1. A photo Album of the 2015
sustainability initiative
By: Bill Boucher
2. Community Garden
• The Sterling Commons Sustainability Initiative
brought the addition of a brand new community
garden to the property.
3.
4. Why Garden?
• The community garden is a project that aims to increase
the sustainability and resilience within the community of
Sterling Commons.
• Allows residents to benefit economically by growing their
own vegetables.
• Provides a productive hobby that allows community
members to interact with one another.
• Provides a tranquil environment where residents can relax
and reconnect with nature.
5. • First, we chose a location that was relatively
unused, and received a great deal of sun.
6. • I reached out to our business partners in hopes of receiving
donations, to start the community garden.
• Our landscaping company, Brilar, generously accepted my
proposition, and provided Sterling Commons with all of the
necessary timber, topsoil, and labor, to begin the community
garden.
7. • After the completion of the
planter box, we then set up a
fence around the garden.
• Planting could finally begin!
8. • White stone was used to section off plots of land for all
of the residents who wished to participate.
• There were also community crops around the perimeter
for everyone to enjoy.
12. • The community garden features a beautiful bench and trash receptacle
for residents to enjoy. Both items are made entirely out of recycled
materials.
13. • The community garden is a wonderful
addition to the community which
residents enjoy.
• The community garden is also a large
milestone in Lombardo Property
Management’s commitment to
sustainability.
14. Nature
• There are many
plant and animal
species
throughout
Sterling
Commons, and
we aim to
coexist in
harmony.
Our garden is full of various types of
life...
15. • At Sterling commons we are conscious of
our pollinators and only use non-toxic pest
repellents in the garden. (A diluted mixture
of water and vinegar)
• This is an attempt to protect threatened
species, such as the honeybee, as well as
protect the integrity of the soil and crops.
16. A different approach
• At Sterling Commons, we consider all options before making a decision in order to make the
best decision.We always consider community wellbeing, economics, and the environment.
• When confronted with an issue, such as this honeybee swarm in a courtyard tree, we
considered all options.We decided that the most sustainable option for their removal was a
local beekeeper.We were able to maintain the safety and comfort of our residents, as well as
maintain the integrity of the environment. In addition, we were only charged a small fee for
transportation costs.
17. Energy Conservation
• This summer at Sterling Commons, we have replaced our inefficient
high pressure sodium light fixtures with highly energy efficient LED
light fixtures.
18. LED Exterior Lighting
• The new lights not only use 80% less energy than the
previous fixtures , but they also emit a clean, crisp,
white light.
20. • By reducing our energy
demand at Sterling Commons,
we have significantly reduced
our carbon emissions.
• Carbon Dioxide a greenhouse
gas that is the largest
contributor to global climate
change, and is a byproduct of
conventional electrical
generation.
• It is essential to reduce our
carbon emissions, to ensure
the habitability of the planet
for future generations to enjoy.
21. • By reducing our electricity demands
at Sterling Commons, we have also
reduced our emissions of other
pollutants into the atmosphere
• Pollutants such as Nitrous Oxides
and Sulfur Dioxide can degrade air
quality, and pose health risks to
those who are exposed to them.
• It is essential that we lower our
energy demand, to preserve the air
quality, and ensure that individuals
are able to enjoy prosperous and
healthy lives.
23. Before and After
You can really see an aesthetic difference between the white
LED lights and the yellowish high pressure sodium fixtures.
24.
25. Why reduce energy consumption?
• At Sterling Commons we understand the far
reaching implications that come along with wasteful
energy use.
• Scarcity, pollution, and environmental damage are all
problems that our energy infrastructure faces today.
• Sterling Commons Apartments and Lombardo
Property Management are making changes today, to
ensure a better future for tomorrow.
26. Water Conservation
• In addition to our energy conservation efforts, we also aim to reduce
our water consumption.
27. • This summer, we checked the sprinkler system for
cracks in the water lines, and broken sprinkler heads.
28. • By taking these precautionary steps, we ensured that no water was to
be wasted, and optimum water pressure would be achieved throughout
the sprinkler system.
29. Rain Sensing Sprinklers
• We have recently invested in rain sensors to be
installed into the sprinkler boxes.
• With this environmentally conscious
technology, we will be able to take advantage of
Michigan’s high annual precipitation and
prevent wasteful use of water.
30. Thank you For
your time!
• Sterling Commons will
continue to look for more
ways to increase its
sustainability, and resident
satisfaction.
