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We responsibly operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities and systems across North America – earning dozens of local, regional and federal awards. But we bring sustainable thinking to a lot of our services too. Our people can draft smart land-use plans for council approval. Create community development strategies designed to respect the environment. Operate public buildings in a way that's both functional and sustainable. Ensure that great green spaces stay healthy for families and neighbors to enjoy for years to come.
Here are a few examples of our sustainable thinking put into practice.
- In June 2006, just six months after incorporation, the City of Johns Creek, Ga., opened the doors to its first City Hall – a two-floor interior space that’s functional and environmentally friendly. CH2M HILL OMI people strived to make conscious choices throughout the build-out process and to select, when possible, local vendors or vendors who proved to be leaders in innovative manufacturing. For example, they chose Sherwin-Williams paint that is a low-volatile organic compound product. The carpet comes from Georgia-based Shaw Industries Inc. and is made with post-consumer material. And The HON Company, an industry leader in innovative manufacturing using mostly salvaged metal or post-consumer materials, provided the office furniture. City Hall houses all municipal operations and services, the mayor’s office and City Council chambers.
- In several communities, CH2M HILL OMI provides land-application services to beneficially reuse biosolids from wastewater treatment plants. For instance, around Hood River, Ore., the company created one efficient biosolids management program to serve five local cities. In line with state environmental requirements, the biosolids are collected, treated and applied on more than 100 approved sites to fertilize nonfood agricultural land, such as hayfields, instead of going to landfill. The Hood River approach won first place in the U.S. EPA’s 2002 Biosolids Exemplary Management Award program.
- The Cedar Water Treatment Facility treats the majority of drinking water for people who live in Seattle. Seattle Public Utilities retained CH2M HILL to design, build and operate the facility, which opened in 2004. CH2M HILL OMI is operating the facility for 15 years with the option to extend the contract up to 10 more years. The operations building was designed with the environment in mind, earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is a building rating system for facilities that use sound design practices and sustainable materials.
- Our own corporate headquarters in Denver was designed to be environmentally friendly. Newly built in 2003, it earned LEED certification – the first commercial buildings in Colorado to do so. In addition, we share network printers among workgroups, minimizing energy use, and the printers are automatically set to default to two-sided printing to save paper. We have programs to collect and recycle cans, bottles, paper and even small electronics and digital media. Walking paths, bike racks and next-door proximity to public transportation helps minimize commuters’ reliance on cars.
- The City of Hinesville, Ga., is providing free mulch and compost to citizens by recycling their “yard trash,” contributing to the environment while minimizing waste sent to landfills. Residents simply gather their yard waste – anything green, such as tree trimmings and leaves – and place it for curbside collection. Collection trucks, operated by the CH2M HILL OMI employees who work in Hinesville’s public works department, then take that waste to the mulching facility where it gets sorted, ground up and turned into mulch and compost. The materials are used by countless citizens to enhance their lawns and flower gardens.
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