Ozone Workplace Network (Own)
The Ozone Workplace Network is a voluntary initiative that provides simple actions businesses can take to help reduce ground-level ozone in southwest Missouri.
Local businesses, governments and other organizations can help reduce ozone pollution by taking a variety of voluntary actions. These actions could help the area improve air quality and avoid costly mandatory requirements should our air quality status change to "non-attainment". These actions can also help your organization save money and improve employee well-being.
To participate in this program, your organization only needs to sign up and appoint someone in the organization as the Ozone Alert Coordinator.
How Does The Program Work?
- The Ozone Alert Coordinator will be notified by email when the Springfield-Greene County Health Department forecasts an Ozone Alert Day.
- The Coordinator will relay the information (via email, postings, etc.) to employees, provide tips on how to reduce ozone, and promote air quality awareness and education in the workplace.
- The organization should display air quality awareness information in appropriate areas to promote awareness.
- The organization may commit to further ozone reduction initiatives as listed below.
Ozone Reduction Tips For Employees On Ozone Alert Days
- Reduce vehicle emissions by carpooling or riding the bus. City Utilities reduces bus fares to $0.50 on Ozone Alert Days.
- Work from home (telecommute) if your employer offers such programs
- Put-off mowing your lawn. Air emissions from running an average gas-powered lawn mower for 1 hour is the equivalent of driving your car 200 miles. Simply mow your lawn during the evening hours of a non-alert day.
- Reduce vehicle and equipment idling.
Ozone Reduction Tips For Employers
- Adopt an idle reduction policy for internal fleet, as well as, deliveries and shipments. Contact the Ozarks Clean Air Alliance for a sample policy.
- Put-off lawn maintenance to prevent emissions from gas-powered equipment.
- Support mass transit programs. Offer free or subsidized bus passes to employees for the Ozone Alert Days, the ozone season, or the entire year.
- Support the development of Park and Ride facilities for commuters.
- Provide secure bike racks and shower facilities for employees to encourage bicycling.
- Consider telecommuting programs for employees.
- Consider retrofitting diesel vehicles to reduce pollution.
- Encourage contractors to use practices that reduce air pollution when performing work.
- Reduce idling
- Use low-emitting equipment
- Purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles when adding to, or replacing fleet vehicles.
- Consider alternative fuel vehicles such as: gas-electric hybrids, diesel-electric hybrids, biodiesel, or compressed natural gas.
- Evaluate air quality impacts associated with the growth of the operation.
- Meet LEED standards for new buildings.
- Engage in native plant species landscaping to reduce lawn maintenance. For more information go to Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods.
- Consider low NOx burners on boilers or process equipment.
- Reduce the use of solvents where possible.
For more information, contact Doug Neidigh at 417/873-7641 or Michelle Garand at 417/888-2020.