Author: MaintenX

How to Add Composting to Your Facility

Recycling things like cardboard, plastic, glass and even light bulbs comes second nature to a lot of facility managers. But what about food waste? Your facility is a great source of organic material. From meal scraps to lawn trimmings, there’s a lot you’re wasting if your facility isn’t composting.

Here are some tips to help you integrate composting into your facility waste management regimen:

Assess Your Facility

You need to decide if your facility is a good candidate for composting. Think about:

  • the amount and type of organic waste that’s generated
  • the space you have or don’t have for on-site composting
  • the amount of effort your facility can practicably commit to maintaining your on-site compost system
  • the amount of money it will cost
  • the amount of money you’re willing to dedicate to implementing a composting system

Get Started

Your composting program’s considerations should be defined by the specific number of employees and the amount of waste they create on a regular basis.

Vermicomposting

If you don’t have room or access to an outdoor area where you can construct a compost bin, consider vermicomposting indoors. Vermicomposting involves using worms to take care of the composting for you, in an indoor area. Worms are more than happy to eat your food scraps. And breathable compost bins can be placed beneath a break room sink or even in a utility closet. It may sound strange if you’ve never heard of the concept, but vermicomposting produces high-quality compost and is virtually effortless to maintain.

Does Your Facility Have Enough Recycling Bins?

Recycling has changed through the last decade from a good idea for a company’s image to, oftentimes and in many places, a legal obligation. Facilities now, in addition to paper, cardboard and aluminum, routinely collect and recycle electronic waste, fluorescent lamps, and batteries.

But are you doing it in the most effective way? Let’s explore some problems and solutions to recycling woes.

Location, Location, Location!

In an office, the best place to start recycling is right at the desk. Encourage people to sort paper into appropriate bins, which then can be emptied regularly. Workers can place inkjet cartridges in envelopes provided to every office and drop them in the mail. The processor of the cartridges then refunds a check to the organization.

Managers should locate recycling containers as close as possible to the source of the product to be recycled. If the location is right, it is much easier to sell recycling than if containers are located at a distant location. Do not expect people to walk long distances to recycle. If you do, then expect disappointment, as they are likely to drop the item to be recycled into the nearest trash container.

Measure and Share Your Results

Even if you’ve had a waste management strategy implemented for a while, it’s important to relaunch and remind people where the bins are and what can be recycled. Then ensure you maintain communication through monthly meetings or reports to keep a waste strategy top priority.

Want to know more about recycling? Call MaintenX today!

Cheapest Places to Get an Office in the US

One of the hardest things for a new business is finding money to cover its start-up cost. That’s why fledgling companies oftentimes must get small business loans or seek capital from investors to get themselves up and running so they can make a profit.

For this reason, it’s crucial for new businesses to keep their costs as low as possible. Where you choose to start or continue your business is one of the most important factors, because rent prices vary wildly. Below are some of the cheapest places for a business to start or grow without breaking the bank on office rent costs.

Greensboro, North Carolina

The highest corporate income tax rate in North Carolina is a measly 5%, one of the lowest in the country. That’s probably one of the reasons Greensboro is such an attractive places in the U.S. to start a company. Rent in this area is cheap, even for the South, which, as you’ll see dominates this list.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is Kentucky’s second largest city and one of the most highly educated in the U.S. Astoundingly, 40% of those living in Lexington have a bachelor’s degree. That’s probably why new businesses have a lot of options when looking for qualified employees to help their companies shine.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

One of the first cities in the country to invest in high-speed fiber optic internet service, Chattanooga has become very attractive to businesses. Chattanooga has some of the most affordable office rent rates in the U.S. A one year lease for 1,000 square feet of office space there would cost less than $15,000.

Most Expensive Places to Get an Office in the US

Knowing the rent prices in different cities can really inform your decision on where to start or move your business. Here are the most expensive places to rent office space in the US.

Honolulu, Hawaii

It might be a great place to vacation, but Honolulu is sadly one of the most expensive places for a business in the US. The state’s remoteness from the rest of the country creates high price tags for importing goods from the mainland.

Fairfield County, Connecticut

This one may sound strange to anyone not familiar with this small-town member of this list. But with major league companies like Xerox, Aetna, and countless hedge funds and other financial institutions calling Fairfield home, office rents have skyrocketed.

