ID # 26
Designate your office as a smoke-free working environment, with outside smoking areas 25ft away from building entries.
ID # 29
Display the Environmental Compliance Poster (included in your Welcome package) in a visible location where your employees will be reminded of environmental laws and activities to green your business.
ID # 30
Set computers to enter system standby or hibernate after 30 minutes of inactivity. Set monitors to enter sleep mode after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.
ID # 31
Purchase paper towels and toilet paper made from 35-100% post-consumer recycled materials.
ID # 32
Print and copy double-sided when possible, to significantly reduce paper use and waste.
ID # 33
Eliminate paper, styrofoam, or plastic cups, plates and utensils in the kitchen area. Use mugs, dishes, and silverware instead.
ID # 34
Create and adopt a corporate environmental sustainability vision statement.
ID # 35
Test irrigation system to ensure proper orientation and water schedule. Ensure all spray heads are functioning and not spraying onto hardscape.
ID # 36
Contact your local utility to conduct a commercial energy assessment (many times free) to pinpoint specific areas of energy waste.
ID # 37
Inform your customers about your business' efforts to become environmentally friendly and follow green practices.
ID # 38
Conduct a kick-off meeting to review the GBB Assessment results and recommended initiatives. Watch your GBB Welcome Video.
ID # 39
Put together an office Green Team which will serve as the initial supporters of greening your business as well as enlisting and informing all employees of key activities.
ID # 41
Purchase products and services from green-certified or Green Business Bureau vendors.
ID # 42
Properly dispose of batteries, paint and chemicals, lightbulbs, and electronics.
ID # 43
Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat to automate your HVAC or A/C system.
ID # 44
Recycle or sell your used toner cartridges.
ID # 47
Reuse paper waste and have a scratch paper bin which people can use the back of unused printouts for drafts, scratch paper or internal memos, etc.
ID # 48
Implement a policy to purchase used or recycled office equipment and furniture.
ID # 50
Choose re-used, recycled, or FSC certified boxes and bags for retail use or shipping.
ID # 51
Update the contact information on your company’s mailing lists regularly, to reduce wasted correspondence.
ID # 53
Purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to off-set your business' energy consumption.
ID # 54
Complete the GBB Assessment to determine your current level of green activities, and get credit for things you are already doing.
ID # 55
Purchase copy paper, folders, and other office paper products made from 30-100% post-consumer recycled materials.
ID # 56
Replace regular light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL), that last longer and save energy.
ID # 57
Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified electronic equipment, globally recognized as the most energy efficient equipment available in the market.
ID # 58
Install timers on non-essential electrical appliances.
ID # 59
Eliminate envelopes from marketing materials – use fold and mail when possible.
ID # 61
Use recycled content or low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint products to improve indoor environmental quality.
ID # 62
Use floormat/dirt-collection systems at doorways facing the outside space.
ID # 63
Install water flow-rate controls (aerators) on faucets to reduce water waste.
ID # 64
Use environmentally-friendly cleaning chemicals for daily use such as a non-toxic multipurpose cleaner or glass cleaner.
ID # 65
Enroll in a waste exchange program where your waste can become another company's resource.
ID # 68
Install light switch occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present.
ID # 70
Install a filtered water tap at your sink or a water cooler for drinking water, instead of purchasing bottled water, to save money and reduce waste.
ID # 71
Establish a paper recycling program. Paper includes newspaper, office paper, direct mail, white and colored paper, cardboard, envelopes, magazines, and catalogs.
ID # 72
Purchase or lease copiers and printers that have a duplexing (two-sided copying and printing) function.
ID # 73
Choose re-usable cleaning products like sponges instead of paper towels.
ID # 75
Expand your recycling program to also include: glass, plastic, and aluminum.
ID # 76
"Tune-up" your HVAC or A/C system with an annual maintenance contract, ensuring use of non-ozone depleting refrigerants.
ID # 77
Purchase trash bins and liners made from 35-100% post-consumer recycled materials.
ID # 79
Arrange the workspace to take advantage of areas with natural sunlight; design future spaces with natural lighting opportunities in mind.
ID # 82
Choose a pest control service that minimizes use of toxic pesticides to minimize negative health effects on building occupants.
ID # 86
Replace all Exit signs with LED or high-efficiency alternatives.
ID # 87
Change your HVAC or A/C filters every month or as required by the filter and HVAC or A/C manufacturer.
ID # 88
Examine entire supply chain, including overseas suppliers.
ID # 89
Eliminate unnecessary paper forms; instead use electronic forms when possible.
ID # 90
Send and receive faxes directly to your computer. If not possible, eliminate fax cover sheets (use post-its on first page).
ID # 91
Implement a renewable energy solution (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.)
ID # 92
Upgrade from older T12 tube lights with magnetic ballasts to more efficient T8 or T5 fluorescent lamp tubes with solid-state electronic ballasts.
ID # 93
Establish a paperless billing program for your customers and encourage use by creating incentives.
ID # 95
Plant native, region-friendly plants to minimize the impact on the local habitat and to limit the amount of irrigation water needed.
ID # 97
Use rechargeable batteries, instead of disposable alkaline batteries.
ID # 98
Use high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, like high efficiency toilets (HETs) and urinals (HEUs) to minimize water use and waste.
ID # 273
Relax the office dress code to allow for attire that doesn’t require drycleaning. Also, encourage employees to make the switch to non-toxic dry cleaners.
ID # 274
Develop a paper reduction policy, and conduct a paper reduction campaign.
ID # 276
Use water-conserving cleaning methods and strategies while cleaning.
ID # 277
Develop an energy conservation policy.
ID # 278
Set up an office supply re-use center.
ID # 279
Sell or donate unneeded furniture and equipment.
ID # 280
Serve and encourage employees to purchase local, organic and fair trade food and drink.
ID # 281
Bring sustainability into employees’ homes through company-sponsored education.b
ID # 282
Minimize air conditioning needs with natural ventilation.
ID # 283
Use air-filtering plants throughout the office to improve indoor air quality.
ID # 284
Modify business practices to assure only rain is going down storm drains - not toxins.
ID # 285
Use your lighting more efficiently with task lighting and daylighting.
ID # 289
Use ceiling fans in place of air conditioning when possible.
ID # 291
Green your meetings, conferences and parties.
ID # 292
Use electronic proofs and recycled, non-toxic supplies/suppliers to create promotional materials.
ID # 294
Switch to green power from your utility.
ID # 295
Paint the outside walls and the roof a light color.
ID # 296
Use a cleaning company that purchases all-natural cleaning products, or insist that your current cleaning company use them.
ID # 297
Add insulation and a timer to your hot water heater.
ID # 301
Hire an Energy Services Company (ESCO).
ID # 330
Use telepresence or other long-distance communication to replace travel when possible.