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Washington State 'Green' Law Aims at Public Buildings

Washington became the first state in the country Friday to enact a law requiring public buildings to be constructed with standards encouraging energy conservation and recycling. Such standards eventually could reduce public agencies’ energy costs by 25 percent. Better design and ventilation also are predicted to reduce school and workplace sicknesses because of artificial ventilation and raise test scores among students. Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the historic bill into law at Washington Middle School in Olympia, which will be among the first buildings in the state to incorporate the “green” standards. There are 72 such environmentally friendly projects in various stages of construction across Washington, state officials said Friday. The new law applies to most buildings owned by the state, state agencies and public school districts, as well as major projects that receive state capital funds. “This middle school is a model for the rest of the state and the nation about how we can be good environmental stewards,” Gregoire told Washington Middle School students before signing the bill. “Your school is leading the way, and you should be proud of that. ” The $17 million Washington Middle School renovation project begins in June and should be completed by July […]

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BP Publishes Sustainability Report

BP has launched its Sustainability Report 2004 which covers the company’s business approach, environmental record and role in society. This year’s report is entitled ‘Making the right choices’. “Our purpose at BP is to provide energy products and services to customers around the world. We’ve been doing this for almost 100 years and want to continue doing so in future; responding to the world’s growing need for energy” said Lord Browne, group chief executive of BP. “To do this we have to work in ways that are sustainable, and to build mutually advantageous relationships with all those who are touched by our business”. The report is in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines 2002 – a comprehensive set of indicators covering all aspects of sustainable development. The report also includes a view on how BP is seeking to demonstrate the United Nations Global Compact Principles in its work. Developed by companies, UN agencies and expert organizations, the principles cover human rights, labour, the environment and corruption. BP have also produced a summary version of the report, BP Sustainability Review 2004 available in four languages. Website: [sorry this link is no longer available]     

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