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gold
681
gbb points earned
Completed Initiatives
Initiative Description
Points
Use high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, like high efficiency toilets (HETs) and urinals (HEUs) to minimize water use and waste
48
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
Implement a comprehensive recycling program including education, proper sinage, and monitoring
27
Install faucets with controls that turn off automatically (motion sensors)
25
Create a fund/scholarship for local youth to pursue higher education
24
Create a pathway program for local youths to intern and eventually become employed at your company
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
Install light switch occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present
18
Provide a product or service, as part of your company’s core strategy, that delivers a social or environmental benefit and/or focuses on an underserved part of the community.
18
Provide a benefits package that meets the needs of employees, and is well-defined, accessible and transparent to all workers
18
Provide a living wage for all employees, at all levels of the organization including both full time and part time workers.
18
Choose a pest control service that minimizes the use of toxic pesticides and the negative health effects on building occupants and the environment
16
Define, institute, and clearly communicate a policy to prioritize employee diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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
All windows are double pane, low-E, and energy efficient
12
Optimize the color of your outside walls and the roof for your climate
12
Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances to reduce business scope 2 emissions
12
Install bike racks outside of the office or choose a building with ample bike racks on-site to support the amount of employees
12
Develop an office thermostat policy that maintains internal air temperature within the recommended temperature range, and eliminates A/C and heating usage when the building is not occupied
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
Institute a policy for providing training, certification, and professional development opportunities to employees
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
Purchase trash bins and liners made from 100% bio-based or 50-100% recycled materials
8
Ensure all windows and doors are properly installed, functioning, maintained, and weather-stripped, etc.
8
Replace regular light bulbs with LED bulbs that last longer and save energy
8
Ensure there are no harmful VOCs or chemical fumes in building furnishings, coverings, and walls including paint, curtains/blinds, carpet, flooring, and furniture
8
Undergo regular and complete check-ups and maintenance of your HVAC or A/C system
8
Establish a paperless billing program for your customers and encourage use by creating incentives
8
Use recycled and environmentally preferred office supplies such as pens, notebooks, etc.
8
Regularly evaluate employee satisfaction through interviews, surveys, or calculation of employee net promoter score
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
Administer company-wide employee training on sustainability efforts both at work and at home
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
Conduct exit interviews to gain insights on company culture and operations and make improvements based on feedback
6
Give opportunity for all employees to provide feedback of any kind and feel secure and empowered to do so
6
Change your HVAC or A/C filters every six months or more frequently as is recommended by filter type
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
Add shades/window covering to reduce heat gain
4
Provide regular formal review, linked to a comprehensive development plan, with clear and constructive feedback to all employees using a well-defined, fair, and consistent process.
4
Designate your office as a smoke-free working environment with outside smoking areas 25 feet away from building entry areas and common walkways
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
Relax the office dress code to allow for attire that doesn’t require dry cleaning
1