Sustainability Practices

Energy Conservation and Management

Fluorescent Light Replacement

The business has replaced its fluorescent light bulbs or tubes (as they have burned out) with low-mercury fluorescent light bulbs or tubes.

A. Yes

Task/Zone Lighting

The business uses task lighting and/or zone lighting instead of entire-room overhead lighting.

A. Yes

Incandescent Light Replacement

The business has replaced its incandescent light bulbs (as they have burned out) with CFLs or LEDs.

A. Yes

T12 Fluorescent Light Replacement

The business has replaced its T12 fluorescent light tubes (as they have burned out) with T8 (or lower) tubes.

A. Yes

LED Exit Signs

The business has replaced existing exit signs with LED models or has retrofitted an existing exit sign with LEDs.

A. Yes

Solar Lights/Outdoor Timers

The business uses solar lights or timers for outdoor lighting.

A. Yes

Assessed Energy Certificates/Credits/Carbon Offsets

or has assessed opportunities to purchase renewable energy certificates, carbon offsets, or clean energy credits (if answered NO to above).

A. Yes

Energy Use Tracking

The Business is aware of how much energy it uses and tracks its monthly progress on energy savings.

A. Yes

Sets Water Heater to 120°F

The business sets its water heater(s) to 120°F, if its water heater uses a tank.

A. Yes

Assessed Renewable Energy Installation

or has assessed opportunities to install solar panels, wind turbines, or some other mechanism for harnessing renewable energy (if answered NO to above).

A. Yes

Computer Power Settings

The business has adjusted the power settings on its computers to save energy.

A. Yes

Phantom Load

The business unplugs little-used appliances, electronic equipment, and lighting fixtures to avoid “phantom load.”

A. Yes

ENERGY STAR Product

The business uses at least one ENERGY STAR approved product, such as an HVAC unit, refrigerator, dishwasher, or computer (look for a blue ENERGY STAR logo on the product.)

A. Yes

Natural Cooling

The business uses natural cooling (e.g., opening windows and doors) in place of air conditioning, when feasible.

A. Yes

Programmable Thermostat

The business uses a programmable thermostat and sets it lower in the winter and higher in the summer.

A. Yes

HVAC System Cleaning

The business replaces filters and or cleans its HVAC system.

A. Yes

Energy-efficient Windows

The business uses multi-pane and/or energy-efficient windows.

A. Yes

Assessed Alternative Heating System Installation

or has assessed opportunities to install an alternative heating system (if answered NO to above).

A. Yes

Water Conservation and Management

Water Use Reduction Policy

The business has a water use reduction policy and has informed its employees about proper water conservation techniques (e.g., not leaving the faucet running when water is not being used, ensuring that faucets are completely off and not dripping, etc.).

A. Yes

Tracks Water Usage

The business is aware of its water use and tracks its monthly progress on water usage.

A. Yes

Toilet Water Savers

The business has put water savers in its toilet tanks (e.g., Toilet Tummy).

A. Yes

Stormwater Awareness

The business is aware of what happens to the stormwater leaving its property.

A. Yes

WaterSense Fixture

The business has installed at least one WaterSense approved water fixture, such as a faucet, toilet, urinal, or related accessories.

A. Yes

Outdoor Watering Timeline

The business waters its outdoor plants/grass before 10 am or after 6 pm.

A. Yes

Native/Drought-Tolerant Plants

The business has planted native or drought-tolerant plants to reduce watering needs.

A. Yes

Naturally-filtering Water Catchment System Use

The business has a rain garden, bioswale, wetland, or other naturally-filtering catchment system to minimize the amount of stormwater reaching sewer system.

B. No, but we have assessed opportunities to install these features

Watering Timers

The business uses a timer on its sprinklers or hose when watering outdoor plants/grass.

A. Yes

Permeable/Pervious Paving Use

The business uses permeable/pervious paving in place of non-porous concrete or asphalt.

B. No, but we have assessed opportunities to install permeable/pervious paving

Business Operations and Practices

Guards Against Corruption

The business has policies or code of ethics that guard against corruption.

