotels in need of updating accommodations to provide modern and pleasing décor for guests at reduced costs, to colleges that need to update dorm rooms with slashed budgets, reviewing alternatives to ‘rip and replace’ are not only environmentally-friendly, they’re green – good for the planet, the business, and its reputation.

Businesses are more prepared now than ever for the challenges that might present themselves along the way. Similar to America’s beloved fairytale, the business challenge of 2010 will demand a brain, a heart and courage to push us along. In terms of direction, we know that the green-brick road is a solid start and look forward to the adventures we are bound to meet along the way.

Labels: 2010, economy, Green, Sustainability

Well, it’s our final post of 2009. It’s been a bumpy year for the economy, and by relation, many businesses and organizations. Though on a brighter note, the beat of the “green drum” has increased throughout the year as global eyes, ears and tongues turned to sustainability. In 2010 this beat will continue.

A recurring theme that we’ve written and talked about in 2009 has been the application of innovation and technology to support and drive sustainability – not just our own innovations, but others across an array of goods and services that impact businesses and consumers. So, we thought we’d finish 2009 with the Cleantech Group’s 2010 green technology predictions.

As reported by Reuters, the group’s predictions for 2010 include:

- Clean economies become the new space race. There will be changes in which countries and cities are driving global momentum, but greater protectionism surrounding the industry will be a drawback.

- Electric cars take the back seat to smart mobility. The trend will influence city designs, shipping ports and governments’ tax incentives and budgets.

- Resource constraints beyond carbon rise to the fore. As the global economy picks up, there could be price spikes that impact clean technology sectors, pushing companies to use resources more efficiently in order to maintain or boost their profitability.

- Commodity trade-off debates intensify, in particular in the areas of water and energy; land and energy; land and water and carbon and water. The group predicts that more environmentalists will object to wind and solar projects because of how they use up swaths of land and other reasons, slowing down projects’ progress.

- Energy efficiency eclipses solar. Information and communication technology, along with more policy support, will help create a boom in energy efficiency. The sector could outshine solar, so far a clean tech darling of investors.

- Marketing suddenly matters. The group predicts that companies will have to distinguish themselves and employ branding as clean technology goes mainstream. Marketing campaigns are likely to target more consumers instead of just businesses.

- Buffett leads the super rich into cleantech. The group points out how U.S. billionaire investor Warren Buffett has made plays in clean tech-related companies, including GE, Goldman Sachs and Chinese electric car battery maker BYD Co Ltd. The group argues that energy efficiency factors partly influenced Buffett’s acquisition of the nation’s largest rail company Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.

- Acquisitions and consolidations accelerate. The group predicts that many Chinese wind and solar companies will be gone by the end of 2010. That will happen, the group argues, even as China’s market for renewable energy grows and despite the government’s investments in high profile companies like solarpanel makers Suntech and Yingli.

- The rise of waste-to-energy, geothermal and aquaculture, as part of a shift to more sustainable agriculture and food production.

When it comes to sustainability and green practices, we can each play our part. As the drive for more sustainable practices continues to build momentum, we’ve seen innovators in core industries set themselves apart with their commitments and capabilities.

We’ll raise our glasses to the innovators that set the bar for sustainable practices and show the world the direction to the green-bricked road. We simply can’t wait to see all that 2010 promises to be and more. We have a number of interesting announcements we’ll be making ourselves to benefit our customers and the communities we serve - it’s going to be an exciting year.

Happy New Year from all of here at The Refinishing Touch!

Labels: Cleantech Group, Green, technology

TRT has been taking great interest in the G8 summit, which is the first attended by President Obama.

As ever, green is on the menu, led by climate change. There are negotiations, ideas and debates and as expected, final decisions are hard to come by. A deal for G8 nations – plus India and China - to reach a unanimous 2050 decision on carbon gas emissions was quickly dispatched after the developing nations ruled for a stronger commitment by 2020 from the developed nations, including the US, on emissions.

However, all is not lost. This summit has been hailed as 'historic' due to all the G8 nations and 17 developing nations accepting a two-degree goal to limit the rate at which the world is warming. Michael Froman, President Obama's top negotiator on international economic issues, said the declaration 'represents a significant step forward in terms of adding political momentum.' Other topics being discussed are the fragile state of the global economy, and farming initiatives in the developing world.

