Your Guide to Green and Eco-Friendly Leases

With all that is happening in the world today - global warming, hurricanes, typhoons, flash floods, tsunamis and earthquakes, one can easily feel alarmed about the condition of Mother Nature. We do not need to be superheroes and have super powers to save the Earth because we can help with our own little ways. One way is by making sure that we are living as concerned as we can be to our environment.

Good thing that there are increasing numbers of people including public officials, athletes, musicians and celebrities trying to spread awareness about living green or eco-friendly. You can follow this act in various ways - avoid using plastic bags, using hair spray nets, heavily polluted car and others. Well, this article will focus on helping you find and decorate an apartment to be green and eco-friendly. This is one way to start your quest to do your part to help Mother Nature.

1. Consider eco-friendly furniture - It is recommended to avoid big warehouse brands and instead settle for materials that are made of organic materials such as bamboo, organic cotton and other recycled items. This is not only helping the environment but also a good way to help you save lots of money. Let us admit it, it is far more expensive to buy big warehouse brands compared to those that are made from bamboo and other organic products. However, we cannot say that eco-friendly furniture downgrade your standards because in fact there are lots of manufacturers out there who come up with real piece of arts using organic materials.

2. Paint your walls with soy paint - Do you want to renovate your apartment by coming up with new paint colors? Then why not consider using soy paint? Soy paint is non-toxic, durable alternative that is perfect alternative for commercial paints. This reduces indoor pollution thus make your house green and eco-friendly.

3. Reuse things that you can - Let us not only be eco-friendly but also practical by using things that can be recycled and used afterwards. It is advisable to use washable towels compared to paper towels as one good example.

4. Conserve water - Sometimes we take for granted simple things like running water while we are brushing our teeth or while we wash the car using water hose. This may sound shallow but if we will calculate every ounce or litre of water that was wasted in a year, we would be surprised to know that it can suffice to a family's one-year supply of water. So, make sure to conserve water, use glass when you brush your teeth and use bucket and tub instead of water hose when watering the plants or washing the car.

Based on some surveys, 86% of Americans would prefer to live in a green and eco-friendly apartment. Therefore, it is truly advisable to start considering the tips mentioned in this article and help increase the 86% numbers who are willing to do their share to help the environment. This is not only for our own sake but this is most importantly helpful for the next generation.

Outdoor Shelter - Guide To Choosing A Timber Shelter For Your School

The PTA have a long list of things to buy, and this often includes: summer shade, wet weather timber shelter, parent waiting outdoor shelters and outdoor classrooms. Wherever possible the savvy school will look to combine all these in one substantial unit which, correctly positioned, can cover all categories.

In these circumstances you will require a solid structure, designed specifically for use in schools, which has a properly waterproof roof, and large overhangs to shelter the seating area.

Flooring

Many structures can be installed onto tarmac or a slab base at no extra cost and this provides several advantages;Clean clear hardwearing floor which is not going to be affected by the seasonsEase of access as there is no step or ramp to get into the shelter

If you're considering installation onto grass, please remember that the extra footfall generated by use of the timber shelter will mean the grass area will become damaged and, without adequate levels of light/rain, will be unable to fully recover. This will mean problems with mud in winter and dust in summer. Flooring such as decking would be beneficial. However, this will create a step into the shelter and potentially create the need for a ramp to ensure that the facility offers access for all. Alternatively, grass reinforcement could be used to improve wear resistance of the natural floor.

Benching

Benching needs to be robust, smooth and at a suitable height for primary aged children whilst acceptable for adults to use as well. We would suggest 0.50m from the floor. There should be sufficient spaces for a full class of children ie up to 30 pupils - ideally all facing towards the same point for teaching purposes.

Roofing

A variety of roofing options should be available to you; the primary function being to offer a dry interior. Where Bitumen roofing is offered, look for guarantees to ensure that you are going to get a decent lifespan from the roofing. Bitumen shingle tiles can have an attractive appearance and are available in a variety of colours with some quality manufacturers giving a 15 year manufacturers guarantee.

Sedum roofing when first installed.Cedar Shingle roofingBitumen Shingle roofing

If you wish to use the structure to demonstrate sustainable options in construction then consider either a living/sedum roof or cedar shingles.

Longevity

Look for guarantees on the structure that can give confidence in its lifespan. Where choosing a natural material such as timber ensure that it is treated against rot: ideally pressure impregnated. Timber shelters should be correctly installed to maximise lifespan. Where upright posts are being concreted into the ground, be aware that this can cause a weak at the interface, where accelerated decay might occur. A far better method of installation is to bolt the posts to the ground. A small piece of DPC between post and ground will help prevent water ingress to maximise the life of the upright post.

