Today we are celebrating Earth Day 2022, which signifies the start of the modern environmental movement back in 1970. Every year on April 22 communities get together to spread awareness and share the importance of environmental change. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, and provided a voice to the emerging environmental discussions and putting environmental concerns at the forefront of discussions. Senator Gaylord Nelson, of Wisconsin, piloted the first Earth Day, which was inspired by the student anti-war movement and sparked by the detrimental effects seen by the massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. The first Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans to take to the streets to demonstrate their passion against the detrimental impacts seen from 150 years of industrial development.

This Earth Day 2022, it was announced that we are celebrating the theme of “Invest in Our Planet.” The theme is focused on working to create and invest in solutions that will combat the greatest common threat to the world, climate change. Organizers of Earth Day 2022 are asking everyone to do their part – governments, citizens, businesses, etc. – because it takes something from each individual to make a difference.

At NeoGenomics, we strive to create spaces that are environmentally conscious and we have passionate employees looking to make a difference. This Earth Day we launched NeoGreen@Neo an Employee Resource Group focused on bringing together employees who are like-minded in living sustainably and working to make the world a greener place.

Our NeoGenomics HQ in Fort Myers, FL is also built with sustainability in mind and is built as a LEED building. LEED buildings are created to ensure a project’s natural environment is valued and respected throughout every step of the building process. As a Sustainable Site, NeoGenomics is recognizing that our buildings exist within the landscapes on which they were built and preserve the environmental integrity of our landscapes. These are some of the ways the NeoGenomics HQ building is following through on its LEED intent:

Certified Greenguard

The certified Greenguard products were created to help reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure in buildings. The most common Greenguard materials used at the NeoGenomics headquarters are ceiling panels, insulation, paints/coatings, adhesives/sealants, and walls/drywall. These materials help protect are employees while also creating a more sustainable footprint at our HQ.

Energy & Atmosphere

To create a laboratory space that was considered a LEED laboratory, NeoGenomics included several construction monitoring inputs to promote enhanced commissioning – building metering and trend monitoring; occupant training on building efficiency features; operations and maintenance program; building performance analysis review; continuous improvement with system updates for modifications or new settings. To further support the LEED process, the NeoGenomics HQ was built with thermal and visual comfort. The design features include HVAC schedules and temperature settings; automated window blinds for radiant temperature and lighting control; and lighting controls for occupant spaces that provide three lighting levels. 

Water Control

An important aspect of any building’s sustainability efforts is the amount of water usage. NeoGenomics LEED Laboratory is equipped with water meter measuring of all indoor fixtures and fittings, which allows for continued metering and water savings efficiencies throughout the life of the property. Did you know? Buildings use 14% of the Earth’s water that is useful for human consumption, and less than 1% of the Earth’s water is actually safe for human consumption. To combat this water usage, NeoGenomics LEED Laboratory provides water and energy efficient hand washing stations to wash and dry hands. These two-in-one stations feature controlled water flow rates and sensor operations to save water; HEPA filter removing 99.97% of bacteria at 0.3 microns from the air used; touch-free operation; 79% less CO2 than paper towels; and 76% less cost to run per year than paper towels.

NeoGenomics HQ is a prime example of how companies can create more sustainable buildings that benefit both the employees and the environment. If you’re interested in joining the NeoGenomics team, take a look at our open positions. You can also learn more and watch a video on #LifeAtNeo on our company Glassdoor page.

Want to learn more about #LifeAtNeo? Read our previous HR blog, Women’s History Month at NeoGenomics.