Sustainable Office Policies

Carbon Balanced Business

The office is an early signatory to the AIA's 2030 Commitment.  The goal of the 2030 commitment is to design buildings with CO2 reductions of 80% below existing equivalent regional buildings, and reduce CO2 emissions by an additional 10% every five years until buildings are carbon neutral in 2030.  Additionally, the commitment requires the firm itself to reduce its impact.  The actions being taken by the firm are listed below.

Carbon Offset

  • Since 2012, KAP has used100% green renewable electric power.

Transportation

  • Our full time employee corporate fleet average is 101 MGPe, based on the usage of a Tesla Model 3, a Tesla Model Y, and Prius hybrid.

  • Carpooling is highly encouraged when the office goes on corporate outings.

Energy Use

  • Energy Star rated computer and printing equipment is used, which are on energy saving setbacks.

  • The office lighting is a combination of fluorescent linear fixtures and LED fixtures.

  • The HVAC system is on a calibrated setback system.

  • All of the computer monitors are LCD screens.

Products

  • The vast majority of paper products such as copier paper, letterhead, business cards, etc. are printed on recycled content chlorine free paper with 20% FSC certified fibers & 80% post-consumer waste.

  • The office has begun to obtain office furniture that is recyclable. One chair in the office made by Contessa is nearly 100% recyclable.

  • Old computer and electronic equipment is periodically brought down to the state of the art Chicago Recycling Center.

  • Paper products such as napkins, toilet paper, and paper towels are all fabricated from unbleached recycled paper.

  • Carpeting, by FLOR, is modular, made of low-VOC and recycled materials and is easily recycled.

  • KAP recycles all of the office-generated paper along with various plastics and aluminum cans.

  • The use of digital media is favored over printed material where possible.

  • The use of disposal cups, plates, etc. is discouraged.

  • Preprinted materials use soy-based inks.

  • Eco-friendly cleaning supplies are used.