pair Networks is committed to
doing its part to protect the environment.
From our environmentally-focused activities to our earth-friendly
corporate culture, pair Networks strives to conduct a successful,
profitable business in a responsible manner that does not harm our
planet.
Take a moment to look at the ways pair Networks tries to be a good steward of the earth.
Carbon Neutrality
pair Networks has reduced its "carbon footprint" to zero.
As of August 1st, 2007, all of pair Networks' operations, including
datacenters, support operations, and administrative facilities, are
Carbon Neutral. Our status as a Carbon Neutral company is certified
through TerraPass, Inc. (www.terrapass.com).
What does Carbon Neutral mean? It means that we offset the
carbon dioxide we produce via our purchase of a company-wide TerraPass.
The company TerraPass, Inc. uses this money to invest in projects that
reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions around the world.
In addition, as a benefit of being employed at pair Networks, employees
are given a Road Terrapass each year, which offsets the carbon dioxide
emitted by their car.
Reduced Energy Consumption
pair Networks utilizes the latest technologies to reduce the amount of
electricity we use. Many of the light fixtures in our offices use
Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL). CFLs use 50-80% less energy than
incandescent light bulbs.
We also only use flat screen LCD monitors. LCDs typically use
approximately 30% of the power of similar CRTs while reducing eye-strain
and heat load. Another benefit of LCD monitors is that they do not emit
harmful radiation unlike CRT monitors. Finally, LCD monitors
contain less heavy metals such as lead and mercury than CRT monitors,
which is better for the environment when the monitors reach the end of
their lifecycle.
Recycling
pair Networks does its part to eliminate waste via a company-wide recycling program. We currently recycle materials such as aluminum cans, glass, household batteries, paper, and plastic.
While we only use paper when absolutely necessary, any
paper that we use, including paper towels, is 100% recycled.
Healthy Working Environment
NASA studies have shown that certain plants work in a symbiotic
relationship to remove air pollutants produced by other people, plants,
and the environment1. Based on this research, pair Networks has air
purifying plants throughout its office space, which improve the indoor
air quality and the health of our employees.
Recently, renovations to our office were made using earth-friendly
materials such as cork flooring, recycled blue jean insulation, and
biodegradable paint and coatings that contain no Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs).
We also make sure that our office is only cleaned with natural and
organic cleaning products, which promotes employee health and does not
introduce dangerous chemicals into our indoor environment.
Earth-Friendly Employee Culture
pair Networks promotes its earth-friendly culture in a variety of ways.
We offer our employees a supply of free USDA certified organic fruit in
our cafeteria. As another employee benefit, we offer a free membership to
the regional Audubon Society, which allows our employees to learn more
about environmental stewardship and experience Western Pennsylvania's
natural environment first hand. Our employees also volunteer for events
sponsored by the Audubon Society and other similar organizations.
Many of our employees do their part to help the environment by using
public transportation, riding bikes, and taking hybrid cars to work.
And as mentioned previously, everyone that drives to work has been given a TerraPass to offset
the carbon their vehicle produces each year.
1 "Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air
Pollution Abatement,"
September 15, 1989, B.C. Wolverton, Ph.D.