A. Yes

Employee Health Encouragement

The business encourages its employees to exercise or stay healthy and fit.

A. Yes

Up-to-date Housekeeping Items

The business is up-to-date with its bookkeeping and accounting, cash flow, workplace health and safety, licenses and permits, and insurance policies.

A. Yes

Laws and Regulations Compliance

The business is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations (e.g., taxes, health code, etc.).

A. Yes

Marketing Plan

The business has a marketing plan.

A. Yes

Customer Service Policy

The business has a written customer service policy/philosophy and follows it (such as a return or refund policy).

A. Yes

Stategic Business Plan

The business has a strategic, future-oriented business plan in place.

A. Yes

Sustainability Initiative Staff

The business has a designated staff member or team responsible for the oversight and implementation of sustainability initiatives (may include business owner).

A. Yes

Sustainable Practices Training

The business includes sustainable practices in the training of new and existing employees.

A. Yes

Local/Sustainability Marketing

The business markets itself as a local and sustainability-oriented business.

A. Yes

Pursuing Sustainability Grants

The business has pursued grants for energy efficiency or other sustainability projects, façade improvements, and/or anything else that seeks to improve the business’s performance.

A. Yes

Local Bank Account

The business has chosen an independent, small community bank or credit union to maintain at least one of its business-related checking or savings accounts.

A. Yes

Sponsors Community/School Events

The business sponsors community or school events.

A. Yes

Encourages Employee Community Service

The business encourages its employees to engage in community service, or has designated "volunteer days" or activities for employees (may include business owner).

A. Yes

Owner Participates as Local Leader

The business owner participates in/is a member of a community-oriented committee, board or local business association.

A. Yes

Minority, LGBT, or Woman-owned Business

The business is a minority, LGBTQ+, or woman-owned business.

A. Yes

Prohibits Discrimination

The business prohibits discrimination in both hiring and customer service, and values inclusion and diversity.

A. Yes

Interviews Wide Range of Candidates

The business ensures that a wide range of candidates are interviewed for job openings.

A. Yes

Pays Living Wages

The business pays living wages to all of its employees.

A. Yes

Occupancy

Former Blighted/Abandoned Property

The business occupies a formerly blighted/abandoned property, putting it back into productive use.

A. Yes

Seeking Silver LEED Certification

or is seeking to attain Silver certification or better under LEED (if answered NO above).

A. Yes

Transportation

Employees Ride Share

The business has employees who share car or van rides to commute to and from work.

A. Yes

Owner Lives Within 5 Miles

The business is owned by a proprietor who lives within 5 miles of his or her business.

A. Yes

Employees Use Public/Alternative Transport

The business has employees who use public transit or hybrid, electric, or alternative fuel vehicles to commute to and from work.

A. Yes

Employees Bike or Walk

The business has employees who bike or walk to and from work.

A. Yes

Hybrid/Electric/Alternative Vehicles for Business Travel

The business uses hybrid, electric, or alternative fuel vehicles for its business-related travel.

A. Yes

Waste Management

Print Preview

The business uses "print preview" on their word processor to reduce wasteful printing.

A. Yes

Waste Tracking

The business is aware of the amount of waste it produces and disposes of and tracks its progress on waste reduction.

A. Yes

Waste Reduction/Recycling Policy

The business has a waste reduction and recycling policy and has informed its employees about waste reduction and proper recycling practices.

A. Yes

"Hard-to-recycle" Items

The business recycles larger "hard-to-recycle" items that are able to be recycled (e.g., refrigerators, furniture, etc.).

A. Yes

Donates Usable Items

The business donates usable items, such as furniture, shelving, etc. to organizations such as Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Construction Junction, Goodwill, or others.

A. Yes

Eliminated Plastic Bag Use

The business has eliminated the use of plastic bags for customer transactions.

A. Yes

Waste Audit/Assessment

The business has undergone a waste audit or assessment in the past five years.

B. Yes, we have conducted our own waste audit/assessment

Own Waste Audit/Assessment Implementation

and has begun to address the results from the audit/assessment (if answered YES to own audit).

