Running Green to Core

SmartSource has made a conscious and deliberate effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has instituted several green initiatives which demonstrate a strong commitment to the environment. These initiatives range from conservation policies and product line repurposing to LEED education and green transportation. At the core of SmartSource’s green movement is a corporate philosophy that emanates from the top.

CEO & President Mike McClernon explained, “We believe that we are responsible, both individually and as a company, to act in a way that conserves natural resources, reduces and redirects the waste stream, and reutilizes already manufactured goods. We have found that with practice and focus, it’s quite possible to do the right thing environmentally in the context of a cost-conscious, efficient and profitable business.”

SmartSource’s environmental preservation measures have been underway for the past several years. The company has been applying a multi-pronged approach to integrate sound policies and procedures into its business. One example is the new standard it has set by taking equipment that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill, reclaiming its current shell and electronics, and then integrating the latest cell phone charging technology to create a new product that is already gaining an enthusiastic response. The product, the SmartCharge™ Kiosk, is a mobile device charging station which enables up to eight mobile devices to be charged simultaneously in under ten minutes. The kiosk is proving ideal for trade shows, conferences and other events both by meeting the needs of attendees, and also event sponsors who can project their marketing messages on the kiosk’s built-in screen during the time it takes for recharging devices.

McClernon continued, “What better way to conserve, refurbish and reuse. Our modernization of these units makes environmental and business sense.” Through SmartSource’s repurposing of the kiosks, 75 kiosks have remained out of landfills and are now being used to meet a real need.

In addition to its kiosk repurposing initiative, SmartSource is making a human capital investment in terms of “green” education. One of its employees, Operations Analyst Meredith Lewis, has obtained her certification as a LEED Green Associate with the Green Building Certification Institute. The credential distinguishes professionals as having fundamental knowledge of LEED and green building, and a commitment to sustainability.

“Being a LEED Green Associate helps me further develop green initiatives related to not only reducing waste and increasing recycling, but also building an overall greener infrastructure and business,” said Lewis. “At SmartSource, we are continually working to build internal compliance, implement new initiatives and reduce our company’s overall impact on our world.”

From a recycling standpoint, SmartSource is requiring all 23 of its locations to recycle all cardboard. It has already recycled between 50,000 and 60,000 pounds of cardboard and paper this year with a goal of reaching 100,000 pounds. Additionally, all electronic waste not refurbished or reused in equipment repairs is being recycled. Through May 2012, the company recycled between 40,000 and 50,000 pounds of electronic wastes and projects recycling 100,000 pounds of electronic waste by year’s end. McClernon estimated that approximately 25% of SmartSource’s total waste stream and 20% of its eligible waste stream is recycled.

SmartSource’s physical facilities have also gone green. As the company opens new locations or upgrades current buildings, green technologies and methodologies are being deployed. These technologies include: energy-efficient LED warehouse lighting, occupancy sensors, passive ventilation and day lighting in offices – all to reduce energy consumption and related costs. In addition, SmartSource will be introducing ultra-low flow fixtures to reduce its water consumption. To date, three SmartSource facilities have been built and/or refurbished with these green measures in mind.

Finally, SmartSource looked at its fleet and has begun replacing vehicles with more fuel-efficient models. Currently, over a third of the company’s fleet is comprised of Dodge and Mercedes-Benz diesel-powered Sprinters. These vehicles afford better fuel efficiency, less fuel waste and a longer vehicle lifespan which, in turn, is helping reduce vehicle turnover rates.

“All of the measures we have implemented at SmartSource have been the right thing to do environmentally and have been achieved in a cost neutral or net positive manner for the company,” added McClernon.

About SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals

Founded in 1984 and formerly known as Rent-a-PC, Inc., SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals serves broad-based corporate IT, association, professional AV and trade show technology rental needs. The company is widely recognized for its outstanding customer service, technical expertise, geographic reach, breadth of product, and end-to-end solution. Its extensive line features brand name products from Apple, Dell, HP/Compaq, IBM, NEC, Eiki, Meyer, Stumpfl, and others. Among its products are computers, servers, copiers, professional AV equipment, LCD and plasma monitors, kiosks, digital signage and video walls. SmartSource employs over 250 including over 100 field technicians. Its 23 strategic locations are in: Anaheim, CA; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; College Station, TX; Dallas, TX; Englewood, NJ; Eugene, OR; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Las Vegas, NV; Long Island, NY; Los Angeles, CA; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO; and Washington, DC.   Kirtland Capital Partners, a private equity firm in Cleveland, Ohio, holds a majority interest in SmartSource Rentals. For more information, visit: www.smartsourcerentals.com or call: (800) 888-8686.

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