Green Building

Sustainable design—the making of so-called "green" buildings and development projects—is an exciting field that is becoming mainstream. What exactly is sustainable design? Definitions vary, but the core concept is easy to grasp. Sustainable buildings and developments should not consume or use up limited resources, or create pollution or other by-products that are hazardous to human health and the environment. Numerous studies have shown that "green" schools promote better learning, "green" retail stores have better sales success, and "green" workplaces yield better employee productivity. As we make strides in sustainable design, however, we must take steps to avoid depleting limited resources and creating pollution that harms human health and the environment.

As William McDonough, world-renowned architect and designer, has suggested, we should strive to design buildings that emulate the self-sustaining properties found in nature. He has pointed out that, whereas many "eco-efficient" buildings seek to reduce energy consumption by 30-50% and reduce habitat loss and polluting emissions, trees are "eco-effective" because they are net producers of energy, they create habitat, and they create oxygen. Mr. McDonough has designed a number of famous buildings that embody these principles in beautiful and effective ways

The solar compaction system of BigBelly complements and advances sustainable design in several ways

Bring solar from rooftops to sidewalks

The BigBelly is an interesting, hands-on green device people see and interact with. With its solar panel clearly visible at eye-level, the BigBelly helps convey a green message to people about renewable energy and proper disposal of trash and recyclable materials.

Highly visible symbol of a broader green initiative

Many aspects of a green building are not obvious or even visible to the public such as energy-efficient air conditioning systems, low-emission paints and carpets, or recycled and sustainably harvested building materials. The BigBelly helps convey broader "green" aspects and sustainability goals: the units are designed for use in high-traffic areas, and the side panels offer excellent space for posters to tell people about other, less-visible aspects of a green building or project.

Helps earn green building credits

The BigBelly system, as part of an overall sustainable waste management program, can help earn innovation credits as part of a project seeking green certification, such as through the "LEED" program. Every point counts to help your project go from Silver to Gold, or from Gold to Platinum award levels.

BigBelly advances sustainability in several ways: By using solar power to eliminate 4 out of 5 collection trips, the BigBelly helps reduce fossil fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas and other air pollution emissions, and reduce litter-related public health hazards (such as rodent problems, E. coli pollution from animals and birds attracted to open trash, and so on). For more information, see our website page on environment.

More information on green buildings and sustainable design