New York, New York

The Big Apple is a sprawling and bustling metropolis that attracts top talent in almost every sector imaginable from every corner of the world. But, as anyone who lives in NYC will tell you, all this opportunity comes with a steep price tag.

Most Expensive Office Space in the World

What is the most expensive city to rent office space in the entire world, you ask? Hong Kong tops the list, hands down. Hong Kong office rent prices have gone up by over 5% every year for over a decade. Limited availability coupled with the strong demand from Chinese companies is further potentiating these rising costs.

Want to know more about the best and worst places to start or move your business? Call MaintenX today!

Office Perks Employees Actually Want

Happy employees are driven, reliable and productive. That’s why employee satisfaction is critical to a company’s success. But how do you keep your workers satisfied?

Below are some of the most requested employee perks and incentives.

Flexibility and the Virtual Office

You’ve probably heard of the work-from-home opportunity, but how about the ability to work from anywhere?  Companies across the country are now giving employees the option to choose the location most conducive to their work and work style. That’s why telecommuting and the possibility of flexible work hours are two of the most sought-after employee perks.

Parking and Transportation

If workers have a long commute, have to cross bridges, or slog through public transportation, offering to pay for part of the costs would go a long way to making going to work more appealing.

What Perks do YOUR Employees Want?

Want to know what your employees really want? Just ask them.

Survey your workers. Employee surveys can reveal the perks that are most in-demand at your business. It also gives you the chance to learn what your employees really think about their workplace.

Ask them face-to-face. If you can’t get together an employee survey, ask your workers what perks they really want during a one-on-one meeting or during your annual performance reviews.

Consider satisfying requests from top achievers in your company. If they’re already working hard for you, you want to keep them satisfied.

Want to know more about keeping your workforce happy and healthy? Call MaintenX today!

Green Building Trends Seen in 2018

Even as facilities have increased in their energy efficiency many times over, there are always more approaches being devised in the green building industry. Below are some of the top trends in the green building industry we saw in 2018.

Healthier Buildings mean Healthier People

Healthier buildings appeared as a big priority in 2018. Factors like improved occupant health and well-being and increased worker productivity made this trend a winner. Around the world, green building is increasingly creating environmental benefits, including improved employee productivity and higher worker satisfaction.

Solar Energy

Solar power generation in the U.S. has increased fourfold in the last five years. Why, you ask? Because solar cells are getting more efficient, while the manufacturing costs are dwindling.

International corporations have committed themselves to switching over to clean energy in coming years. What’s more, over 30 US states now offer financial and tax incentives for going solar. Solar power will undoubtedly continue this upward trend seen in 2018.

Smarter Buildings with More Data

Many of today’s smart buildings are now joining the Internet of Things, with millions of sensors around the world measuring things like occupancy, air quality, and temperature, just to name a few. Add to that building-automation software, and you’ll see a smart building get even smarter.

Sensor data isn’t just a matter of convenience for occupants, though. It can make buildings more predictive by creating climate-control systems that use weather forecasts to preemptively cool or heat the building at off-peak times.

Want to know more about green building trends? Contact the experts at MaintenX today!

Top 3 Workplace Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Workplace injuries are a fact of life in all work settings, but there are simple solutions that can prevent the majority of them. Preventing workplace injuries is essential for your employees’ health, but it also helps companies by improving worker productivity and morale while saving companies from preventable healthcare costs and even hefty lawsuit payouts.

Some industries are more prone to workplace injuries than others, but accidents can happen in any company. That’s why it’s important to do your best to prevent them.  Below are the top 3 workplace injuries and how to avoid them.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slip, trips and falls are the three most common workplace injuries. In fact, they account for 1/3rd of all workplace injuries and can involve things like head and back injuries, broken bones, cuts and scrapes, sprains, and pulled muscles, just to name a few.

Common Causes of Slips:

  • wet or oily surfaces
  • spills
  • weather hazards
  • loose rugs
  • flooring lacking sufficient traction

Common Causes of Trips:

  • obstructed view
  • poor lighting
  • clutter
  • wrinkled carpeting
  • uncovered cables
  • uneven walking surfaces
  • drawers being left open

There are three keys to preventing workplace accidents due to slips, trips and falls:

  • proper housekeeping
  • quality walking surfaces
  • appropriate footwear

Employees should also be advised to take their time and pay attention to where they are going.  Workers should be encouraged to report dangerous conditions.

