Sustaining Spaces offers a number green education offerings.  All topics are available in formats and durations to meet the needs of your audience.  Just call to schedule your presentation or seminar.  Current topics are outlined below.

• Green Courses – St. Louis area, Fall 2010

green your home for energy efficiency

Your home is a big part of your life. Discover how to find the hidden green in your home by learning how and where energy is used.  You will learn how to prioritize,  set goals, and develop an action plan to  address energy and/or green improvements in your home. And for those looking at remodeling or building a new home, we will wrap it all up by learning about the next steps to make them green and energy efficient.

green landscaping for energy efficiency

The landscape and site around your house or building may be affecting your energy and water bills.  Learn the basics of how energy flows in and out of your house or building and how to use landscaping to help reduce energy waste.  Learn how to identify energy consumption and develop solutions for your exterior systems, including lights, to save more energy and money. Also, learn about how water use may be impacting your bills and what you can do about it, including storm water management and consideration of rain gardens and/or rain barrels. Wrap it up with a bundle of resources to help you maintain your lawn and garden in a more eco-friendly manner.

green your business for profitability

You spend a great deal of time and energy on your business, either in the office, on the building or both. Discover how to find the hidden green in your business. Whether you own or rent your building, paying less on your utility bills and creating a healthier working environment offers real paybacks for your business.
Uncover the energy users and energy savers in your business. Set goals, priorities, and actions to address energy and/or green improvements in your business. Learn what a sustainability plan is and why you may want one for your business.

using green to differentiate your business

Your business has started integrating green and sustainability efforts into your everyday decisions and activities. You want to share the news with your customers and business partners. This course will help you get going. Learn what “green and sustainability” efforts are and a sampling of large-scale green and sustainability efforts. Understand why a business would want to share green and sustainability efforts with customers, clients, vendors, suppliers and partners. By tying green and sustainability efforts into the mission of your business you may be able to better attract and retain eco-conscious market segments. Build the foundation of your own “green marketing” plan and tips on sharing it with your audience. Wrap it up by learning what a Sustainability Plan is and the basics of building a Sustainability Plan for your business.

building a green team

Your business, office, or organization has realized they need to start being a bit greener, but where to start?  Green and sustainability efforts abound in businesses small and large, as well as in all types of industries and organizations.  Starting down the green path can reap rewards in many ways – for employees, business owners clients/customers, and members.  A Green Team can be a great way to start.  Green Teams can help a business, office or organization and its members find meaningful ways to start “going green.”  This session will help you learn how to get started and some ideas for starter green projects.