Watching the G8 announcements, as an individual, family or a business, it's easy to feel that not enough is being achieved on issues such as climate change. But keep in mind the scale of the changes – the population of the countries involved, the global impact of even the smallest decisions – there is a glimmer of hope, and incremental successes will lead to larger ones. We all live in hope, and that's not a bad thing.

Labels: economy, G8 summit, Green, President Barack Obama

Following our recent post about the top green cities in the US, and in the spirit of that theme we were interested to see Florida in the press for the number of green jobs the state is creating.

According to business owners and a director from PEW Center on the States, Florida green business owners are creating new jobs, although consistent funding and policy support is needed.

Florida has also been noted by PEW Charitable Trusts for having its clean energy economy grow by 7.9% between 1998 and 2007 and is now within the top ten for green jobs – which is brilliant news for the state.

Lori Grange, Interim Deputy Director of PEW Center on the states, feels that Florida is only behind other states because of public policy questions. In this she noted Florida's failure to succeed with Governor Charlie Crist's proposed renewable energy portfolio standard. For Florida to have embraced this, a proportion of the state's energy would have to be produced from renewable sources. And while this isn't happening in Florida, it's already happening in 29 other states.

Florida also hasn't become involved in regional carbon and climate change initiatives, but Grange pointed out that is it developing its own carbon cap and trade program. Florida was among one of the top 10 states for jobs in clean energy in 2007, and half of its $116,980,000 of venture capital funds over the last three years has gone toward supporting clean energy generation.

In the whole of the US, jobs in clean energy grew by 9.1%, while total jobs grew by only 3.7% - a fantastic comparison – at The Refinishing Touch we applaud all initiatives that boost green employment, create awareness and, of course, encourage sustainability.

Labels: Florida, Green, Green Jobs, PEW Center on the States

Here at TRT we like to keep an eye on who's doing what in the world of sustainability. We think this list of top green cities in the US from one of our favorite green communities - Mother Nature Network – is a fascinating insight into how communities are transforming themselves to embrace sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint.

Cities were judged on air and water quality, efficient recycling and management of waste, percentage of LEED certified buildings, acres of land devoted to greenspace, use of renewable energy sources, and easy access to products and services that make a green life style choice easy.

Austin, Texas comes in at number ten. Austin aims to be carbon neutral by 2020 and with Austin Energy being the nation's largest provider of renewable energy this goal looks set to be achieved. At number nine is Chicago, with its historical focus on sustainability since 1909, when a pioneering planner named Daniel Hudson Burnham created a long term plan and a permanent green belt around the city.

Seattle comes in at number eight with 20 LEED-certified public buildings and incentives to encourage residents to install solar panels. Berkeley, California ranks seventh as a recognized leader in the incubation of clean technology for power including wind, solar, bio-fuels and hydro.

At number six is Cambridge, Massachusetts, which implemented a climate protection plan in 2002. Today almost all city vehicles are fuelled by biodiesel or electricity, and all new constructions must meet LEED standards. Number five, Eugene, Oregon, lives up to its image of natural green beauty by offering 30 miles of off street bike paths and 29 bike routes.

Oakland, California is at number four with the nation's cleanest tap water, hydrogen powered public transit and plans to have zero waste and oil-independence by 2020. Massachusetts scores again with Boston at number three with a green deadline set for 2015 complete with hybrid taxi cabs, solar panel and electric motorbikes.

The second greenest city is San Francisco; it boasts an impressive recycling program, which has an artist present to inspire individuals. It was also the first US city to ban plastic grocery bags which aims to reduce 75% of landfill waste by 2010.

But at number one is Portland, Oregon, which was voted the top green city for many reasons – including its claim as the most bike-able city in the US with more than 200 miles of bike lanes, and a focus on sustainable living with residents encouraged to take DIY classes in gardening, cheese making, beekeeping and chicken keeping.

Although it's not an exhaustive list, this is a great snapshot of how communities across America are working to protect the environment. Promoting good practices in this way is a great way to inspire individuals and community leaders.

Labels: Green, Green Cities, green efforts, LEED, United States

The TRT team is getting ready to attend this year's GSA Expo – the Federal government's source for quality products and services. As we hold a contract with the GSA, we will be one of the 750 vendors attending this year's event.

This year the expo will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in the beautiful city of San Antonio, Texas. You will be able to find us at Booth 2538. As a free expo and training event for Federal, state, military and local government members and employees, it's a very collaborative event with networking and meetings for attendees that have a thirst for knowledge and innovation.