A. Yes

Products, Services, and Purchasing

Uses Locally-produced Materials

The business uses locally-produced materials when possible, if it manufactures or produces goods (excluding food).

A. Yes

30% Post-Consumer Recycled Material Paper Products

The business buys paper products (e.g., printing paper, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.) made with at least 30% post-consumer recycled content.

A. Yes

Supports Fair-trade Items

The business supports fair-trade items.

A. Yes

Sustainable/Environmentally-preferable Purchasing Policy

The business has a sustainable/environmentally-preferable purchasing policy (e.g., it seeks out and buys environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies, furniture, and other items).

A. Yes

Green Seal®-Certified Products

The business only purchases products and services that are Green Seal®-certified, when possible.

A. Yes

Innovation

Innovation Bonus 1

Tell us about a sustainable initiative not listed in the questionnaire. List sustainable practice:

A. Yes

Hello there is a link to make this easier to read, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aH-1YIKVxwVY5RAkhQ1y_ApA2CnAHnS89wiOX4o4hFk/edit?usp=sharing We are a mission based social justice salon. We spread the acceptance of curly hair around the world in the workplace among professionals in the cosmetology industry and for the consumer. (We have been doing this for 10+ years and thankfully our government is passing laws. The Crown Act has passed in many states and is being considered in over half of our states. Locally there has been a large movement to change the outdated hair policy policy in one of our popular private schools. Curly hair people experience lots of prejudice, we are the safe space for curly haired people. When we host public events some people have never been in a room where they aren't the only curly haired person. We limit what harsh chemical treatments we perform in the salon. No harsh brazillian blow-outs, keratin treatments, perms, relaxers. Helping air quality with lack of fumes. We have high quality, energy efficient, true HEPA air cleaner and are conscious of our air quality. We host national classes that help promote the use of organic products in our industry. To help the health of the people in our industry and the earth. We sponsor and support anti-litter campaigns in our community. We have public garbage cans that we monitor and maintain to help keep our town clean. Donate money to our local PHCDC ( Penn Hills Community Development Corporation) for the use of our public beautification on Allegheny River Blvd. I was aped and currently serve on the Penn Hills EcoB. Nomic Committee. I have chosen to stay and purchase the building I have been renting for over 22 years. I looked in other "cool and upcoming" areas but I believe in Penn Hills and want to help be part of the change that I kB. Now is happening In Penn Hills. I did B. NoT want to give up on my town the way many others have. I live above the salon. We outwardly support and embrace LGBTQIA+ community and other underrepresented people. Member of international program called dress code project,A global alliance of salons and barbershops committed to providing positive, gender-affirming services for LGBTQ2S+ clients. We are a minority run and owned business for over 23 years. We are gearing up for our "Good Curls Vote" campaign. We need to get the word out to vote. Duh! I regularly clean the sidewalk in front of the business next to me that is a large corporation that never cleans their sidewalk properly. This makes it safer for everyone. We do Pro-BoB. No work for people and to show appreciation for special people. Example $400 services and products to local woman, cancer survivor, nurse, pregnant Mom, veteran, another $400 set of services and hair care products to a woman who serves her community, that is s social worker who is a survivor of sexual assault, single Mom who at 33 years old has literally NEVER seen let alone left the house in her own natural curls. (these are only a couple examples) We promote people going into trades. One way we help is having kids that show interest and shadow. They get to see how real people can have real careers without going to college. Seek out to work with or hire minority owned businesses or ones that support others. I live and work in the same building- low commute time. We use washcloths as towels to dry our hands instead of paper towels. Many people that have come to my salon for classes have added this idea to their salon. We use washable mugs and glasses for coffee, wine and water. ( We do not and will not use a stupid Keurig) We have washable, reusable silverware and towels to use. We encourage employees to bring their lunch, helping to reduce waste. We have 2 dogs and one cat that helps the work life balance to our team and our clients. I offer my space to local groups to meet for the betterment of our community. We do not have plastic gift cards. We go digital when we can otherwise we use paper. We have a bag appreciation program. All first time clients receive a tote bag and when they bring that bag back they will receive 5% their entire order. We still stock plastic bags because some people can not risk leakage on their trips. We always ask if people want a bag and most people do not. We also use smaller paper bags when needed. We do not collect water because we Xeriscape and it is VERY RARE that we need to water. We are getting rain barrels. We often recycle shipping materials when we ship orders via mail. We do errands for the salon (and personal) we arrange trips to be most efficient for gas consumption.

