gold
571
GBB points earned
Completed Initiatives
Initiative Description
Points
Ensure at least 60% or more of your dry cleaning process uses SystemK4, Siloxane D5 (GreenEarth brand or other), Parrafin-Hydrocarbon, Modified HC/Alcohol Blends (Sensene), Modified HC/Glycol Blends (Intense, HC Boost), LCO2 or a combination of these chemicals/systems.
45
Upgrade from older fluorescent T12, T8 and T5 lamps to LED alternatives
36
Use a tankless or otherwise highly efficient hot water heater
36
Purchase 25-49% of products and services from green-certified or Green Business Bureau vendors
36
Regular maintenance schedule for all boilers, return systems, steam traps, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems.
36
Optimize your on-premise servers and business systems by ensuring the hardware is up-to-date and energy efficient
24
Use washable electrostatic furnace and air conditioning filters to reduce waste and improve indoor air quality
20
Plant native, regionally-friendly plants to minimize water use and impact on local habitat
20
After completing the energy audit/assessment, develop a comprehensive energy use and conservation plan with measurable goals to optimize energy usage and reduce emissions
20
Proactive Waste Handling – unregulated waste to be hauled away by licensed hazardous waste hauler.
20
Ensure Appropriate disposal of drycleaning waste water.
20
Eliminate all single-use paper, styrofoam or plastic cups, plates, and utensils in the kitchen area. Use reusable mugs, dishes, and silverware instead
18
Insulate your steam pipes.
18
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
Optimize the color of your outside walls and the roof for your climate
12
Only using biodegradable detergents and additives in commercial industry.
12
Properly dispose of all hazardous waste materials including batteries, paint and chemicals, lightbulbs, aerosol cans, and electronics
9
Conduct a comprehensive water usage assessment/audit to pinpoint specific areas of water usage and waste
8
Install a filtered water tap or water bottle refill station that provide high-quality drinking water and encourage employees to use them in place of bottled water
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
Replace regular light bulbs with LED bulbs that last longer and save energy
8
Undergo regular and complete check-ups and maintenance of your HVAC or A/C system
8
Use 34% biobased content laundry cleaners (general purpose)
6
Offer incentives to customers who recycle hangers and purchase/use reusable garment bags.
6
Create a garment recycling program.
6
Place a company employee on the organizing committee for the same or another event to achieve maximum involvement and exposure
4
Become an active member, either by serving on the board, donating or volunteering time for an organization that continually works to improve the environment nationally or in your area
4
Recycle or sell your used toner cartridges
4
Purchase recycled or remanufactured toner cartridges
4
Develop a paper reduction policy that clearly defines when and how items should be printed to significantly reduce paper usage and consumption
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
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
Use air-filtering plants throughout the office to improve indoor air quality and employee wellbeing
4
Print and copy double-sided when possible, to significantly reduce paper use and waste
4
Make your business’ sustainability efforts a central part of your message by filling out and linking to your GBB Member Profile and publishing your sustainability commitment on your website
4
Choose bio-based, reused, recycled, recyclable, or FSC certified boxes and bags for business shipping needs
4
Reuse, sell, or donate used or unneeded furniture, equipment, and office supplies
4
Use virtual meeting platforms to replace travel when possible
4
Use of post consumer recycled paper for garment packaging – 25% to 30%.
4
Minimize air conditioning usage through natural ventilation by opening windows
3
Use of Biodegradable poly bags.
3
Use of Recyclable Poly Bags (customer use).
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
Assist at least one other business in learning about sustainability, social responsibility, and green business efforts and encourage them to join the GBB
2
Create paper product and paper stuffing recycling program.
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