On Jan. 19, 2006, Dave’s Auto Repair became the first Sarasota County Green Business Partner. Join us in this blog series over the next several months as we highlight our partners by looking back over the past 15 years of this fantastic partnership!

Through this series of posts, we will be highlighting our GBP members to show how important each is to our efforts and to recognize their importance in our community. To learn more about our partners and how to join the program visit our participating partner’s webpage.

Sarasota County Green Business Partners: A look back – 2014

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority is tasked with the power to acquire, construct, improve, finance, operate, and maintain the airport facilities for the primary purpose of meeting the air transportation needs of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Evaluation during the site visit found that the airport excelled in energy conservation by converting to LED lighting for most airfield signs and lights, parking lot lighting, terminal building light fixtures, motion light sensors in terminal restrooms, and high efficiency HVAC chiller system. Water conservation measures include the installation of low flow plumbing fixtures in restrooms, automatic shut-off faucets, use of Florida native plants/trees, use of drip irrigation systems, and conservation efforts in landscaping practices. Waste Reduction measures include the implementation of a recycling program for all hazardous waste, spent bulbs, used auto tires, fluids, and recyclable metals.

Since 1994, Stevens and Stevens Business Records Management, Inc. (SSBRM) has helped clients reduce costly capital investments and expenditures associated with storing and managing information while providing dependable and committed customer service. Through the combination of skilled experience, expert staff, and state of the art facilities and systems, SSBRM ensures the highest level of protection for your business data.

As a green business partner, Stevens and Stevens Business Records Management is committed to protecting the environment. The company is actively involved in multiple recycling programs. All internal documents and paper waste is shredded onsite and recycled. Locally, paints and cleaners are sent to the Sarasota County recycling center. They communicate their environmental commitment to employees and encourage employees to suggest new conservation ideas and programs. Additionally, SSBRM shredded and recycled 6.9 million pounds of paper company-wide in 2013.

We’re a green, family-owned, and operated business, always have been, always will be. We use eco-friendly products to protect you, the employees, and the environment. We’ve made cleaning of every variety from residences to industrial sites our life’s work. From top to bottom, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning will thoroughly clean your house, making it shine.

As a green business partner, Crystal Clean Green uses only certified organic, and green seal products, as well as reusable cleaning rags. All product containers are recycled, and they order supplies in larger group orders to reduce emissions, energy, and packaging. They have installed water filters to reduce plastic bottles, have a policy to power down computer equipment and utilize natural light to reduce energy consumption, and even use eco-drive vehicles to lower emissions. The company has an organic garden it uses to promote sustainability, as well as a compost program to reduce waste and increase soil quality. Additionally, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning is a partner with Keep Sarasota County Beautiful adopt a road program.

Frozen treats are made to order with the flash freezing of liquid nitrogen at Sub Zero. The unique method of applying liquid nitrogen to the cream creates creamy and smooth ice cream without ice crystals. Waste is kept to a minimum, where only the numbers of ice cream or yogurt variables are abundant. Super-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures light this specialty ice cream and frozen yogurt shop. Environmentally friendly and non-toxic products are used to clean the establishment. The Siesta Key location was certified in 2013 and the Sarasota location on Clark Road in 2014.’

Kimal Lumber and Hardware Company is one of the few independent lumber dealers still in business in Southwest Florida. Kimal is driven by our customer’s needs and always strive to discover new products, systems and technologies that will move us into the future.

As a Green Business Partner, Kimal Drive-Thru on Fruitville Road was built with the environmental focus in mind. From an energy savings perspective the 38,600 sq. ft facility was designed to use natural sunlight. By installing Daystar Skylight systems, they can save on energy costs and emissions. The Kimal Drive-Thru incorporated sustainability and conservation within their design. The floors are made from polished concrete that will virtually last forever, the counters of the pro-desk and customer check-out are made from old bowling lanes and scrap wood, and the showroom meeting room is designed using recycled scrap materials. They save coffee grounds to be used as composting material, collect aluminum cans for a donut fund, recycle cardboard material, and even design wall art, chairs, and desk from recycled wood.

SouthTech is an IT solutions firm that has delivered infrastructure technology and business management solutions throughout Florida since 1994. SouthTech offers network design and integration services, along with their trademark PowerView Manage, Secure, Cloud, Hosting and Voice offerings.

