If this process has been unfolding for some time for you, you may be starting to take notice of opportunities for greening your workplace.
A greener workplace can mean more than a smaller impact on the planet. It can also mean a more productive place to work and savings that benefit the bottom line. Even if you are not an owner or manager, know that plenty of successful workplace greening initiatives are initiated by the employees.
The first step is to enlist the support of your organization’s leaders. Let them know that a green workplace is important to you, and be sure to provide some ideas for changes that will conserve resources and money (with the rising cost of energy, it’s pretty easy to make this case). Ask if they are open to putting together a work team comprised of employees at all levels of the company to address the topic. This will help you have buy-in across the board and ensure that a variety of input is considered.
Consider conducting an audit of the company’s carbon footprint. There are lots of resources on the web today to support a simple audit (check out www.terrapass.com/business-carbon-calculator.) For a more comprehensive audit, that takes into account more than energy use, check out www.footprintnetwork.org. This will give you a good starting point from which to make your plan.
And if you’re interested in learning some new skills to help green your business, you might want to check out one of the many new green business programs that are popping up across the U.S. At the graduate level, you’ll find several green MBA programs, including at least three in New England: Antioch University in NH and both Marlboro College and Goddard College in VT. USM’s Center for Continuing Education is launching a new certificate program in sustainable business practice this fall. And if you’re looking for something at the undergad level, the College of the Atlantic just announced a new undergraduate program in sustainable business.
Efficiency Maine is a great resource for businesses and offers ideas, incentives and low interest loans at www.efficiencymaine.com/bus_tips.htm.
Heather Chandler is the publisher of the SunriseGuide, a locally-published resource guide and coupon book about healthy & eco-friendly living in Southern Maine. Online at www.thesunriseguide.com.