Green Business Checklist
A Green business is smart business. Pursuing green initiatives provides bottom line cost savings, as well as a competitive advantage in the marketplace. It allows your company to act proactively to address new environmental requirements from vendors and suppliers, while getting ahead of upcoming legislation. A solid environmental program also attracts the highest quality employees to your company and keeps those that you have happy and healthy. Use this framework as a starter to help evaluate / audit a business for green initiatives.
How often should this be used?
An annual review is recommended to keep everything on track.
Library
Categories
Green Business
Company Policy
Are all management on board to start making a green business
The company policy comply with all environmental regulations.
Compliance with the policies, practices, and employee instructions is monitored.
There is a formal tracking and reporting system of energy/utility/waste/water usage.
There is an awareness program for energy conservation.
Energy Use
Energy efficient lighting such as LED are in use.
There are motion detectors or other devices that turn off lights automatically.
Exterior and interior lighting during closing hours are kept to a minimum.
Employees are instructed to shut down personal computers at the end of each work period.
Office coffee makers with continuous "ON" heating plates or elements are prohibited.
Work stations with multiple devices are powered through power strips that are turned off at the end of the work day.
Facilities have been inspected for air leaks and corrective action has been taken where necessary.
HVAC systems are managed to reduce energy use during times of low or no occupancy.
Natural gas or LPG is used for cooking and water heating.
Solar or wind power system has been installed.
A professional energy audit has been done.
Building
Construction or renovation project has been certified to meet environmental standards.
Green/open space or walkways are available on the premises.
Premises are kept free of litter, graffiti, disused or discarded equipment/materials.
Clean Air and Water
Facilities have been evaluated to identify actual and potential sources of pollution.
The use of synthetic chemical fertilizer is avoided or prohibited.
Pesticides have been reduced or eliminated.
Supplies and cleaning products are chosen based on a goal of minimizing harmful or hazardous contents.
Employee - Community Relations
Financial incentives are offered to employees who bike, take public transportation, or walk to work.
Smoking is prohibited on the premises.
Financial support is provided to local or regional environmental groups or projects.
Preference is given whenever practicable to local suppliers and products produced locally or regionally.
