Go Green
PMI is certified by the Bay Area Green Business Program.
PMI Plaza received its green business certification from the Bay Area Green Business Program in August 2007, but has followed green practices for the past five years, saving the company hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process. The Green Business Program requires companies to meet stringent regulations in the areas of water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and pollution prevention. PMI is also a member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, an index of companies that meet strict social, ethical, and environmental criteria and apply responsible business practices.
When PMI’s Walnut Creek office building was constructed in 2002, we made it a priority to upgrade the energy efficiency of the building in order to decrease its environmental impact. Architects who designed the building were instructed to exceed by 10 percent the energy efficiency standards mandated by California law in all public areas and tenant floors. For example, the carpet is made of recycled material and we use a high-efficiency film around our exterior windows, reducing overall heating and cooling costs and energy consumption.
Solar Power
Our solar power system, the largest of its kind for commercial office buildings in Contra Costa County, generates enough electricity to power nearly 100 homes 24 hours per day for the life of the system, which is approximately 30 years. Over the next 25 years, the system will save an estimated $1.3 million in electricity consumption and 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of not driving 2.6 million miles or planting 300 acres of trees.
Recycling Programs
At PMI we also collect paper, batteries, aluminum, and light bulbs for re-use. In our Walnut Creek office alone, 1,800 - 2,000 pounds of paper are collected each week and used to make recycled paper towels.
PMI also practices recycling through creative re-use. For example, cell phones are collected at PMI’s headquarters for the national Donate A Phone® Call To Protect® campaign. This organization distributes wireless phones to victims of domestic violence. In the hands of a victim, these phones are a lifeline enabling them to call for assistance when faced with an emergency. Additionally, PMI collects and ships eyeglasses to Lions Clubs International, contributing to the more than 37 million eyeglasses donated to the needy in developing nations since 1996.
