Clean Footprint Sets Appointments with Solar Developers for Solar Power International 2013

Florida-based solar finance and development company to set appointments with solar developers regarding shovel-ready projects

Cape Canaveral, Fl., October 16, 2013 – Representatives from Clean Footprint, Central Florida’s leading solar finance and development company, are attending Solar Power International 2013 (SPI) in Chicago, Illinois on October 21st through the 24th. Currently, the company is setting appointments with solar developers interested in Clean Footprints turn-key solar solutions, including solar financing, EPC, O&M and their state-of-the-art solar monitoring systems.

“SPI is a huge opportunity Clean Footprint to network with solar developers and other industry executives,” said Jeffrey Burkett, Advisor for Clean Footprint. “We’re reaching out to developers with shovel ready projects that need help getting their projects pushed through. Whether it’s solar financing, EPC, or other obstacles that stand between them and commissioning, Clean Footprint can help.”

Clean Footprint’s management team has an extensive background in the installation, management and financing of solar PV systems. To date, the teams experience equates to 120 MW’s of installed solar capacity.

“Our goal is to bring solar projects online quickly and in a cost-effective manner,” added Burkett. “We are committed to helping solar developers be better at what they do.”

Solar Power International is powered by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). More than 15,000 solar energy industry professionals from over 75 countries are expected to attend the four day solar tradeshow. Since its inaugural show in 2013, SPI has served the solar energy industry by bringing together the people, products and opportunities that drive the solar industry.
If you are a solar developer with a shovel-ready project and need help getting your project to fruition, set a meeting with the executives of Clean Footprint at SPI 2013. For anyone who would like to setup a meeting with a Clean Footprint attendee, please contact John Kluwin at 727-466-8896.

About Clean Footprint 
Located in Central Florida, Clean Footprint consists of an energetic team of professionals with experience installing PV systems equating to 120MW’s of solar capacity. Fully engaged in solar financing, EPC, solar monitoring, and solar operation and maintenance, Clean Footprint works together with solar developers to bring utility-scale commercial solar PV projects to fruition that are reliable, cost effective, and sustainable. For more information, visit http://clean-footprint.com or phone (727) 466-8896.

Clean Footprint Attends Clean Energy Congress 2.0 in Tallahassee, Florida

Energy business leaders and stakeholders gathered in the Historic Capital for a full-day session to propose, debate and vote on energy policy priorities for the 2014 session

Cape Canaveral, Fl., October 7^th, 2013 – Representatives from Clean Footprint, Central Florida’s leading solar finance and development company, attended Clean Energy Congress 2.0 held in the Historic Capital, Senate Chamber in Tallahassee, Florida  on Monday.  The purpose of the Congress was to eliminate obstacles for a robust competitive energy market and diversify the states generation mix.

“The Congress develops a vision for Florida’s energy future,” said Wes Morrison, Director of Sales and Marketing for Clean Footprint.   “It also enables Florida energy leaders to debate and discuss policy proposals which will propel Florida energy policy past any political gridlock holding our state back.”

Clean Energy Congress 2.0 gave stakeholders a chance to hear from experts, consider proposals for policy changes and vote for measures to help keep energy dollars within the State.

The Clean Energy Congress’ goal is to bring business leaders, educators, innovators, and policy makers together to debate Florida energy policy.  Sixty-seven delegates were invited to attend to assure a good mix of stakeholders; however, the event was also open to the public.  Rethink Energy Florida and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, with the assistance of the office of Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, hosted The Clean Energy Congress 2.0. 

The goals and policy considerations delegates brought to Congress to debate were to:

1.    Remove barriers to diversifying Florida’s energy mix through a robust renewable energy market, with the goal of the near-term development of at least one gigawatt (1 GW) of new solar energy in Florida.

2.    Create an open and transparent Public Service Commission process.

3.    Meet electricity demand through energy efficiency that costs less than new power plants.

4.    Make Florida a leader in clean transportation.

5.    Boost Florida’s economy through jobs in the renewable sector.

Read more now about the specific goals and policy considerations.

Following the debate, John Porter and Kurt Easton of Clean Footprint and the company’s advisors Chris Castro and Susan Glickman attended the Clean Energy Business Legislative Reception in the Rotunda and Senate Chamber.  The reception recognized Clean Energy Champions in The Florida Legislature. 

“The entire experience was an excellent opportunity for our company to connect with the other business leaders, advocates and lawmakers in our State, but more importantly, it was an opportunity for Florida to become a leader in renewable energy,” added Morrison. “Clean Footprint has a passion for clean energy, especially for Florida, and we were honored to have attended Clean Energy Congress.”

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About Clean Footprint

Located in Central Florida, Clean Footprint consists of an energetic team of professionals with experience installing PV systems equating to 120MW’s of solar capacity.  Fully engaged in solar financing, EPC, solar monitoring, and solar operation and maintenance, Clean Footprint works together with solar developers, to bring utility-scale, commercial solar PV projects to fruition that are reliable, cost effective, and sustainable. For more information, visit http://cleanfootprint.com, by email, or phone at (727) 466-8896.