Wind-lift

No one wants to be responsible for purchasing the outdoor shelter that was destroyed in gales! Ask the supplier about wind-lift. Such features as the weight of the structure, inner ceiling design and number and positioning of uprights will all have an impact here. Have structural calculations been done to prove that this is not going to be an issue?

Finishing & Speed of Construction

Any timber product should be factory planed to minimise splintering - especially benches. Any product with upright posts should have the corners "pencil rounded" to soften edges and minimise damage should anyone bump into them. A structure such as this should be erected in just one or two days.

Pricing

Make sure that the cost you have been quoted includes delivery and installation. Ensure you have asked about likely additional costs.

Sustainability

Use this opportunity to purchase a structure that is made of sustainable materials and demonstrates your school's commitment to the environment. Timber is the only natural, renewable, recyclable and bio-degradable construction material we have. Not only that, but it looks good too! Buy a timber shelter for your school and let it double up as an outdoor classroom and parents' waiting outdoor shelter. It will remain as a legacy to the school for many many years to come.

Nursery Building - Guide to Planning a New Nursery

So you have made the decision and are planning on purchasing a new nursery building. Whether this is your route into business, or a development of an existing business, there are a lot of things to think about. Here is a quick guide to some of the points you need to consider.

Size of building

Each additional square meter will have a cost implication; so it is essential that you get the layout of your new nursery building just right. You need to consider not only the numbers of children, staff, and rooms necessary, but also plan them so that there is minimal wasted space. If you choose a building which is individually designed, and unique to your business, then you have an ideal opportunity to do this.

Indoor Play for Nursery Buildings

Perhaps the most obvious, but the first thing to consider is the space allocation you will need. National standards exist for the allocated play areas for nursery age groups.

Space standards represent minimum space per child for the whole provision;

England and Wales;

Age Group under 2 years - 3.5 sqmAge Group 2 years - 2.5 sqmAge Group 3 - 7 years - 2.3 sqm

Scotland;

Age Group under 2 years - 3.7 sqmAge Group 2 years - 2.8 sqmAge Group 3 - 7 years - 2.3 sqm

This area can include space for quiet play or relaxation. It can easily be planned to provide areas dedicated to messy or wet play within the rooms. Provision of water fountains is also popular. Where preferred, layouts can be planned to give access to the w.c direct from the main play rooms to minimise interference with staffing levels.

Adequate Storage

As some areas may have more than one function, many nurseries benefit from walk-in storage areas, where play items can be stored between sessions. Planned storage can be particularly important to nurseries who share the main facilities with other community groups. This can be built into the floor plan of a new building and give you neat, organised, storage which will help extend the life of the toys and equipment you provide.

Toilet Facilities

1 w.c and hand basin to every 10 children over 2 years. Part M applies, so disability access requires an additional w.c. Many nurseries are able to use this as their staff facility as well which helps maximise use of space within the new building.

Outdoor Play

Safe outdoor play areas can be secured as part of the new project through considering L or T shaped nursery buildings. Here a partially enclosed area is created by the building shape giving ideal opportunity for covered verandas which offer all weather play. Remember to include outdoor taps for the children's gardening activities

Staffing Ratios

1 member of staff for every 3 children under 2 years of age1 member of staff for every 4 children aged 2 years1 member of staff for every 8 children aged 3 to 8 years of age

Office Facilities

A small office will give you the opportunity to have the necessary space and quiet to conduct any meetings (staff/parents/suppliers) and, if positioned next to the main access door, can ensure that you as owner/manager see every person who comes into your premises.

Kitchen

Depending on the type of care you are offering, you will either require a basic food prep area, where you can prepare mid-session snacks and drinks, or a full kitchen, where day care children have their healthy meals prepared. Planning the position of this can help you save space.

Decoration

A warm, inviting, and safe environment will work for children and parents alike. Choose something that will set your business apart from the norm: like this lovely log building, filled with primary colours to stimulate young minds set against the warmth of the log wall.

Speed of Construction

Especially important if you are replacing an existing childcare building and do not want any interruption to your business. Certain build options, such as off-site manufacture, ensure that a large amount of the construction preparation is carried out prior to arriving on site. This can mean that a complete new nursery building is created in as little as 4 weeks

Disruption during the Build

When you are building your new premises, and hoping to create a positive impression on the community, you want a construction solution that will create interest and enthusiasm. Look out for the Considerate Constructors Scheme: participating companies have a focus on ensuring that they are good neighbours during the build process, which will stand you in good stead with the community when you open for business.

Sustainability

When you have planned out your new building you can start to look at the sustainable options as well. Make sure that your new building demonstrates your commitment to the environment by choosing a building that is constructed from sustainable materials, is energy efficient, and low maintenance during use, and will not be a detriment to the planet when It reaches the end of it its life.

Your new nursery building will not only be your place of work, but the face of your business: you want it to reflect your company's ethos. For more information on pre-school, school and sustainable buildings visit our website.