Utilize the EcoPlanner each month to guide goals and initiatives

Make logging into the GBB EcoPlanner  a task that is done at least once a month. Doing this before a team meeting will give you ideas of initiatives (that have not been done) to work on for the following month. This could be a simple one EcoPoint initiative such as a paper reduction campaign or a larger initiative such as implementing a carpool program or office hoteling.

Utilize the GBB Initiative Filter Option in the GBB EcoLibrary

The GBB database of initiatives, EcoLibrary contains several hundred initiatives from low to high effort, from low to high impact and from low to high cost. Make searching efforts worthwhile by narrowing down the initiative search using these filters in the GBB EcoLibrary on the left hand margin. Choosing combinations of options such as “medium effort” and “ low cost” or “low effort” and “medium cost” to fine tune your list of available initiatives. Use the category filter to look at specific departments, facilities, and functions.  Category examples include: Business practices, bathrooms, breakrooms, office space, print, outdoor, transportation, and community involvement.

Focus on “Low Hanging Fruit” Initiatives to Start

Whether the program is brand new or in its third or fourth year, choose simple low hanging fruit initiatives that have yet to be completed to not only add points to the certification, but to give the company/green team a boost and some things to celebrate. To find some ideas, simply log into the GBB EcoPlanner dashboard. On the left hand side use the sort options to filter for “available” and “low effort” options. There is a vast variety available to choose from. Some initiatives will give one point where others may give as many as 50 points! A few options to consider:

• Use air filter plants throughout the office to improve indoor air quality (4 points)
• Offer an employee incentive program for purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles (50 points)
• Install timmers on non-essential appliances (12 points)
• Set up an office supply reuse center (2 points)
• Sell or donate unneeded furniture and equipment
• Serve and encourage employees to purchase local organic and fair trade food and drink (2 points)
• Assist at least one other business in learning about eco-efficiency and encourage them to join the GBB (2 points)
• Bring sustainability into employees homes through company sponsored education (4 points)
• Offer an office composting program (12 points)
• Purchase trash bin liners made from 35-100% post consumer recycled materials (8 points)
• Offer an office composting for food waste (12 points)

Collaborate on green initiatives with all company departments

Every company’s sustainability champion or leader has a unique position and might be from any corporate function, including Facilities, HR, Manufacturing, Marketing, or Operations. The green team champion needs to understand the company’s sustainability strategy and opportunities and evaluate where the company’s green focus is. Which departments can have the largest impact? Which initiatives will have the largest impact? There may be several departments and areas of the company or building that will need to support the sustainability program and certification project. Be sure to communicate the sustainability program goals and objectives to all departments, executives, and managers. The GBB certification program should be a cross-functional effort.

Take Advantage of Marketing Opportunities

Every company should demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to their employees, customers and partners.  The completion of the GBB certification is a great way to do that. Publishing the clickable GBB Green Business seal on your website is a great way to elevate the brand.  Here are some marketing tips.

• Leverage the online GBB EcoProfile to tell your green story. Publish your certification level, EcoScore, green mission statement, and any other green accomplishments on the company website. Step 5 of the GETTING STARTED steps provides detailed instructions on how to use the online seal and share the code snippet / link with your webmaster.
• Write and post sustainability blogs and articles on your website. Share your GBB green mission statement (captured in the GBB Ecoprofile), accomplishments, and commitments.
• Utilize social media as a free platform to share your content, communicate green company efforts, and celebrate success. GBB also provide social media inserts for marketing to use on Social Media.  Examples include holiday wishes to customers that remind them of your GBB membership and green business commitment. These are provided monthly by GBB to members.
• Share GBB articles, blogs, tips and guide available on the GBB website to employees, stakeholders, and customers.
• Populate your entire GBB EcoProfile for your customers to view all the progress happening at your organization. That includes 1) your green story and mission 2) your accomplishments and milestones 3) your certification level and EcoScore. GBB offers step by step videos to help walk through this process and create a EcoProfile to be proud of.

Engage and Educate Employees Through Internal Communication

Educating employees and internal stakeholders can be just as important as educating customers about the efforts of the green certification. The certification process helps engage all employees who want to make a difference and be part of the company’s purpose beyond profit. It’s a chance to create a green culture and let employees drive the cause.

The Green Business Bureau can help with this. They can provide guest speakers for company-wide events. They also provide support for writing member stories and collaborating on member profiles. In addition the website hosts hundreds of blogs/articles on a variety of topics for employees from “green teams” to “ROI”.