With our commitment to sustainable and green initiatives in the Federal government (have you read our whitepaper: "Furnishing Government Employees with a Sustainable Future" yet? If not, download it here), we're excited to attend: it's a great chance to demonstrate the simplicity, cost-effectiveness and the sustainability of our solution. It will also give us a chance to talk to a huge number of agency experts about how these relate to Executive Order 13423, the EPA Pollution Prevention Act and to USC Title 40.

And, due to our compliance with Executive Order 13423, we will be one of the vendors displaying "Green Products" during the Expo. It is a new labeling introduced for this year, and a definite signal we think of government agencies' awareness of the needs for environmentally sound and sustainable products and services.

We'll be posting up an update later in the week highlighting some of our thoughts from San Antonio. If you’re attending, be sure to drop by and say hello!

Labels: Green, GSA Expo 2009, Sustainability

In one of our favorite Harvard Business blogs - Leading Green - Bob Lurie posted a fascinating vision on the new social contract for green businesses, and the new relationship of sustainability between businesses and society.

Lurie explores a new social contract that will demand businesses to be ready for sustainability: to have processes, cultures, resources and organizational capabilities that will all align with the goal of sustainability. He outlines a new order, and a shift that has changed the role of government regulators. This shift means that when it comes to sustainability businesses will no longer just respond with "static compliance."

Now, driven by additional scrutiny and a 'social contract' with an environmentally-aware public and recognized efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), there is a new approach demanded of businesses. Yet businesses are not ready to embrace sustainability as they have historically put it into "the compliance bucket." This is all changing.

We agree wholeheartedly with Lurie's view: sustainability is a moving target – which means businesses need to embrace a process of continuous sustainability improvement, and see sustainability as a core part of their operating strategy. It's no longer about how businesses comply, it's how they embrace sustainability as a way of doing business and incorporate it into every level of their processes, culture and operations.

Labels: Business, Compliance, Green, Sustainability

This weekend the International Pow Wow 2009 will take place in Miami. With 5,000 delegates expected, including 1,000 travel organizations, this is a huge market place for the travel industry. Sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association for the past four decades, this year’s event is set to be the greenest gathering on record.

Recycling trash cans have been added to the conference facilities. Electronic administration has replaced paper where appropriate. And transport around the beaches is operating as part of a negative carbon footprint program. All this has been organized to reflect Miami's recent drive to promote green initiatives, which include the "Green Buildings" program, the "Green Fleet."

The cities hospitality industry has also steadily become greener over the last few years with large numbers of hotels becoming Green Lodging properties through the Florida Green Lodgings Program.

Estimated to generate $3.5 billion in future international travel business, the International Pow Wow is a key event for the travel industry. As a company that has led the forge to sustainability by offering a greener solution to the hospitality industry, we are really pleased to see that our concern for environmental issues is shared. It is refreshing to see these issues are firmly on this year's agenda.

Labels: Green, International Pow Wow 2009

Since last month's EPA ruling on carbon dioxide and the Clean Air Act which we blogged about we've been keeping a close eye on the debate.

We were heartened last week when Hillary Clinton made a stance in the global warming debate stating we are no longer "absent without leave" and that we are "back in the game."

Clinton was speaking at a session for the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate where the US was in the company of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. She emphasized the breadth of impact, declaring that climate change is "an environmental issue, a health issue, an economic issue, an energy issue and a security issue."

The green drum is set to beat faster and louder as we move towards the United Nation's conference on its climate change framework to be held on December 7-18 in Copenhagen for a new global agreement on greenhouse gas emission levels that will replace the Kyoto Protocol, due to expire in 2012.

This increase in debate and the fundamental acknowledgement is good on several levels. First, it's good for the standing of America in an international debate that has gone on without our input. As an economic powerhouse it is key that the US participates and remains active in these debates. Secondly, it increases the noise of the debate at a domestic level.

As individuals we can each make a difference in terms of how we consume products by stopping to think about where we buy, and considering the consumption of resources and their impact.

It's all about everyday things. Just take a minute to look at your desk: think about everything in front of you- from your desk itself, phone, computer or laptop, pens, paper, etc. Now, consider the resources needed to make these and then think of how they will be disposed of at the end of their life. It's shocking to think that a single plastic milk jug takes 1 million years to decompose- an alarming statistic considering the fact that Americans alone are estimated to use 2.5 million plastic bottles each HOUR. Recently, Greenpeace has begun a movement toward increasing awareness of plastic pollution, and its research findings are incredibly eye-opening- take a look at the research note here.

