It’s a strange time for any individual, let alone a business owner and operator. However, during this time of stay-at-home orders, remote work, and social distancing, it’s important to take pride in the small victories we can all have. For years I have been an avid believer in sustainability, and I’m finding many of my practices and technology I’ve adopted over the years is helping myself, my clients, and, as important, the environment right now during COVID-19.
My History of Sustainable Practices
I’ve made no secret about my long history of sustainability. It was one of the first blog posts I wrote for ShupeStudios. I drive a hybrid to keep down fuel consumption and emissions while I cover the many miles my job requires.
One of my many hobbies is building. In every home and office I’ve ever had, I’ve worked to make energy efficient with insulation, improved heating, and solar power. My satellite office/property in Gloucester has solar panels that produce more energy than that office consumes. In that property, I also re-purposed 1700 reclaimed doors, flooring, and timbers.
Making the Most of COVID-19
For work, a lot of my measures are meant to cut down on my carbon footprint, from driving less to buying less. A lot of the steps I do are not only easy for others but can even make more sense right now during COVID-19.
Meeting and Working from Home: Working from home isn’t just fuel-efficient, it’s also something I practice to cut down on overhead and my footprint. I love using video conferencing platforms like Zoom to save the trip of meeting in person.
Getting Secure Data Transfer Set Up: A large part of my job revolves around the data storage and management of my images. I work with clients to set up secure Dropbox folders so they can get their photos without the waste of a car trip or FedEx package. Plus, no sales tax.
Organizing My Car Trips: With planning out portfolio showings, network and project meetings, and photography walkthroughs, planning out trips allows me to combine travel to keep down fuel and carbon emissions.
Going Sustainable and Green
The above are just a few ways everyone can make little changes to how they work and play that can make big impacts. Sustainability is something I love because it pays off for itself (that extra power from my Gloucester office will charge the electric car I plan on getting).
Got a sustainable project on your property or in your community? I love taking photos of local projects and renewable energy equipment nestled in our communities.
While you’re working from home during COVID-19, I hope you’ll think about what new habits you’re forming (or could form) that are actually part of sustainability! If you’re looking to finally get that architectural photography done of your business, worksite, or other projects while things are slow, contact me to get started.