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In the world of facilities and buildings you see such words as green, sustainability, and LEED. Sometimes these words are loosely used and the market really doesn’t understand what they mean, or more importantly how they impact each of us.
When it comes to the environment, Dupler Office, a Platinum level sponsor of the Central Ohio IFMA Chapter, believes it simply comes down to personal responsibility and/or “doing the walk.”
Principals Randy and Brandon Dupler feel that having a Platinum LEED certified building really shouldn’t be the ultimate benchmark unless there is a culture within the building to support it. At Dupler Office they are continuously working to create and uphold a culture that supports sustainability, or, better yet, smart efficient business practices.
Only four years old, Duper Office has had a strong presence in the commercial furniture market. More importantly, the company at 330 W. Spring St. is committed to doing its part in supporting green and sustainable initiatives locally and statewide.
And by giving Stephan Cooke, business development manager, the time to commit to these efforts they are trying to do their best to “do the walk.”
The Duplers first step was to be registered last year with the Columbus mayor’s office as a “Green Spot,” a benchmark established by the city demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.
“This is a message we emphasize internally in our dealership as well as in the market,” Randy Dupler said.
Dupler Office is also part of Keep Columbus Beautiful and has adopted an area along Livingston Ave., from Parsons to Ohio avenues, to help keep free of debris.
Cooke said, “This is being an environmentalist at the most grassroots level. We sometimes get hung up on things like LEED and all of the catchy terms when it really comes down to being responsible for the environment around you.
“We realize picking up trash four or five times a year won’t change the world, but hopefully someone will see what we are doing and then take it upon themselves to do the same. It only takes one to get the ball rolling.”
Dupler Offices’ biggest commitment to “doing the walk” is through education—providing accessible and free education to the marketplace. For more than two years, the company has hosted IFMA’s monthly Green Group sessions that enable facility managers and industry professionals to learn about green and sustainable practices.
Cooke said, “These sessions help to arm facility managers and others with good information as they face the challenges of designing and running green and/or efficient facilities. Dupler also has established Dupler Academy, an educational-lunch program held at the dealership every six weeks
“Industry experts are brought in to speak on various topics. Though there is a wide range of topics, there is a strong commitment to green issues such as The ‘S’ Word, What Does Sustainability Mean, NSF 140 the New Green Carpet Standard, Greenguard and Indoor Air Quality, and Energy and Efficient Lighting.”
Cooke also has established “Project Seedlings,” a non-profit organization that teaches environmental education to inner city youth. The organization is composed entirely of professional volunteers—architects, designers, vendors and commercial real estate developers—involved in the development of Central Ohio.
Cooke said, “Project Seedlings partners with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus to provide lessons and field trips to two centers. They recently built and planted two gardens at the centers. Ultimately, Project Seedlings hopes to create a consciousness that being environmentally responsible is nothing short of being socially responsible.
“The next generation should be the focus of all of our educational efforts, these kids will be impacted most, and have the opportunity to have the most influence on the environment going forward.”
Everyday, Dupler Office associates come in contact with people and groups concerned with green and sustainability issues:
Brandon Dupler said, “We are excited to have these groups through our space. They act as an inspiration to us in keeping our commitment going forward.”
And Randy Dupler adds, “This is such a radical time with regard to the environment, and there is so much to do. I think it all starts with our personal commitment, and Dupler Office as a business, an employer, is trying its best to do its part, and in the end, inspire.”