Marin Ortho was built to be a LEED qualifying business and have obtained the Marin County Green Business certification. Our office is also practicing within a LEED Platinum Status building. As one of the early dental offices nationwide to incorporate a “green” philosophy into their practice, Dr. Gorton was asked to share a presentation with other dentists in a national webinar addressing green dentistry.
Patients:
An increasing number of patients suffer from hypersensitivity reactions. Ecologically conscious products minimize the risk of an allergic reaction being triggered by your office environment.
Staff/ Team Members:
Staff members (including the doctor!) are in the office for very long stretches of time, several days a week. A healthy environment helps with staff productivity and retention.
LEED Certified & Green Business:
LEED Certification is the “Gold Standard” for buildings sustainability standards. A green business has it’s practices implemented and maintained by the business owner and staff and certification comes from local groups.
Ways We’ve Gone Green
Eco supplies:
Post-consumer recycled content paper products (min. 30%)
Go paperless for everything (except toilet paper)
Increased durability (minimize waste)
Reduced toxicity (ie no bleach)
Avoid antibacterials and aerosols
Look for “Green Seal”, “EcoLogo”
www.goodguide.com (rating > 8.1)
Electronics awareness:
Look for Energy Star & EPEAT rated (for computers/monitors)
Upgrade/Expand functions for a longer useful life
Reuse (not just recycle) equipment by giving to schools/organizations
Our office was built with
Zero VOC paint and glue
Metal stud framing
Sensor lights and faucets
Master switch for electricity and water shut off
3 Reasons to Start
1) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design:
LEED is one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide. It began in 1994 –
OVER 20 YEARS AGO!
2) Increased patient awareness:
Environmental responsibility is now an expectation and will only become more and more important.
3) Savings are better sooner:
The earlier in the life of your practice you start saving, the more you get out of it. Increased efficiency is good for everyone!
Ways to Go Green:
Unofficially: You can review LEED guidelines and other resources and implement them on your own
Officially: Often there are local Green Business Certification programs which can be more cost effective and they help confirm proper implementation
Proven performance:
Saves money
Reduces energy consumption
Reduces water consumption
Improves indoor air quality
Facilitates better product & material choices
Lifetime of returns:
LEED-certified buildings cost less to operate, reducing energy and water bills by as much as 40%.
Money saved can be reallocated to attract and retain top employees, expand operations and invest in emerging technologies.
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
Nationwide: http://www.gbci.org/
California: http://www.greenbusinessca.org/
Green Business
