AAHA Goes Green

The American Animal Hospital Association is making a concerted effort to protect the environment by going green. During the 2009 Yearly Conference in Phoenix, AAHA took steps to be as environmentally friendly as possible. The efforts included the usage of recycled paper for all conference materials and registrations, providing conference bags that were also designed to be used as reusable shopping bags, distributing refillable water bottles (as opposed to one-time use cups) and much more.

During the convention, AAHA offset the carbon emissions of our staff, leadership and speaker flight travel to AAHA Phoenix 2009 by supporting innovative offset projects in reforestation, renewable energy and energy efficiency through the Carbonfund, a leading carbon offset provider. Reforestation projects increase biodiversity, purify the air of pollutants, and certain projects benefit local communities by creating jobs.

A carbon offset is a financial instrument used to represent a reduction in pollution. One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent in other pollution. The Carbonfund supports three types of carbon offset projects, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation. Click here to learn more about Carbon Offsets and the Carbonfund.

In addition to environmentally responsible changes to AAHA conference, the Association's headquarters has been equipped with environmentally friendly features. The seventeen-year-old building in Lakewood, Colorado has seen upgrades in the following areas:

HVAC
In order to efficiently regulate the office temperature AAHA has moved all of the thermostats into the hallway and sets them to optimum temperatures. The old analog thermostats were replaced with digital thermostats to ensure exact temperature.

DOORS
The Association upgraded the building's entry way with double front doors that allows air space for in-coming staff and visitors while reducing loss of energy from the building. The multi-pane doors were sealed with energy efficient weather stripping.

CARPETING
The carpet found in the AAHA office, made from recycled nylon fiber, was installed without glue/toxic fumes in carpet squares that are easily replaceable and installed. The carpet has a 25-year warranty and can be completely recycled again for floor coverings by the manufacturer.

PAINT
AAHA uses only EPA approved paint and applies it to exact EPA specifications.

WINDOWS
In March 2007, AAHA applied a UV clear coat film to all windows. Unlike ordinary tinted films, which block light but allow heat to pass through, reflective films have a metallic coating that bounces back up to 30 percent of the sun's heat. According to the manufacturer, for every 100 square feet of window film installed, one ton of air conditioning capacity is saved. In addition to cutting heating and cooling expenses, the film enhances the working environment by diminishing sun glare while increasing security through limited transparency looking into the building.

LIGHT FIXTURES
This year AAHA is installing T-5 lights with light-harvesting ballast which dims with natural sun light. Additionally, the Association is installing light units with occupancy sensors that will turn "on" only when people are present.

RECYCLE
AAHA now uses a recycling service that allows a very broad range of recyclable items. Since the service placed an industrial sized recycle bin on the AAHA grounds and collects it once a week, AAHA staff is also allowed to bring their personal recycling.