In 1994, businessman John Elkington coined the term “triple bottom line.” He advised that people, planet, and profit should play an equal role in business strategy and practice. Fifteen years later, companies are implementing planet-friendly and socially conscious practices. Collectively, these initiatives are lowering costs, attracting quality employees, building devoted consumers and establishing strong competitive advantages.
Commitment to an environmentally friendly workplace is two-pronged. First, a business must consciously engage the idea of making healthy decisions and instill this commitment within their team. Second, a business must employ “green” practical strategies on a daily basis. The following includes ten practices that range from the simplest of measures to more costly longer term initiatives.
Seek out green options
for every purchase, large
or small.
From packaging materials to company vehicles, seek out eco-friendly options. For example, if your current supplier doesn’t carry biodegradable packing peanuts, make a request that they source them. Most companies, especially smaller and local organizations such as Cutting Edge Packaging Solutions of Ooltewah, will be happy to accommodate customer needs.
Promote online and face-to-face communication.
Email and instant messaging should be encouraged between office employees. Though there is a scant environmental impact associated with the energy used in online communication, it beats a pile of memos in the trash. Even better, encourage employees to communicate face-to-face: call a meeting, walk to a co-workers desk, or take a stroll together to discuss a business opportunity.
Work to reduce waste.
The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year. Encourage employees to print on both sides of paper. Print on the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper or drafts. Employees should be instructed to review their work thoroughly on the computer and print only when necessary. Also, encourage listening; clear communication ensures that things are done right the first time and eliminates a wasteful redo.
Adjust the thermostat.
Set the gauge at a reasonable temperature and allow employees to dress accordingly. Suit jackets may look spiffy, but they demand a super-cool office to keep the staff comfortable. Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, utilizing a night setting on the thermostat conserves energy when the office is not in use. Programmable units, which adjust themselves according to set schedules, offer energy-saving with ease.
Recycle.
This is the most obvious, and, though it may be done at home, it is often forgotten at the office. Depending on the recycling services in your area, have bins for paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and aluminum. In addition, have an e-waste bin for electronics such as old cell phones, chargers, DVDs, CDs, inkjet cartridges, and computers. Often these items can be refurbished or harvested for parts. Check your local listings for e-recycle companies.
Karen Goldman and John Jerman, owners of Office Furniture Warehouse in Chattanooga, offer a great way to get more bang for your eco-buck. Operating under the slogan “Saving the planet one cubicle at a time,” Goldman and Jerman sell pre-owned furniture to outfit any office, from small businesses to large corporations. Businesses that purchase from Office Furniture Warehouse have the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve saved something from the landfill.
Be bright about light.
Artificial lighting accounts for 44% of the electricity use in office buildings. Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you are leaving any room for 15 minutes or more, and utilize natural light when you can. Make it a policy to buy Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures, which use at least two-thirds less energy than regular lighting.
Power off.
Computers in the business sector unnecessarily waste $1 billion worth of electricity each year. Instead of letting computers and other electronics power down into sleep mode, institute a mandatory shut off of all computers and electronic devices every night after work. Use powerstrips instead of wall outlets, and simply switch off the power strips before you leave.
Offer flexible work schedules.
Many offices across the country now allow employees to work from home in order to save resources at the office, as well as conserve on transportation. While the work-from-home concept is not feasible in every situation, instituting a condensed work week - such as working four 10-hour days - or offering employees flextime can also help save energy and fuel costs. What’s more, employees generally see these alternative work schedules as a bonus.
Educate employees
and ask for advice.
By getting the entire team on board, a business is more likely to achieve success. When green policies are put into place, gather employees for an informational meeting. If needed, post signs above trash cans reminding employees to “Think Before You Throw,” or near the coffee pot; encourage them to bring a non-disposable mug for their morning cup of joe. Ask for suggestions; offer incentives for those who institute green practices, and be willing to entertain any ideas that come along.
Consult with professionals.
Conservation companies are becoming more available to assist with reducing operating costs. For example, Applied Energy Conservation Systems, located in Chattanooga, develop plans and provide equipment to reduce electrical costs by as much as 10 – 25%. According to their web site, clients normally experience a 30 to 50% return on their investment.
In addition to lowering costs, a green office will attract a new type of employee, as well. Talented professionals, often young men and women, are attracted to businesses that are committed to green practices. According to GreenBiz.com, an online resource about aligning environmental responsibility with business success, a recent survey showed that 92% of young workers would choose to work for an environmentally friendly company.
Jack Wiley, Ph.D., of the Kenexa Research Institute reports that the benefits of having a corporate responsibility program include: increasing an organization’s competitive advantage when recruiting; setting the organization apart from the competition in terms of the employment brand; creating an elevated sense of teamwork among employees, and helping to establish an emotional tie between the employee and the organization. For the company, this results in greater employee commitment and fewer costly turnovers.
As for consumers, savvy, often educated professionals are seeking to support those companies with a commitment to green. The Consumerist (www.consumerist.com) reports, “More than anything, consumers want to do business with companies who stand for something, so aligning your business with socially responsible activities and causes is an important strategy toward building a thriving, sustainable business.” These consumers become loyal to brands and companies that are committed to the health and well-being of their environment.
Skip Ireland of Chattanooga Office Supply, a company committed to making green easy in the workplace, has reached the same conclusion. “The people who are really into being green seek out their own information and make their own choices based on their research,” Ireland says. He adds that the majority of consumers may not complete an extensive study such as those deeply committed to greening, but consumers do want to make sustainable choices and will do so when presented with the option. Therefore, it stands to reason that a company with a true commitment to environmental sustainability has a leg up on those without such a commitment.
If the concept of a triple bottom line sounds like a utopian reverie of the intellectual elite, rest assured that companies - either as a result of consumer demand or increased awareness - are implementing environmentally and people-friendly practices. Local and international, small and large— businesses are realizing that an investment in green business practices pays back in many ways.