silver
267
GBB points earned
Completed Initiatives
Initiative Description
Points
Upgrade from older fluorescent T12, T8 and T5 lamps to LED alternatives
36
Use a tankless or otherwise highly efficient hot water heater
36
Eliminate all single-use paper, styrofoam or plastic cups, plates, and utensils in the kitchen area. Use reusable mugs, dishes, and silverware instead
18
Plant native, region-friendly plants to minimize the impact on the local habitat and to limit the amount of irrigation water needed
18
Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat to automate your HVAC or A/C system
16
Purchase all office paper products made from 50-100% recycled materials
12
Arrange the workspace to take advantage of areas with natural sunlight; design future spaces with natural lighting opportunities in mind
12
Properly dispose of all hazardous waste materials including batteries, paint and chemicals, lightbulbs, aerosol cans, and electronics
9
Purchase trash bins and liners made from 100% bio-based or 50-100% recycled materials
8
Conduct an energy assessment/audit to pinpoint specific areas of energy use and waste
8
Encourage employee carpools
8
Significantly limit the amount of physical marketing materials you produce and limit amount of paper used (envelopes from marketing materials – use fold and mail when possible)
8
Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, bio-based cleaning products
8
Replace regular light bulbs with LED bulbs that last longer and save energy
8
Choose paperless billing with vendors, business partners, and suppliers when possible
6
Eliminate unnecessary paper usage as much as possible including forms, contracts, meeting agendas and materials, proofs, and drafts
6
Recycle or sell your used toner cartridges
4
Purchase recycled or remanufactured toner cartridges
4
Change your HVAC or A/C filters every six months or more frequently as is recommended by filter type
4
Regularly test your irrigation system to ensure proper configuration, optimized watering schedule, and eliminate overwatering and waste
4
Designate carpool, hybrid, and EV parking spaces that are in preferred areas of your parking lot (e.g. closer to the building entrance or covered)
4
Reduce junk mail by removing your business’ name from national direct marketing databases
4
Use reusable cleaning products such as towels and sponges, eliminating paper towels
4
Print and copy double-sided when possible, to significantly reduce paper use and waste
4
Choose bio-based, reused, recycled, recyclable, or FSC certified boxes and bags for business shipping needs
4
Minimize air conditioning usage through natural ventilation by opening windows
3
Designate your office as a smoke-free working environment with outside smoking areas 25 feet away from building entry areas and common walkways
2
Use ceiling fans in place of air conditioning when possible
2
Organize sustainability committee or green team to serve as your company’s leading advocates for greening efforts
1
Complete GBB’s Getting Started steps, including filling out your company’s Member Profile and the GBB Assessment
1
Develop a sustainability mission statement for your business and define your company’s core commitments
1
Populate your company’s green accomplishments in your EcoProfile
1
Announce your GBB Membership to all employees. Share the company green mission and commitment to become greener.
1
Use natural odor elimination
1
Relax the office dress code to allow for attire that doesn’t require dry cleaning
1