 | Nell Boyle recently achieved the designation of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional from the United States Green Building Council. At Breakell, Nell's responsibilities include: serving as an internal resource for green construction practices and environmentally responsible office procedures and purchases; administering current information on products; technology and legislation and the promotion of green building in the community through community education and awareness. |
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Taking the Lead in Sustainability
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At Breakell Inc., we take sustainability seriously.
The environmental impact of the construction process is a major concern for us.
Did you know?
- 81 million residential and commercial buildings are in the United States alone.
- 30% of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are generated by buildings.
- The average American spends 90% of their day indoors where the air quality can be 10 to 100 times more toxic than outdoors.
- Construction and demolition generate 136 million tons of landfill waste per year.
As a leader in the Roanoke building industry with over 50 years of service, Breakell Inc. is taking the lead by being the first in our community to implement a sustainable and integrated approach to the business.
At Breakell we believe that, since our industry contributes so heavily to the problem, fortunately we can make a huge impact on the solution.
In addition to lightening our environmental impact, our efforts result in a superior product for the client, improved working conditions for our employees, and a direct positive impact on our community.
Breakell’s Sustainable Business Plan:
Our approach to sustainability is three-pronged: at the workplace, at the construction site, and through technology.
Sustainable Workplace
- A company fleet of Priuses available for employee use
- Upgraded technology and procedures to eliminate paper
- Company-wide recycling and waste-reduction practices
- Use of products with recycled content
- Use of non-toxic cleaning products
- Replaced inefficient magnetic ballasts with energy saving electronic ballasts and CFL bulbs
- Significantly reduced water usage by using low-flow toilets and faucets
Sustainable Construction
- The U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards will be integrated and maximized at every opportunity
- Utilizing stormwater management and erosion control practices
- Recycling to minimize construction waste
- Biodiesel for all vehicles’ and equipment capable of operating on alternative fuel
- Evaluating and recommending any pertinent changes for systems and materials
Integrated Technology/Project Management
- State-of-the-art software and systems to effectively and efficiently monitor the construction process, eliminating many unnecessary steps and wasteful printing
Integrating new standards and practices is an evolutionary process; as technology and processes improve we will strive to maintain our leadership role of setting exemplary standards. |
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