Applying a Cool Roof will reduce the cost to cool the building in the summer.

Put a “cool roof” on your building to keep the sun’s heat from entering and remaining in the building. Reflective asphalt shingles, when applicable, can also deflect the sun’s rays back into the atmosphere. Seek Energy Star® qualified roofing products when renovating the roof.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/coolroofs/html/home/home.shtml

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/sustainability/coolroofs.shtml

Be aware that carpet can trap dust particles, outdoor dirt and moisture

Don’t install carpeting in busy entryways or in moist rooms such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens or utility rooms.  Use as little carpet as possible, but if you must, use safer, more durable, and safer carpeting certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute.

http://www.carpet-rug.org/

Calculate your savings when using green cleaning products

For a list of green cleaning products endorsed by NY State and a calculator to help figure out how much money you can save with concentrated green cleaning products, visit the NYS website.

https://greencleaning.ny.gov/

Choose materials impervious to mold and bacteria

Eliminate unhealthy building conditions by choosing materials that are impervious to mold and bacteria.  

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

Choose water-based caulks and adhesives

If you’re replacing floor or wall tile, or fixing up bathrooms and kitchens, choose caulks and adhesives that are water-based and low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

http://www.greenexhibits.org/build/alt_5.shtml

Green building materials are durable and easy to maintain

For common areas including lobbies, entryways, stairwells, and elevators, select materials that are durable, easy to maintain, and easy to clean.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/  

Green Cleaning products reduce odors in storage areas

Mechanical rooms and basements are typically minimally-ventilated spaces. If you’re unable to improve ventilation in these areas where it is not already required by code, ask your janitorial supplier about green cleaning products.

https://greencleaning.ny.gov/

Hang insulated, pre-filled and reinforced exterior doors

Hang insulated, pre-filled and reinforced exterior doors to maintain adequate temperatures within the building.  Install Energy Star® rated doorjambs and frames at both the interior and exterior doors to help sustain ideal temperatures within the units.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=WI

If you're buying wood products, look for the FSC logo

Use Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, which encourages environmentally and socially responsible practices in forestry.

http://www.blueegg.com/Green-Glossary/Forest-Stewardship-Council-FSC.html

http://www.fscus.org/

Install ceiling and wall light fixtures that are designed for CFL bulbs

Install ceiling light fixtures designed for CFL bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs use substantially more electricity than CFL bulbs.

http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/

Install ceiling light fixtures that are designed for CFL bulbs

Install ceiling light fixtures that are designed for CFL bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs are energy vampires.

Install compact fluorescent light bulbs and motion detectors

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs and motion detectors in common areas such as vestibules, stairways or mailrooms, to save energy and reduce electric bills.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=LB

Install fans for adequate air circulation in the kitchen

Windows are a great source of light and natural ventilation; however a range hood or Energy-Star rated exhaust fan in the kitchen with sufficient speed to circulate air and reduce moisture build-up is an important part of maintaining an efficient and healthy indoor environment.

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-ventilation.html

http://www.aivc.org/frameset/frameset.html?../Publications/literature_lists/litlist27.html~mainFrame

Installing insulation in walls will prevent costly heat gain and loss

Bulk insulation products such as, batts, rolls, blow-in cellulose fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray foam and pour-in-place will keep your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Explore and compare different insulation products to find the best insulation for your project: http://www.naima.org/insulation-knowledge-base/general-overview-of-insulation.html

Look up certified green cleaning products on the Green Seal website

No need to reinvent the wheel: several reputable organizations have done the background work for you. To find a list of certified cleaning products that are made with safer chemicals, visit Green Seal.

http://www.greenseal.org/

Make sure your building is properly sealed and ventilated

For comfortable interior conditions all year round, it’s important to achieve the right balance of sealing (for energy conservation) and ventilation (for healthy indoor air quality) in your building.  Keep windows closed to conserve heat during the winter, and make sure ventilation shafts are in working order.

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11830

Prevent mold in bathrooms

Mold can be unhealthy for residents, unsightly and can cause permanent stains to floors and finishes.  Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency’s webpage: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home:  

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

Purchase paper products with post-consumer recycled content

If you’re purchasing tissue or paper towels for maintenance areas, look for products that have post-consumer recycled content, are FSC-certified, or are unbleached “chlorine free.”

http://earth911.com/recycling/identifying-recycled-content-products/  

Purchase safe, non-toxic cleaning and maintenance products

Read the product’s ingredients label and be aware of the chemicals that you bring into your building.  Products with toxic ingredients should be stored in well-ventilated areas.

http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/products/cleaning.htm

Replacing windows requires sealing and caulking window frames

When replacing windows, prevent unwanted heat gain or loss in the building by using Energy Star or National Fenestration Rating Council rated windows. 

www.nfrc.org