Completed Initiatives
Initiative Description
Points
Install or lease from a building with a heat recovery system that converts waste heat to energy
60
Use an alternative/natural refrigerant (non-HFC) with a global warming potential less than or equal to 10 for your office refrigerators, freezers, and HVAC systems
50
Upgrade from older fluorescent T12, T8 and T5 lamps to LED alternatives
36
Rent or purchase a building that is close to public transportation stops and bike paths
36
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
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
Define, institute, and clearly communicate a policy to prioritize employee diversity, equity, and inclusion.
16
All windows are double pane, low-E, and energy efficient
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
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
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
Have accessible green space somewhere onsite or in close proximity to grounds including a garden, walking trail, or courtyard
8
Regularly evaluate employee satisfaction through interviews, surveys, or calculation of employee net promoter score
8
Purchase home trash bin liners made from 100% bio-based or 50-100% recycled materials
8
Choose paperless billing with vendors, business partners, and suppliers when possible
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
Administer company-wide employee training on sustainability efforts related to home offices and general life practices
6
Apply window film to reduce excess solar heat in the building
5
Recycle or sell your used toner cartridges
4
Change your HVAC or A/C filters every six months or more frequently as is recommended by filter type
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
Reuse, sell, or donate used or unneeded furniture, equipment, and office supplies
4
Use virtual meeting platforms to replace travel when possible
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
Add shades/window covering throughout your home to reduce heat gain
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