As a Green Business Partner, SouthTech is committed to reducing their waste stream. Initiatives include office recycling of paper, plastics, toner, and printer cartridges, MNJ Vand electronics. SouthTech recycles computer and battery backup equipment and councils’ clients on the proper way to dispose of E-waste. The employees have reusable mugs, cups and plates in the break rooms and visiting clients are given reusable tumblers, rather than Styrofoam coffee cups, to reduce their impacts. The office uses lighting with T-8 with electronic ballasts, LEDs, and compact fluorescents. Additionally, they reduced energy by installing a small energy saver water heater and have window film and sunshades on their windows.

Since 1968, Marina Jack has been the premier marina destination on the West Coast of Florida. Host to Sarasota’s largest charter boat fleeting including fishing, cruising, sailing, and boat rentals, we have something for everyone!

We have a duty to promote and protect the natural resources and benefit the city and community in which we serve. As a green business partner, Marina Jack Dockmaster and Sarasota Bay Mooring Field is focused on protecting our bays. Pump out services are offered to marina and mooring field boats eliminating unnecessary waste into our waters. Being in direct contact with the Sarasota Bay, Marina Jack established a policy of no pesticides and fertilizers, as well as use reclaimed water for our irrigation system.

Venice Municipal Airport (VNC) has two 5,000-foot-long all-weather runways, 178 hangars for small aircraft storage and several aviation businesses that offer fuel, maintenance, flight training, avionics, and related services.

As a green business partner, VNC strives to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. The airport participates in Sarasota County’s hazardous waste collection program, which allows the community to drop off chemicals and electronics. During runway reconstruction in 2013, old asphalt was processed and used as underlying base, substantially reducing the need for new materials, and reducing the amount of construction debris sent to the landfill.

By participating in a comprehensive energy audit, the airport was able to identify and address projects related to energy reduction. LED runway lights and signs were installed in 2013, yielding a 27% savings, and future LED projects are planned for hangers and other airfield lighting systems. In addition, an energy saving roof was recently installed on the administration building to lower cooling costs.

The 2nd oldest outdoor shade company in existence; Apollo Sunguard Systems, Inc. is the leader in providing customized shade products; our mission is to provide superior sun protection from UV radiation and heat, while promoting shade comfort, sun safety, healthy living, and environment preservation. Our environmentally friendly products support a green living philosophy by reducing the amount of energy resources required for cooling people, pets, and property.

As a Green Business Partner Apollo Sunguard Systems has implemented several initiatives that have positive impacts on the environment. Focusing on recycling, they look to utilize excess fabric as customer swatches. The staff recycles paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and cans. In the break area, they have reusable cups and mugs eliminating the need for excess paper products. Apollo Sunguard Systems is also involved with our local community. They are partnering with Sarasota County Sustainability Department on the Urban Heat Island Project and are working with the University of Florida to design shade structures reducing UV radiations that allow extended agricultural growing seasons in Florida.

Truist is committed to recycling programs and waste reduction, protecting our water resources, and energy conservation. Initiatives are in place to recycle paper, plastics, printer cartridges, and used computer/electronic equipment. Employee new hire kits are distributed electronically to reduce the amount of paper used. Additionally, office supplies and furniture are exchanged between local area branches. They planted Florida native plants and groundcovers that eliminate the need for irrigation and harmful fertilizers. The office has low-flow toilets and faucet aerators reducing the amount of water consumed. By completing a comprehensive energy audit, Truist looks to address future projects related to energy conservation and reduce our footprint. Switching lights to more efficient LED and T-8 fluorescents; applying window films and weather stripping to all windows; and automatically controlled thermostat have all contributed to conservation measures.

Plunkett Raysich Architects is a multi-faceted firm specializing in project work. Our professional planners, architects, designers, interior designers, and support staff work under a philosophy of design excellence and sensitivity to each client’s special needs. More than 25 percent of the firm’s registered architects are LEED accredited professionals, helping put our commitment to environmentally sustainable design into action.

As a green business partner, PRA is committed to recycling programs and waste reduction. The office designed a recycling program to encourage participation and purchases numerous office supplies made with recycled content. Employees use washable dinnerware and flatware in lieu of waste generating disposable plates and utensils. Additionally, PRA conducts most of their business operations electronically reducing the need for excess paper and supplies.

The Sarasota office location is recognized as a commercial interior (CI) LEED silver facility by the U.S. Green Building Council. The office purchases green power uses a tank-less water heater and performs regular maintenance on our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They installed lighting controls such as occupancy sensors and use fluorescent lighting with T-8 with electronic ballasts reducing consumption up to 40%.

As a green business partner, SUN-N-FUN RV Resort have made a commitment to have two USGBC LEED certified buildings. The housekeeping building is recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED silver facility and the recreation center is recognized as a LEED gold facility. SUN-N-FUN is committed to recycling programs and waste reduction. One of their major challenges was to create a recycling program for all guests and residents at the resort. Through engagement and encouragement efforts, we were able to design a program that was easy for all guests to participate in. We promote the recycling of used oils, paints, batteries, electronics, light bulbs, as well as donate unwanted items to local charities when possible.

