Green Living magazine asked our companies this month, “How do you incorporate sustainable design into your business space?”
Located across from the landmark Tohono Chul Park in NW Tucson, 7235 N. Paseo del Norte was purchased by Dr. Lisa Orwick and Anna Burchard in 2010 and was remodeled to create Natural Life Holistic Oasis (Oasis). Originally a spacious home, this property has undergone two major renovations since the main house was built. To preserve the integrity of the original home, Oasis has retained the original kitchen and the exposed beam ceiling from its original design, while the flooring was restored with large slabs of locally found flagstone. Oasis landscaping incorporated a water-efficient design to maintain a naturally beautiful environment. As a holistic and wellness destination, Natural Life Holistic Oasis is committed to using sustainable materials whenever possible and minimizing client’s exposure to chemicals, toxins and other pollutants, while providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Downtown Tucson has been the hot spot for many businesses since the 1940s. The heart of the city, this part of Tucson has seen a number of beautiful transformations over the years. So when John Wesley Miller approached the project at 63 E. Congress, the old McClellan “Five and Dime,” he simply wanted to “recycle the entire building.” Instead of tearing the building down, he started its renovation by gutting the entire interior, reusing some materials and recycling the rest. The beautiful hardwood oak floors were repaired and refinished throughout the building, and some of the old wood was even used as part of the restaurant décor at On a Roll Sushi. The large windows along the front of Congress Street were replaced with energy-efficient, double-pane insulated glass windows. Super insulation was added to walls and ceilings, and all heating, ventilating and cooling systems were replaced with energy-efficient systems that save 50 percent on energy costs. Miller intends to include solar electric and solar hot water in the near future
IKEA strives to incorporate environmentally friendly measures into its stores whenever the situation and local codes will allow, beginning with energy-efficient air conditioning and lighting. We have recycling centers throughout the store and strive to recycle approximately 75% of wastes (paper, wood, plastic, etc.). We installed skylights in the warehouse and water conserving restroom features, including waterless urinals saving 40,000 gallons of water per year per urinal, energy-efficient air blade hand dryers and dual-flush handles to reduce up to 30 percent of the store’s water usage.
The Tempe store has three recycling centers for the community to deposit their non-fluorescent light bulbs, plastic bottles, clear plastic bags, and aluminum cans. While shopping, consumers can recycle paper waste and their plastic bottles.
