Press

Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading Mac and PC technology company, will observe Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, by announcing new earth-friendly programs to augment the company’s ongoing commitment to green practices.

OWC has already made a significant commitment to green practices in designing and building its corporate facility, opened April, 2008, to meet the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) “Platinum Level”, the highest level of LEED certification available. LEED is a nationally accepted voluntary building certification program that defines high-performance green buildings, which are more environmentally responsible, healthier, and conservation-minded structures. When final certification is complete, the OWC corporate facility will be one of only six new constructions, commercial buildings in the state of Illinois to be certified at the Platinum Level. Because of its steadfast commitment to “eco-friendly” best practices, Computerworld Magazine, the “Voice of IT Management,” selected Other World Computing as one of the top Green-IT Companies for 2008.

New 2009 green practices include:
• Donation of 20 new oak saplings being planted in the Westwood Nature Area, in conjunction with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County and the City of Woodstock
• Sponsoring Westwood Nature Area Volunteer Work Day on May 16 for the planting of the trees
• Working with Pace (Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority) to bring a new bus stop at Route 14 and Lake Shore Drive, to encourage more staff to use public transportation
• Free employee shuttle program, to begin July 1, between the OWC site and the Metra Train Station in downtown Woodstock, to encourage the use of public transportation
• Partial Pace Fare reimbursement program, to begin July 1, to encourage the use of public transportation

“OWC’s green philosophy means a continual process of seeking ways to reduce environmental impact in our day-to-day operations,” said Larry O’Connor, CEO, Other World Computing. “Resources are not infinite. We a future-thinking company and our conservation policies and programs reflect our commitment to the environment.”

Working toward a “Zero Solid Waste” status
OWC continues to work toward a “Zero Solid Waste” goal with a pro-active approach to eliminate waste. Programs include:
• Accepting used laptop batteries for recycling with each replacement battery purchase
• Refusing non-recyclable pallets from vendor deliveries
• Recycling of obsolete equipment through electronic equipment recyclers
• Reusing packaging materials (such as foam peanuts, etc.) whenever possible
• Involving staff in comprehensive onsite paper, plastic, aluminum can and metal recycling programs
• Purchase of a new baler specifically for plastics, to make plastic recycling more viable

Green building features in place since April 2008:
The 37,000 square-foot building, located on 40 acres, off Route 14 between Woodstock and Crystal Lake, Illinois, consumes less energy than OWC’s former 10,000 square-foot headquarters. Features include:
• Geo Thermal Ground-Coupled Heat Pump System provides 50% energy efficiency over conventional systems
• Use of high “R-Value” insulating foam and reflective roofing materials to decrease cooling costs
• Fiber optic rooftop light-harvesting technology to augment office lighting with natural light
• Low-toxicity building materials (wood, plastic and steel) with high levels of recycled content.
• Use of low-toxicity products for carpets, rugs, padding, paint and sealants
• High insulation value glass windows and exterior sunshade technology to reduce cooling costs
• “Smart” building technology, including sensors to detect, and adjust for, unoccupied rooms
• Limestone substrate and permeable paving for environmentally friendly run-off water handling
• Use of bio swales, native plants and prairie grasses to maximize water conservation
• Use of low-impact cleaning products
• Water conservation through use of waterless urinals and dual-mode toilets
• Energy/paper savings through use of high-efficiency washroom hand driers
• Water filtration system eliminates need for bottled water
• Priority parking spots for Car Pool and Hybrid Cars
• Bike rack and staff shower facilities to encourage staff to use bicycles to get to work

For more information on Other World Computing’s new green building, see the OWC “Think Green” site at: http://eshop.macsales.com/green/index.html.