Innovation Bonus 2

Tell us about a sustainable initiative not listed in the questionnaire. List sustainable practice:

A. Yes

We are a mission based social justice salon. We spread the acceptance of curly hair around the world in the workplace among professionals in the cosmetology industry and for the consumer. (We have been doing this for 10+ years and thankfully our government is passing laws. The Crown Act has passed in many states and is being considered in over half of our states. Locally there has been a large movement to change the outdated hair policy policy in one of our popular private schools. Curly hair people experience lots of prejudice, we are the safe space for curly haired people. When we host public events some people have never been in a room where they aren't the only curly haired person. We limit what harsh chemical treatments we perform in the salon. No harsh brazillian blow-outs, keratin treatments, perms, relaxers. Helping air quality with lack of fumes. We have high quality, energy efficient, true HEPA air cleaner and are conscious of our air quality. We host national classes that help promote the use of organic products in our industry. To help the health of the people in our industry and the earth. We sponsor and support anti-litter campaigns in our community. We have public garbage cans that we monitor and maintain to help keep our town clean. Donate money to our local PHCDC ( Penn Hills Community Development Corporation) for the use of our public beautification on Allegheny River Blvd. I was aped and currently serve on the Penn Hills EcoB. Nomic Committee. I have chosen to stay and purchase the building I have been renting for over 22 years. I looked in other "cool and upcoming" areas but I believe in Penn Hills and want to help be part of the change that I kB. Now is happening In Penn Hills. I did B. NoT want to give up on my town the way many others have. I live above the salon. We outwardly support and embrace LGBTQIA+ community and other underrepresented people. Member of international program called dress code project,A global alliance of salons and barbershops committed to providing positive, gender-affirming services for LGBTQ2S+ clients. We are a minority run and owned business for over 23 years. We are gearing up for our "Good Curls Vote" campaign. We need to get the word out to vote. Duh! I regularly clean the sidewalk in front of the business next to me that is a large corporation that never cleans their sidewalk properly. This makes it safer for everyone. We do Pro-BoB. No work for people and to show appreciation for special people. Example $400 services and products to local woman, cancer survivor, nurse, pregnant Mom, veteran, another $400 set of services and hair care products to a woman who serves her community, that is s social worker who is a survivor of sexual assault, single Mom who at 33 years old has literally NEVER seen let alone left the house in her own natural curls. (these are only a couple examples) We promote people going into trades. One way we help is having kids that show interest and shadow. They get to see how real people can have real careers without going to college. Seek out to work with or hire minority owned businesses or ones that support others. I live and work in the same building- low commute time. We use washcloths as towels to dry our hands instead of paper towels. Many people that have come to my salon for classes have added this idea to their salon. We use washable mugs and glasses for coffee, wine and water. ( We do not and will not use a stupid Keurig) We have washable, reusable silverware and towels to use. We encourage employees to bring their lunch, helping to reduce waste. We have 2 dogs and one cat that helps the work life balance to our team and our clients. I offer my space to local groups to meet for the betterment of our community. We do not have plastic gift cards. We go digital when we can otherwise we use paper. We have a bag appreciation program. All first time clients receive a tote bag and when they bring that bag back they will receive 5% their entire order. We still stock plastic bags because some people can not risk leakage on their trips. We always ask if people want a bag and most people do not. We also use smaller paper bags when needed. We do not collect water because we Xeriscape and it is VERY RARE that we need to water. We are getting rain barrels. We often recycle shipping materials when we ship orders via mail. We do errands for the salon (and personal) we arrange trips to be most efficient for gas consumption.