The Remi Group, in addition to being the leader in Equipment Maintenance Management Programs, is also part of the ever-growing “green” initiative. The Remi Group’s headquarters in the Irby Building, located in the Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, NC, was recently awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Gold certification is the third of four levels in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

What does it mean to be LEED Gold certified? It means the Irby building was designed and constructed according to LEED Core and Shell certification standards. The building has a storm water management system, high performance roofing materials, water efficient landscaping, and was made with low VOC emitting materials, just to name a few “green” building features. The Remi Group’s space in particular is equipped with low flow faucets, urinals, and toilets, light motion sensors, and participates in the recycling program.

One might ask, “How does being LEED Gold certified help not just the overall health of the environment, but the employees who work in the buildings?” According to a study conducted by the University of San Diego and CB Richard Ellis, 45% of those surveyed reported employees in green buildings averaged 2.88 fewer sick days and 54.5% agreed employees were more productive in green buildings versus non-green buildings. The study also showed a 3.5% lower vacancy rate and 13% higher rental rates in green buildings versus non-green buildings.

One can conclude that employees who experience fewer sick days and who are more productive are rewarded more significantly at the end of the year, which increases overall job satisfaction, and in turn, increases motivation to keep doing well.

Not only is it economically and environmentally beneficial to be “green”, it improves employee moral as well. It is in everyone’s best interest to lower individual and corporate carbon footprints. It’s estimated that up to 30% of energy is wasted by businesses and energy waste makes up a large portion of the carbon footprint. Both individuals and businesses can make small changes that can make a big difference in reducing carbon emissions. Changes include, but are not limited, to turning lights off when leaving a room, unplugging equipment when not in use, reusing scrap paper or printing double-sided, using LED lights, recycling ink cartridges or old office equipment, or using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.

So you recently purchased a new computer for your home office. What are you going to do with your old computer? As we all know, computers should not be discarded into the trash. And most people don’t want an old computer sitting around collecting dust. So what are your options?

Sell Old Computer

Right off the bat, it might seem most appealing to sell your old equipment; however this is often more hassle then its worth. Equipment rapidly decreases in value, especially computers, so evaluate whether it will be worth your time to manage a proper sell before you begin. If you do decide to sell, research similar equipment on eBay and Amazon to find fair market value pricing for your used equipment. The longer you wait, the more the price will decrease.

Donate Old Computer

Donating old equipment to charitable organizations and schools can provide tax benefits that may exceed the expected value. Proper appraisal must be performed to meet the needs of IRS documentation and tax authorization.

Computers can be donated to one of the non-profit organizations listed below: 

Computers for Schools

Goodwill Industries

Salvation Army

World Computer Exchange

The following organizations accept various types of office equipment and other technology related items, including but not limited to computers: 

Gifts in Kind America

National Christina Foundation

Recycle Old Computer

Recycling old equipment can be difficult due to several states now requiring documentation from reputable recycling companies showing that the equipment was appropriately recycled. This is especially important when recycling computers because a color monitor contains four to five pounds of lead, which is very hazardous to the environment.

The following are two helpful organizations for recycling old equipment: 

Electronic Industries Alliance lists recycling centers by state so the closest location can be found easily. This organization also provides a list of questions to ask the recycler to be sure a reputable one is being reached.

Earth's 911 includes forums to inquire about your recycling questions and needs. This site provides the locations of both donation and recycling centers. Center searches are based on the type of equipment to be disposed AND the location.

Trade In Old Computer

When planning an upgrade on old equipment take advantage of the trade in programs that most major manufacturers offer. Trading equipment can reduce the combined cost of acquiring new equipment and the responsibly of disposing old equipment.

The Final Goodbye

Have the recipient of your computer sign an agreement accepting responsibility of the equipment. In the case of the computer being retrieved at a later date from improper disposal, you have documentation of the exchange to avoid inaccurate blame.

It is very important that you perform the following steps before you relinquish your computer:

1.) Retrieve your personal data by using a USB key, CD/DVD, or external hard-drive. 

2.) Remove the hard drive or reformat your computer to make sure your private data has been erased. 

3.) Review software license agreements to determine transferability to new equipment.

4.) Remove all company logos.

5.) Record the computer as “expired” on your asset list and cancel any service agreements that you may have on that piece of equipment. If you track information on an equipment disposal list, include the following information: serial number, description, method of disposal, and date of disposal.

Tell us what you’ve done to properly dispose of your computer. Share what has worked for you and what has been difficult.

Improperly managed invoices can result in extra charges and unnecessary expenses.  Here are six tips on checking your invoices to help you start the year off right.   

1.      Check the Print

Misplaced decimal points, typos, incorrect sub-totals, and mistaken quantities can add up to a lot of money in additional charges for any business or organization.  Make sure you are paying the total amount due, not the unit price for the product or service.  Some companies offer discounts or penalties for payments remunerated along an extensive timeline.  Note the dates and prices correlated with this timeline.  The highest amount is not always the actual total due. 

2.      Late in the Game

Mismanagement of invoices can lead to overspending through expensive late fees and high interest charges.  To assist in proper management, make sure the due date of each invoice is clearly marked on a calendar (unless bills are paid upon receipt).  Provide sufficient amount of time for mailing and processing to avoid missing the due date.  Monthly invoices should be recurring items on your calendar with an easy addition for those claims that are irregular such as equipment repair invoices.

3.  Early to Rise

Take advantage of early payment options if the discount offered is greater than the capital gained from interest baring accounts.  Many companies offer this incentive to avoid late fees on their invoices due for the services they provided your organization. 

4.  Don’t pay Twice

Misplacement of invoices can result in duplicate billing, or other penalties.  It is imperative to properly organize bills and keep them in order.  Once payment is made, make sure the following information is appropriately tracked: check number, amount paid, associated reference number, and date paid.  The same information should be noted if payment is organized in a spreadsheet or with digital software.  If paper files are stored, attach a copy of the payment (check) to a copy of the original invoice and follow up by attaching the payment receipt if one is received. 

5.  The New Age – Tech Savvy

Lacking a proper online-bill-pay method can increase expenses through supplies and postage costs.  Some companies send both electronic and paper bills, some only send one.  Beware of duplicates and make sure cleared invoices are properly marked to avoid double payment.  If the majority of bills are organized online, don’t set aside paper payments that come via mail.  To eliminate confusion and unpaid bills from being misplaced, make sure all online invoices are sent to the same email account or direct checking account.

6.      Press 0 for the Operator

When uncertain, get on the phone and ask questions.  This might seem like a waste of time, but if this process brings clarity, it is worth the investment.  Note names of individuals you speak with for later reference if questions surface again. 

Careful review of each repair invoice can help to detect overcharges, billing errors, and duplicate invoice numbers.  Find a system that works for you and be aware of these mishaps to avoid unnecessary expenses.  Check invoices twice, pay them once, and save money!