Midwest Environmental Advocates’ Green Office Design Features

Employee Health

Goal: Improve Work Environment to Increase Work Productivity

Daylighting
People thrive in naturally lit rather than artificially lit environments. "Cool Daylighting" is a low or no cost design technique that maximizes sunlight to illuminate spaces. It reduces or eliminates the need for electric lighting and reduces use of air conditioners.

We designed our office layout for maximum use of daylighting. Interior windows cut in dividing walls allow for the passage of daylight throughout the building. Skylights and solar tubing in interior spaces bring daylight even into enclosed rooms, eliminating the need for artificial light during most of the day.

Air filters to increase indoor air quality
Our office is situated on a busy corner near a major bus station and good air quality is important to the health of our employees. MEA is using Hunter HEPA tech 65 Air Purification Systems to improve indoor air quality. These air filters are designed to remove smoke, pollen, dust and virtually all airborne allergens from indoor environments. Click here to learn more about HEPAtech filters.

Our furnace system also utilizes air filters to remove detritus from the air, providing another layer of protection for our air quality.

Alternative transportation
Our location on West Main Street grants easy access to Madison's extensive bus system and the expanding system of bike trails. MEA employees are encouraged to reduce global warming gases by using public and alternative transportation to commute to work. To make these forms of transportation easy and affordable employees have access to a bike rack and can apply for subsidized bus passes.

Click here to learn more about Madison's bus system.

Plants
Plants serve a variety of useful functions in an office environment- improving air quality and providing a calming and beautiful work environment. The deep window ledges of our historic building provide a perfect spot for our potted succulent garden.

Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Commercial cleaning chemicals can harm employee health and are often toxic for the environment. Nearly everything at MEA is cleaned with a solution of normal vinegar and water which maintains our hardwood floors and surfaces without harming our health. We also use gentle, biodegradable soaps and detergents which can be purchased at most grocery or health-food stores.