By completing a comprehensive energy audit, SUN-N-FUN looks to reduce our footprint and address future projects related to energy reduction. Capital projects include a geothermal energy capture system for dehumidification and pool heating, variable speed air conditioning units, and an energy efficient community room. Additionally, daylights sensors, automatically dimming lights, solar tube lights have been installed throughout the resort. The resort is designed to use landscaping that relies predominantly on rainfall. By using Florida native, low-maintenance plants, we have reduced the need for irrigation. Discounting watering by 80%, only front gate and lawn bowling area irrigated. We have a rain capture and harvesting system is used in toilet facilities throughout the resort.

Sarasota Yacht and Ship (SYS) is family owned and operated since 1986, specializing in yacht sales and charter of new and pre-owned vessels ranging from 30 to 200+ feet. We are active members of the Florida Yacht Broker Association and the Yacht Broker Association of America.

As a green business partner, Sarasota Yacht and Ship recycle paper, plastics and even use compostable coffee cups reducing their impacts. From an operation sense, the brokerage has reduced the amount of paper, ink, and energy they use by going electronic. Most listings are now online and sent to clients via email and offer and closing documents are sent via email or fax. They have eliminated the usage of boat catalogs and retail books, reducing both environmental impacts and unwanted expenses.

One of Sarasota Yacht and Ship locations is at Marina Jacks who is a certified Florida Clean Marina and Green Business Partner. Because of this partnership, Sarasota Yacht and Ship has a policy to use the pump out services offered by the marina and mooring field boats- eliminating unnecessary waste into our waters. Around the marina, they maintain clean docks and stormwater drains keeping litter and debris from entering the waterways.

The mission of Everglades University is to provide quality education to adult learners of diverse backgrounds in a collaborative environment where everyone has the opportunity to achieve personal growth.

Everglades University has made several commitments to renewable energy projects and programs. They have installed a 25-kW system on roof, two – 3 kW solar trees and a solar lab for a total of 45kW on campus. They have two Electric Vehicle charging stations and a vertical axis wind turbine. Additionally, the university was recognized by the U.S. Green Building with the 2013 LEED-ership Award as a business of the year because of their energy-saving initiatives taking place at the Sarasota Campus. As a green business partner, Everglades University involve staff and students in campus recycling programs that include paper shredding, plastic bottles, and cans. Due to the proximity to a wildlife protected wetland, the campus has reduced watering and implemented landscaping measures to control runoff. These measures include using Florida native plants that are grouped together to maintain a landscape that exists predominantly on rainfall once they were established.

Our team specializes in electrical and structural engineering, system design, project management, installation, and system commissioning. Providing Megawatts of clean power integrated into the grid, Region Solar is an industry leader. Design, integrate, and develop renewable solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Manager clients.

As a green business partner, the office is committed to reducing their waste stream. This includes using reusable kitchenware, mugs and glasses in their break room, restrooms use reusable soap containers, the office materials such as binders, envelopes and folders are reused, and toner and printer cartridges are recycled. In the meeting room, the client consultation table is made from a used solar panel and the foam core presentation board is made from repurposed materials. The office uses energy efficient lighting, panel skylights, natural solar lighting in the garage bay, and has an electric vehicle.

Inside Out Nutrition and Fitness is a private, one-on-one fitness and nutrition-coaching studio. Owner/operator, Kat Cosentino, designs individualized training programs that allow clients to achieve their maximum potential in a safe and effective manner.

As a green business partner, Inside Out Nutrition and Fitness is making a difference. The workout studio is involved with recycling programs and waste reduction measures. Clients are encouraged to use reusable water bottles; paper products are made from recycled materials and tote bags are used. Inside Out purchases used and repurposed exercise equipment when possible. They reuse exercise bands as bungee cords and donate used items to local charities, such as Goodwill. Additionally, the studio facility uses green cleaning measures and schedules clients’ appointments together to cut down on trips.

Andrews and Associates Realty handles sales and rentals for residential, along with commercial property sales throughout Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, Englewood or Port Charlotte areas.As a green business partner, Andrews and Associates is doing their part to make a positive impact on our community. Often working from his home-based office, using environmentally friendly gardening and landscaping practices. Their usage of native vegetation and xeriscape designs allowed him to become certified as a Florida Friendly Yard by the University of Florida cooperative extension. The realtor office has a comprehensive recycling program that includes composting of yard waste and materials.