Going Green

How we are going green

High Efficiency HVAC

When all systems are working properly, HVAC accounts for a whopping 53% of energy use in a typical office building. Multiple zones allow for more efficient use of heating and cooling by controlling only those areas that need greater regulation, such as western windows in the afternoon. The efficiency of an HVAC system is measured by its SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating. This rating is based on the number of BTUs used for cooling during the hot months divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours during the same season. As of January 2006, all new air conditioners in the US must have a minimum SEER rating of 13. Our office boasts a high SEER rating HVAC system at 19. A SEER rating of 18 is 38% more efficient than the standard system with a SEER rating of 13.

No VOC Paint

Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, it is considered one of the top five hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes. Paints and finishes release low-level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Utilizing no-VOC paints is beneficial to our health while reducing landfill, groundwater, and ozone-depleting contaminants.

Flooring

The flooring chosen for our office (Stratica by Amtico) has superior wear resistance, aesthetics while being environmentally friendly. Stratica contains no chlorine and no plasticizers (non-PVC). It offers outstanding indoor air quality with no detectable VOC emissions, and the adhesive used is in the lowest VOC category (EC1). Stratica requires no dressings or sealers and is maintained with only neutral cleaners, i.e., doesn’t require cleaning with caustic chemicals, thus minimizing the environmental impact. Amico International is the first company in its field to be awarded the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, and it makes the Stratica product from 20% post-industrial material.

Window Tinting

Tinting reduces the UV rays and heat during the summer, which in turn reduces the cooling requirements. In the winter, the film reflects the internal heat into the building again, reducing the energy required to heat the building.

Furthermore, UV can damage furniture and flooring materials, so blocking it prolongs the lifespan of said materials, thus keeping them out of the landfills, etc.

Renewable Products

The use of wood cabinets, doors, and trim reduces the environmental impact because they are produced from renewable resources.

Digital Radiographs

The development of digital radiography has impacted dentistry in many ways. Digital images provide instant viewing capability; facilitate guest treatment procedures; increase diagnostic proficiency; and streamline storage, transfer, and retrieval of data. One of the greatest benefits of digital systems is the reduction in radiation exposure to the guest by 75% to 90%. By integrating digital radiography into our practice, the need for lead film as well as the noxious photochemical wastes needed to develop the film can be eliminated, thus reducing the environmental impact.

Paperless Office

The use of our practice management software eliminates paper waste by almost 100%. We don’t keep paper charts, and we don’t have paper forms for check-in or guest registration. The only paper we do use is to print a receipt or a prescription. Digitizing guest charts, billing, and radiography not only increases the efficiency of the practice and quality of guest care but also eliminates over 90% of the paper use associated with daily normal practices. Going paperless saves paper, money, time, and trees!

Equipment

Oilless compressors are clean and reduce the carbon footprint by not using copious amounts of oil. Dry Vacuum Systems are 100% water-free.

Amalgam

The mercury content in amalgam has been an ongoing concern for the environment.

Currently, there are minimal regulations in place for dental practices in terms of amalgam disposal. Amalgam separators can be placed on delivery systems and help reduce the amalgam content in dental office wastewater discharge. Amalgam separators are designed to remove waste amalgam from the water collected by the vacuum system before being discharged to municipal sewer systems. Our office employs such a system, thus keeping the water supply clean.

Furthermore, we do not use amalgam as a filling material, further reducing the environmental impact.

Recycle & Reuse Policy

The shipping containers made from cardboard are recycled, and all papers are shredded and recycled; office letterheads and business cards are made from recycled paper; our practice works with and purchases from dental manufacturers who have recycling programs, e.g., Hu-Friedy Envirodent instrument recycling program.

Also, our Fuquay-Varina office is now a pickup point for used dental containers (used toothpaste tubes, caps, used toothbrushes, empty floss containers, etc) that are recycled into park benches, trash cans, and more.