Who Do You Call for all Your Facility Needs?

As a commercial facilities manager, property manager or asset manager, you’re skilled at juggling a list of day-to-day activities that would make most people’s heads spin!   Your typical daily to do list may look like this:  Building one needs several offices painted, someone dumped an old couch behind building two, the entire parking lot needs to have the pot holes repaired and the all the sidewalks need pressure washing.  Feel the stress building?

After taking a deep breath, you pick up the phone and start dialing. 

 Call the painter, leave him a message.

 Call the bulk debris removal company, leave them a message.

 Call the paving contractor, leave them a message.

 Call the pressure washing guy. Leave him a message. 

Then, the waiting game begins.  Will anyone return the call?  Are these places still in business?  Who else do I know that I can call if so-and-so doesn’t call back?  All those thoughts run through your brain. 

There has to be an Easier Way!

Managing multiple projects, contractors, responsibilities and expectations takes time and energy.  Plus, the frustration levels increase when contractors don’t call back, don’t show up, jobs take longer than expected and quotes run over budget.   What if there was an easier way to get the job done, and done right?

All Your Facilities Needs Under One Roof

There is an easier way to manage all of your facility needs.  A one-stop-shop for facility needs.  Simply make one call, speak to an actual person and let them know what you need done.  It’s that simple.  No unreturned calls, unanswered voicemails, or other communication issues.

Who Can Help You?  We Can!

You may already be using American Facility Services (AFS) for your parking lot sweeping or porter services, but what you may not know is AFS is more than just that.  We’re a one-stop-shop to all your commercial facility needs.

It’s true!  One call really does do it all.  With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS’ portfolio of commercial facility services enable our clients the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property needs. 

We offer complete  building maintenance services, bulk debris removal, janitorial services, pressure washing, hydro-cleaning, asphalt paving, asphalt repair, sealcoating, commercial painting, parking lot maintenance, general contracting, and of course parking lot sweeping and porter services.

AFS strives to complete projects on time, for a competitive price and satisfy our customers with job well done.  For a free proposal geared to your particular facility, give American Facility Services a call or get an online quote today!

About American Facility Services

Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service.  With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS’ portfolio of commercial facility services enable our clients the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property needs.  Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Putting the Finishing Touches on Your Parking Lot

After sealcoating a parking area or paving your lot, you know you’ll need to have new parking lines striped and other pavement markings made for things like handicapped spaces and crosswalks.  But, what some people overlook when freshening up the appearance of their parking area are their parking lot signs. 

Parking lot signs are important to the organization, safety and security of your parking lot.  From directional signs to pedestrian crossing signs there are hundreds of different types of parking lot signs to choose from. 

ABC Paving and Sealcoating can not only handle all of your asphalt paving needs, but we also are experts in line striping design and pavement marking layouts.  We also install high quality traffic signs and safety devices.

What type of parking lot signs do you need?

Directional Parking Signs – This type of sign helps drivers find entrances, exits, specific buildings, parking areas, and more.   These signs help clearly and professionally indicate where parking is available or point the direction to an exit with an arrow and the word exit clearly marked.

Fire Lane Signs – To ensure that fire trucks and ambulances have access to your building and parking area as quickly as possible, fire lane signs clearly designate fire lanes and no parking areas.

Pick Up and Drop Off Signs – Posting pick up and drop off signs or loading zone signs on your property will indicate to drivers where the proper zones are in your parking lot.  These signs can be beneficial to your customers who may have purchased a large item.  They can pull their vehicle directly into the designated loading area.  For visitors dropping off children or elderly people, a parking lot sign that designates a drop off area can be beneficial to a driver so that they will know where it is safe to stop and left their passengers out.

Parking Lot Property Signs - If you’re looking to enforce safety and security policies in parking lots to deter unwanted activities, consider getting a few parking lot signs to display your properties notices, regulations or restrictions.  You’ve seen them at other facilities, the wording may vary but will read something to this effect:  NOTICE, We are not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents, park at your own risk.  Or, another option would be one that read: Private Property, NO loitering, soliciting, skateboards, rollerblades.

Pedestrian Crossing Signs – To clearly mark crosswalk areas, crosswalk signs get the attention of drivers and pedestrians and offer crossing directions.  Some signs may read:  State Law, Stop for Pedestrians within Crosswalk. 

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating

With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor.  ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including:  asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs, site preparation and signs and safety devices.  We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner.  For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate.

Asphalt Pavement Checklist for Facilities Maintenance

Most property managers have facilities maintenance checklists for the interior and exterior of their buildings including the landscaping and parking lots.  On a regular basis, the items on these checklists are reviewed; repairs are noted and performed to keep the property in pristine condition.  In this article we’ll focus on the items on those checklists that refer to the upkeep of a facilities parking lot.