There's a saying about charity beginning at home – when it comes to the subject of environmental sustainability and initiatives this is a steadfast rule.

Labels: Climate Change, Green, Greenpeace, Plastic Pollution

A decade ago environmentalists and green advocates worked hard to make people listen to them.

Today it seems the world looks through green-tinted glasses even in economically tough times. As President Obama stood up this week and declared "We will recover" in his historical first speech to Congress, one of the areas he called out was for Congress to pass a climate change bill to drive the production of more renewable energy and a market-based cap on carbon pollution.

From across the board plans for new energy sources and transportation reform through to targeted rewards for individuals to think and act green in everyday life, the new Government is helping citizens to examine their lifestyle choices and to consider the impact we each have on the environment.

Here at The Refinishing Touch, it is no secret that we've been walking the green road since we were founded in 1977. It's the nature of our business and our belief that innovation and dedication can create new environmentally-friendly ways of doing things that were once environmentally damaging.

To us, this isn't a trend, it's a belief. Next week, we're going to be looking at some of the old ways of doing things and how creativity and technology can ensure "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle": three cornerstones of being green and of our mission here at The Refinishing Touch.

Labels: "Reduce, Environment, Green, Recycle", Reuse

How can a recession translate into a greener economy? Recently, we discussed techniques for sales divisions to adopt for increasing business. Now, we'd like to focus on another initiative that all companies should take into consideration during a time of recession - taking time to revaluate current business practices. No matter what the current status of your business is during this time of turmoil and uncertainty, it's essential to look at your business, revaluate practices, and strategize new tactics to increase productivity and the bottom line as well as save money.

In a recently article entitled, "How the Recession Means More Green Buildings (and Why That's Good for the Economy)" shines a green light on the current economic depression we are in. While many companies revaluate business practices, it is also important to also consider the consumer and what is important to them as we move through these difficult economic times. In a survey done by the Opinion Research Corporation, 73% said they would pay more for products that are better for the environment and 89% said they would pay more for products that will reduce heat and cooling costs. Consumer behavior seems to be following the trend of "going green." With this in mind, businesses should consider ways to go green with the consumer in mind and areas that are most important to them when it comes to going green. This will not only cause an increase in sales, it will also cut overall costs in the long run. Consumers and businesses want to affiliate with companies that have a green plan and doing their part to help the environment.

With 2009 just around the corner and President elect Barack Obama preparing for office by assembling a green dream team, we at The Refinishing Touch believe green renovation is one of the most important ways business' can improve the environment and the bottom line. We have been in business for over 30 years, focusing on renovation and refinishing which not only benefits the environment but also helps your company in the long run. We are looking forward to seeing the country move towards a more sustainable future through Obama's proposal of a new public works program which will include not only a great number of jobs, but a focus on energy efficient buildings. The demand to go green and focus on green renovation and remodeling may provide the boost the economy needs while also providing many new jobs.

Labels: Business, economy, Energy Efficiency, Green

Labels: 2009, Calculate your Carbon footprint, College, Education, Energy Efficiency, energy efficient buildings, Green, green rating, New York Times, renewable power, The Princeton Review, university

As we approach the end of the year, 2009 seems like a terrifying time for many businesses. 'Turbulent' is a word that could describe the world's economy all to well. As many companies struggle with the state of the economy and what lies ahead they are also striving to achieve measureable results corresponding with profitability and growth. We believe it is about how you react to these unstable times that will truly measure your organization's success.

What will be the driving force behind many companies' positive change during this chaotic economy?
Leadership. Leadership can and must come at every level. Companies may find themselves looking for a solution to set them apart or revamp themselves as a whole to stand out as a company that is doing things the right way or differently to survive a tough time. Empowering leaders at all levels will help be a driving force in the success of a company.

We, at The Refinishing Touch, believe in innovation and leadership. Looking at new ways to use existing assets or ways to go green while saving green can help businesses sustain the turbulent times ahead. The Refinishing Touch helps many companies save time and money by refinishing and re-upholstery existing furniture assets. Sometimes it's the smallest changes that can make the biggest differences in an organization. We'll continue to look at the current economic climate and how it affects business today while also helping to keep you empowered to survive during these tumultuous times.

Labels: 2009, economy, Green, innovation, leader, leadership, renovation, turbulant