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Join AEP

AEP: General Information

The time is now… The moment for positive change and action is upon us.
The hunger for a worldwide sustainable eco-system, to put an end to global warming and to re-claim our planet’s future is enormous and palpable in every community across the country - but nowhere more so than in the arts community where our passion for and exploration of the human condition is unparalleled. That is why we have decided to partner with the Earth and say “yes” we want change. Yes! We want a better world. Yes! We want to preserve this precious planet for all the generations to come…

So join us in the Arts:Earth Partnership and start making a difference right now.

Process / How Does It Work?

1. Read through this information and fill out the “Cultural Facility or Venue" application form. Fax or Mail it to the address listed along with the 2 Year Certification Fee.
2. Upon receipt of your application we will contact you to set up an initial site visit to audit your facility and give you a list of what you need to do to be in compliance with AEP standards.
3. After this first visit we will give you resources on where to acquire the materials needed for compliance.
4. Your staff implements the required changes.
5. You contact us again. An AEP auditor returns to your facility and once we confirm changes have been made we give you:
   • An official AEP member certificate.
   • AEP window and box office decals.
   • Information packets for staff and visitors.
   • Instructions and password for use of our AEP website.

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Why Should I Join?

Being a certified AEP partner means you have taken a significant step toward achieving environmental sustainability. Not only will you reduce your energy costs, landfill impact and CO2 emissions, but you will be setting a positive example for your staff, visitors and audience to follow.

With every theater, gallery, studio, performing arts company, museum, and artist who joins AEP and makes a commitment to practical sustainability, our impact grows exponentially through our audiences and visitors.

FURTHER BENEFITS

• Your organization will immediately start saving money on energy.
• Your organization will be recognized as being eco-friendly and making an honest commitment to sustainability.
• Exclusive access to AEP’s on-line Materials Bulletin Board Exchange.
  
• Exclusive networking opportunities amongst likeminded peers.
• Annual meeting to share ideas and recognize innovative partners.
  
• Unique marketing and fundraising opportunities.
  
• Greater audience enthusiasm.
• Measurable impact on the environment and quality of life in Los Angeles.
• Have informational material available for visitors.
• Create an atmosphere that encourages and enables innovation.

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Costs & Environmental Impact

This is where we will post our quarterly and year end impact reports in PDF form so members and the public can see the dramatic impact of the partnership.

Below are two simple examples of the energy & cost savings a typical mid-size venue might expect from joining AEP.

COST ANALYSIS

COST EFFECTIVENESS OF CFL vs. INCANDESCENT IN 20 BULBS

ANNUAL ENERGY / COST SAVINGS

3500kWh – 876kWh = 2,624 kWh

2,624 kWh x 1.34 pounds CO2/kWh = 3,516 pounds CO2/yr = 1.7 tons CO2

**Yes, you read this right, changing 20 60 watt incandescents to 15 Watt CFL’s prevents 1.7 TONS of CO2 to enter the atmosphere!!

(1.34 pounds CO2/kWh in the United States)

$560 – $140 = $420/yr (Purchase of 20 CFL’s = $100)

AEP / COST ANALYSIS II

COST TO MEMBER - TYPICAL MID-SIZE VENUE:

CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction, Annually = 3.4 TONS

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Certification Requirements

AEP certification requires compliance to certain standards in eight areas of operation. There are mandatory categories and optional categories in each area. During the initial site visit our auditors will work with you on developing your customized criteria based upon your existing practices and capacity. Areas of focus are:

Operations & Culture, General Practices, Solid Waste, Water Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Chemical Use and Pollution Prevention, Transportation, Landscape. Some examples of required and optional criteria in each category include:

OPERATIONS & CULTURE

• Venue will have literature on ecological sustainability available to patrons, in its public space and available to audience and visitors who request it.
• The facility will commit to displaying the AEP logo and/or Certificate in a location readily visible to the public.
• Members commits to ongoing discussion of sustainable practices at board and staff meetings and to adopting a “culture of sustainability”, agreeing to go as “far” as their capacity will allow in their greening efforts.

GENERAL PRACTICES

• Discontinue use of all non-recyclable plastic products and food service containers.
• Check with the AEP Materials Exchange and contact CalMAX, (California Materials Exchange) and / or other materials exchange programs before purchasing any “new” supplies or equipment.
• Obtain or purchase used office equipment
• Inform main supplier’s sale representatives that you prefer eco-friendly products – request that they start carrying these products if they do not currently do so or switch to a supplier that does.

RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE

• AEP members shall utilize the AEP SET & MATERIALS EXCHANGE for the potential recycling of sets, furniture, paints, screws, office supplies, appliances, electronics, fabric and other re-usable materials before they enter landfill.
• Clearly labeled recycling bins and trash receptacles in public, guest, cast and employee areas. Absolute attention towards getting the recyclables to the recycle bin or to the recycle center in your area.
• A strict commitment to the use of eco-friendly / recycled office supplies, bathroom supplies, cleaning products, paper products and inks.
• Design marketing materials that require no envelope.
• Reduce junk mail by removing your business’ name from national databases at:
  www.stopjunkmail.org

WATER EFFICENCY

• Understand your water bill and review it for indications of leaks or other problems.
• Regularly check for and repair leaks.
• Place “use water wisely” stickers or paper notices near all faucets. Educate staff on the critical need for water efficiency. (AEP can provide stickers upon request)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Use of low energy light bulbs (compact fluorescent or other) in all non-performing and non-exhibition lighting fixtures (interior and exterior).
• Replace all exit signs with LED or high-efficiency alternatives.
• Program computer monitors to sleep mode after 15 minutes or less.
• Set the Energy Saver feature on photocopier to default.
  
• When replacing equipment and appliances ensure that they are Energy Star rated and/or equipped with energy saving features. www.energystar.gov
  
• Maintain your HVAC units and change filters every 3-4 months.

CHEMICAL USE & POLLUTION PREVENTION

• Stock only one non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner for daily use. For example one multipurpose cleaner, one glass cleaner, etc.
• Educate and inform cleaning staff of your eco-friendly preferences.
• Discontinue purchase of glass cleaner and replace with vinegar and water for cleaning windows.
• Use less-toxic graffiti removers

TRANSPORTATION

• Facility offers incentives, such as admission and / or product discounts, for patrons who use alternative transportation to and from facility such as public transportation (e.g., bus, train, bike, or walk-ins).
• Provide a secure location for staff to store bicycles or install a bike rack in or near facility.
• Provide ridesharing information on carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, walking and public/mass transportation on a bulletin board. Distribute rideshare information monthly.
• Provide Big Blue Bus or Metro maps and information.

LANDSCAPE (Only applicable to certain members)

• Test irrigation system to ensure proper operation and watering schedule. Ensure all spray heads are functioning and not over spraying onto hardscape.

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