Asphalt Pavement Checklist

1)    Asphalt Sealing

Why should I sealcoat my asphalt?

Sealcoating asphalt pavement protects the surface of a parking lot from oxidation and damage from oil, gas and salt.  It also minimizes the need for asphalt repairs by weatherizing the surface which helps prevent water from being able to seep into cracks.  If not properly sealed, pavement starts to unravel and potholes form.

After installation, asphalt should be sealed between six months and a year and then approximately every two years after depending on weather conditions, traffic patterns, and wear and tear.

2)    Crack Filling

What should be done about cracks in your asphalt?

Each year, your parking lot should be inspected for asphalt cracks.  Sealing cracks in asphalt prevents moisture from degrading the structural components of the surface.  For asphalt cracks that are smaller than a quarter of an inch wide, sealcoat can be used.  However, cracks that exceed these dimensions will require your paving contractor to apply a crack sealer. 

To perform this necessary maintenance, the crack should be cleaned of all debris, including loose asphalt, vegetation and other foreign objects.  Once the crack sealer is applied and has set, the pavement should be properly sealcoated for ultimate protection.

3)    Pothole Repair

Why do potholes form?

Potholes occur when water permeates asphalt pavement through a crack in the surface.  Combined with wear and tear, the soil beneath the crack will soften, and eventually create a depression.  Over time, the asphalt will unravel and breakdown into its sub-particles – gravel, sand and stones. 

In northern states, asphalt patches applied in winter months typically do not hold up as well as potholes repairs that were made during warmer months.  Due to the mild temperatures in Florida, pothole repairs can be completed almost year round.

4)    Asphalt Pavement Replacement

When should I replace asphalt pavement?

Often it’s difficult for someone without years of asphalt pavement experience to determine just by looking at a parking lot whether it can be repaired or, due to cost of repairs, it is a better financial decision to replace it entirely.  That’s where the professionals come into play. 

Over time, even a parking lot that has been well-maintained over the years will eventually deteriorate and need replacement.  Asphalt experts will analyze the entire paved area for the current conditions.  A few other factors that need consideration are drainage, traffic load and any issues caused by landscape – such as a large tree with roots wreaking havoc under a pavements surface.

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating

With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor.  ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including:  asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation.  We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner.  For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate.

Top 8 Things a Janitorial Service Can Do For Your Business

If you’re on the fence about hiring a janitorial service for your commercial facility, just take a quick look at some of the benefits and services you gain from contracting with a cleaning company.

1)    Personnel – With a cleaning service or janitorial service, you don’t have to hire in-house employees.  You contract with a maintenance company for those services.

2)    Office Cleaning – Your offices are kept clean and orderly on a daily or weekly basis according to the needs of your particular facility.

3)    Restroom Sanitation – With a janitorial service, your restrooms are regularly restocked with toilet paper, hand towels, soap, air freshener and seat covers.  Proper sanitation of the restrooms including cleaning of the toilets, urinals, partitions, walls, floors, sinks, fixtures, countertops, and mirrors is also taken care of for you by your cleaning service.

4)    Green Cleaning Services – The environment and your health is important to all of us.  To reduce the amount of chemicals in your workplace atmosphere and our world, professional green cleaning offers non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning products which are safe, reliable and efficient.

5)    Emergency Cleaning Services – In the event of a natural disaster, break-in or other situation where your office space is in need of emergency cleaning, your janitorial service can assist you with this type of clean-up.  Janitorial services have emergency response teams available for dispatch in the event of an unanticipated cleaning event.

6)    Window and Skylight Cleaning – Having a polished image of your company starts with the curb appeal of your facility.  Plus, spotless windows let in more sunlight improving the mood and energy levels of your employees and customers.  A janitorial service can provide this cost-effective way to improve the look and feel of your facility.

7)    Pressure Washing – Welcoming your customers to your parking lot and business with a clean exterior appearance is important.  High-pressure sprayers and hydro cleaning methods restore and maintain building exteriors, roofs, concrete walkways and sidewalks.  Commercial cleaning services that offer pressure washing for the exterior of your facility can even offer a service that includes use of  an EPA compliant, water recovery system.

8)    Day Porter Services – A continuous flow of visitors through your building poses a significant challenge in terms of housekeeping.  Day porter services can be contracted to keep common areas like cafeterias, lobbies, lounges and conference rooms clean.  They can also assist with window cleaning, monitoring the restrooms for cleaning and paper supply replenishment.

About American Facility Services

Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service. AFS Janitorial, a division of AFS, provides cleanings services to a wide range of facilities including commercial cleaning in high-rise office buildings, restaurants, and auto dealerships.  With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS’ portfolio of commercial facility services enable our clients the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property needs.  Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.