The Chamber of Commerce's Sustainability Committee is making great progress with the development of our Green Business Certification Program. As we fine-tune the program's components, there are things your business can do to get a jump start on going green. Once we launch the program and your business joins the certification process, you will earn points for green things you are already doing, so why not get started now?
One of the easiest ways to introduce sustainable initiatives into your business is by forming a Green Team.
A Green Team is a group of volunteer employees who meet regularly to create company or department-wide programs to address topics such as energy and water conservation, transportation, indoor air quality and waste management. The following tips can help you to create your Green Team:
Who is on a Green Team?
It should consist of a variety of employees from different departments or positions. One team member should be from the executive staff, at least in an advisory role, to show executive-level support and help guide the ideas into actionable plans.
What are the first steps?
Decide on a budget. This may be minimal investment of printing team t-shirts or hats and some signs or fliers or a more substantial budget that provides lunches for team meetings, contest prizes, excursions or sustainability seminars.
Start simple.
Most teams find it easier to start with small projects and work their way up to more challenging initiatives. Use the first meeting to have the team walk around the workplace and identify a list of improvements to be made, then prioritize the list. Look for energy efficient practices already in use.
Utilize resources.
Research some basic online green office checklists that can help your team focus on specific categories. Start with a generic list then tailor it to your specific industry and workplace.
Keep meeting!
Be sure the meetings and activities are scheduled in a way that won't interfere with employees' workflow and create stress. Hold the team to their promise of meeting at least once monthly.
Demonstrate executive commitment.
The executive team must commit to reviewing the suggestions and discoveries of the team with the intention to take action. Make sure that the Green Team is empowered to make real change in your organization.
What else can a Green Team do?
• Watch documentaries on environmental topics or invite guest speakers to present about recycling, green purchasing, composting or any sustainability topic of interest.
• Create a bulletin board in a highly visible area highlighting sustainability facts, infographics and suggestions.
• Hold office competitions. Bring in a scale and measure how much garbage each unit or department in your building is creating per capita, make it a fun competition!
• Create a low-impact lunch challenge: no plastic packaging, set up a zero-waste lunch display for inspiration.
Watch for the upcoming re-launch of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Certified Green Business Program. Your Green Team initiatives will have you well on your way to certification and community recognition for your efforts!
In the meantime, join the Sustainability Committee at its next meeting, held at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Chamber, 5934 Priestly Drive.
One of the easiest ways to introduce sustainable initiatives into your business is by forming a Green Team.
A Green Team is a group of volunteer employees who meet regularly to create company or department-wide programs to address topics such as energy and water conservation, transportation, indoor air quality and waste management. The following tips can help you to create your Green Team:
Who is on a Green Team?
It should consist of a variety of employees from different departments or positions. One team member should be from the executive staff, at least in an advisory role, to show executive-level support and help guide the ideas into actionable plans.
What are the first steps?
Decide on a budget. This may be minimal investment of printing team t-shirts or hats and some signs or fliers or a more substantial budget that provides lunches for team meetings, contest prizes, excursions or sustainability seminars.
Start simple.
Most teams find it easier to start with small projects and work their way up to more challenging initiatives. Use the first meeting to have the team walk around the workplace and identify a list of improvements to be made, then prioritize the list. Look for energy efficient practices already in use.
Utilize resources.
Research some basic online green office checklists that can help your team focus on specific categories. Start with a generic list then tailor it to your specific industry and workplace.
Keep meeting!
Be sure the meetings and activities are scheduled in a way that won't interfere with employees' workflow and create stress. Hold the team to their promise of meeting at least once monthly.
Demonstrate executive commitment.
The executive team must commit to reviewing the suggestions and discoveries of the team with the intention to take action. Make sure that the Green Team is empowered to make real change in your organization.
What else can a Green Team do?
• Watch documentaries on environmental topics or invite guest speakers to present about recycling, green purchasing, composting or any sustainability topic of interest.
• Create a bulletin board in a highly visible area highlighting sustainability facts, infographics and suggestions.
• Hold office competitions. Bring in a scale and measure how much garbage each unit or department in your building is creating per capita, make it a fun competition!
• Create a low-impact lunch challenge: no plastic packaging, set up a zero-waste lunch display for inspiration.
Watch for the upcoming re-launch of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Certified Green Business Program. Your Green Team initiatives will have you well on your way to certification and community recognition for your efforts!
In the meantime, join the Sustainability Committee at its next meeting, held at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Chamber, 5934 Priestly Drive.