We have several new projects underway that we’re really excited about and wanted to let you in on a little of what we’re up to. Let’s get right to it!

Methodist Health System brought us on board to complete some preliminary Sustainability Master Plan work. Our main objectives are threefold: 1) identify and articulate their previous accomplishments, 2) establish benchmarks in key areas such as energy and water consumption, waste diversion, commute modal split, and our Sustainability Engagement Index, and 3) set their sustainability vision and goals.

Countryside Community Church is in the process of building a new church, and we were brought onto the design team to ensure all involved are really taking a thorough and meaningful approach to sustainability. Their aspirations are impressive, and we’re excited about having such a great, sustainability–focused house of worship in Omaha.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, a long-time client of ours, has us hard at work this year with several different projects, including the development of a new master plan for the Wildlife Safari Park (as a partnership with ASD Stanley J. How Architects), re-evaluating the goals in their Energy & Sustainability Master Plan, many of which have been met, and technical assistance with a new solar installation. We’re also continuing our implementation work at the Zoo.

The University of South Dakota (my alma mater) hired us to conduct our Sustainability Engagement Survey and to provide a suite of recommendations on how they might re-engineer their waste and recycling collection processes so as to increase their diversion rate.

In partnership with WELLCOM, we created and rolled out the Active Commuting Toolkit to help employers develop comprehensive active commuting programs. These programs support employees’ transportation choices such as walking, biking, riding the bus, and carpooling. Active commuting saves employees and employers money, improves health, and keeps our air cleaner. Our efforts earned recognition from Omaha by Design with the 2016 Access & Mobility Award.

Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities District brought us on board to write their first ever Sustainability Annual Report. It’s been very exciting to learn about their past efforts and future plans!

Duchesne Academy engaged our team to help carry out a school-wide sustainability initiative this year. By engaging students, faculty and staff, we are helping them to hone in on the best opportunities for sustainable improvements and to implement them in ways that are smart, efficient, and fun.

Morrissey Engineering hired us to conduct a waste audit, and Soil Dynamics engaged our expertise to help them navigate the changes being considered to Omaha’s waste collection system.

Creighton University , partnered with us earlier this year to design and implement a peak energy reduction campaign that primarily focused on operational and behavioral strategies. We also conducted our Sustainability Engagement Survey for all CU staff and students and developed a sustainability engagement plan for one of Creighton’s residence halls.

New Mexico State University, our newest client, recently hired us to conduct our Sustainability Engagement Survey, which, for all you institutions of higher learning out there, will help them fulfill AASHE STARS credit EN-06: Assessing Sustainability Culture.

Last but certainly not least, our implementation work continues with the Omaha Public Schools, Kearney Public Schools, and UNMC/Nebraska Medicine.