Completed Initiatives
Initiative Description
Points
100% of your power supply is from on-site renewable energy solutions (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) to reduce your business’s scope 2 emissions
120
Use high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, like high efficiency toilets (HETs) and urinals (HEUs) to minimize water use and waste
48
Source 100% of your company’s energy from a third-party renewable power provider to reduce business scope 2 emissions
40
Upgrade from older fluorescent T12, T8 and T5 lamps to LED alternatives
36
Use a tankless or otherwise highly efficient hot water heater
36
Rent or purchase a building that is close to public transportation stops and bike paths
36
Limit impermeable surfaces such as parking lot blacktop and concrete sidewalks or install a rain garden
35
Replace water-intensive grass with regionally native, climate resilient ground coverings
32
Have a composting program for your business/home food waste
30
Implement a comprehensive recycling program including education, proper sinage, and monitoring
27
Install or choose a building with a green roof to reduce your building’s heating/cooling needs
25
Eliminate individual bottles of water for employees and guests by installing water filtration systems.
24
Use energy saving clothes washers
24
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
Schedule regular maintenance on company vehicles to ensure each vehicle is operating as efficiently as possible to reduce emissions
18
Install light switch occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present
18
Set up an in-room and front-of-house recycling program.
18
Set up a composting program
18
Use bulk-dispensed shampoo and other amenities in guest rooms
18
Supply extra blankets to guests in the winter so the temperature can be turned down at night
18
Arrange the workspace to take advantage of areas with natural sunlight; design future spaces with natural lighting opportunities in mind
12
All windows are double pane, low-E, and energy efficient
12
Use a drip irrigation system for watering landscaping
12
Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances to reduce business scope 2 emissions
12
Use sensors on vending machines and place the machines in shaded areas
12
Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation and heat loss when the pool is not in use
12
Provide equitable opportunities to ensure women have equal access to employment, leadership roles, and pay.
12
Provide fair and appropriate breaks for workers based on hours worked and enforce a strict policy that they must take them
12
Properly dispose of all hazardous waste materials including batteries, paint and chemicals, lightbulbs, aerosol cans, and electronics
9
Install water flow rate controls (aerators) on faucets to reduce water 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
Ensure all windows and doors are properly installed, functioning, maintained, and weather-stripped, etc.
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
Establish a paperless billing program for your customers and encourage use by creating incentives
8
Have accessible green space somewhere onsite or in close proximity to grounds including a garden, walking trail, or courtyard
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
Replace wire/plastic hangers with permanent, closed-loop hangers
6
Make guest registration paperless
6
Use the carbon calculator tool included in GBB membership to measure your current carbon footprint. Reassess quarterly as you meet energy use goals
6
Recycle or sell your used toner cartridges
4
Eliminate the use of disposable batteries and switch entirely to rechargeable
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
Use virtual meeting platforms to replace travel when possible
4
Institute an optional towel and linen reuse policy for guests
4
Place notes near lights to remind guests to turn off lights when not in use
4
Replace disposable dishes in rooms with glass or ceramic substitutes
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
Reduce the number of garbage bin liners by reusing bags, or having unlined bins
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