Want to know more about workplace injuries and how to prevent them? Contact MaintenX today!

What is the Difference between Energy and Utility Audits?

What are Energy Audits?

An energy audit typically involves a visit to your facility by a technician who assesses the efficiency of your facility’s energy consumption. This technician will walk around your facility, survey the property and point out areas where energy is being wasted.

An energy audit’s goal is to:

  • Create a reference point for efficient energy use
  • Gauge energy usage effectively
  • Benchmark consumption compared to other facilities operating in the same field and conditions
  • Find opportunities to reduce energy consumption and utility costs

What is a Utility Audit?

Electric and gas statements often contain billing errors. Utility bill audits can provide substantial monthly utility savings.

A utility audit is different from an energy audit in that a walkthrough of your facility is not required. Typical utility audits start with an preliminary review based on a facility’s recent utility bill. The technician will then look for billing errors, and then recommend a detailed audit, if one is needed. The audit process usually takes one to two days.

After the initial audit, the auditor will then:

  • Work with your utility provider to assemble relevant paperwork
  • Correct any billing errors
  • Request any required refund from your utility provider
  • Only get paid AFTER you’ve been credited with the refund

It’s essential that utility bill audits review all parts of a facility’s operations. This will maximize the benefits of the audit and save your facility the most money.

Want to know more about energy and utility audits? Call MaintenX today!

Security Updates Coming in 2019

As a new year begins, it’s the perfect time to look ahead. Here are some of the emerging security trends coming in 2019.

Privacy is Key

Privacy will become an increasingly important factor in 2019. Data breaches and server hacks aren’t going away any time soon, so expect an increasingly complex system of privacy laws, programs, and company and international policies this year.

If companies want to keep up with the competition, they’ll have to integrate broad privacy initiatives into their business models and processes. This is especially true in the realm of customer data security.

Out with the Old

Though many companies still use them, Windows 2000 and XP are now more of a security threat than they are an asset. What’s more, Microsoft has stopped providing security patches for both operating systems.

If you haven’t done so already, 2019 is a perfect time to make the leap to a newer OS. Windows 7 is generally well-tolerated in most corporate environments, and is backward-compatible with XP and 2000 programs. The important thing, though, is that Microsoft still provides regular security updates for them.

Security Awareness Training

As the security landscape gets more complicated, companies will need to ramp up their security awareness programs. Every day, new ways of accessing your sensitive data are being invented. That’s why, to protect your information, your employees, your customers, and your reputation, it is vital that everyone in your company knows the threats and how to avoid them.

Want to know more about security trends in 2019? Contact MaintenX today!

Ways to Encourage ‘Active Commuting’

The benefits of a healthier staff include better productivity, higher morale, and more profit for businesses. That’s why you should consider active commuting.

What is Active Commuting?

Put simply, active commuting programs encourage workers to bike or walk to work, rather than driving or taking public transportation. These programs can be beneficial to companies and workers alike.

Benefits of Active Commuting

  • Improved physical activity
  • Better physical fitness
  • Enhanced health outcomes
  • Reduction in miles driven
  • Lowered greenhouse emissions

Why Consider Active Commuting?

Only half of American adults report getting enough daily exercise. Active commuting brings physical activity into your workforce’s daily routine. Physical activity also saves companies in their annual medical costs.

Active Commuting Incentives

There are many ways to make employees want to bike or walk to work. You can offer incentives for those who join the program or give prizes to workers who active commute to work the greatest number of days in a given period.

Corporate Culture

Active commuting can become a part of your company’s culture. Active cycling programs are a great addition to other green policies (recycling, charity work, community involvement programs, composting, etc.).

Showers, Locker Rooms, And Drying Facilities

Providing a place to shower and dry off is a great incentive to convince people to bike to work every day. Many facilities already offer showers for their staff. If you don’t already have such facilities, think about installing a shower or two. If this is not feasible, consider enrolling in a corporate program with a local gym or rec center.