A Case for Environmental Stewardship

Environmental Stewardship refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. The EPA defines it as the responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose actions affect the environment. By acting responsibly with what we have today, we are investing in tomorrow. Here’s why we believe this investment is so important:

It’s 2015. We can make video calls on tablets, access the internet on our televisions, and even control the lights in our house from across town on our cellphones. But even with all of the advancements that have been made over the years and centuries of human existence, scientists have yet to find a way to duplicate our environment. There’s no other planet for us to live on, there’s no way to control the weather, and there’s no way to recreate species that go extinct. There’s no reproducing nature once we destroy it. We have only one earth to sustain life, and it depends on each and every one of us to care for it.

Since it is no secret that we have only one earth to live on, there is growing concern amongst the general public on the topic. Consumers are beginning to vote with their dollars on the matter, and they are choosing businesses that do their part in protecting the environment over ones that don’t.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the top two reasons for building green are client demand (35%) and market demand (33%). A recent Nielsen global survey on corporate social responsibility reports that more than half (55%) of those polled said they are willing to pay extra for products and services produced or offered from companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.

Although many companies choose to go green purely for the environmental benefits, improved publicity and public image are another reason to consider doing so.

Finally, businesses may choose to become more environmentally conscious due to the many financial benefits of building and operating “green”. While green projects are typically more expensive investments, they can recoup those extra costs over time and even make money for the company. For example, many municipalities offer tax credits for businesses that achieve certain green building goals. Expedited permitting processes and fee reduction could also be available for those who build green. Find more benefits that pertain specifically to building green here.

Once the project is complete, businesses can expect to see a reduction in operating costs. One study on green building reports that operating costs decreased by 13.6% for new construction and 8.5% for existing building projects. The same study revealed that building value increased by 10.9% for new construction and 6.8% for existing building projects, leaving owners with a hefty and immediate return on their investment.

Rain harvesting is one of the many ways that a business can choose to become more environmentally responsible. At RainHarvest Systems, we provide planning, design, implementation and maintenance services for commercial and industrial systems of all sizes. When you are ready to go green and begin rain harvesting, our in-house CAD department and experienced LEED AP design staff will be ready to serve you.

Have questions about industrial or commercial rain harvesting? Visit our website for more information, or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google+.