A sustainable best practices program involves a comprehensive and holistic approach that encompasses everything a business does that impacts the environment. A best practices program assists companies in making systematic changes in areas like emissions, energy, transportation, water and waste.A sustainability initiative involves the development and implementation of green ideas and goals. Crucial to this process is the development of metrics that track and monitor performance. Also important is the identification and response to challenges, opportunities and threats.
Some well known evironmental guides and certification systems include the GRI G3 Guidelines , ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 14004:2004 . Most sustainable best practices programs address at least six key areas. Here is an alphebtical summary of the basic areas that are central to environmental sustainability.
Green Team
Assemble a company green team that will serve as the sustainability steering committee. This dedicated team is important to making and maintaining sustainable changes. The green team should have representatives from different departments. Policies should be written for the employee manual on energy, water, waste, transportation and pollution prevention. The green team is in charge of the development and implementation of these policies.
Emissions and Indoor Air Quality
Record and manage emissions, set targets for emissions reductions. Review physical infrasructure, building materials and furnishings. Source materials that have less impact on indoor air quality (Use carpets, furniture, paints, adhesives and cleaning products that are associated with less noxious outgassing).
Energy Efficiency
Monitor and manage energy consumption. Implement energy efficiency program including energy reduction targets for IT, manufacturing, lighting, heating and cooling.
Transportation Efficiency
Track the mileage of all company vehicles and work on finding more expedient travel routes. Employ more fuel efficient modes of transport including hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
Water Reduction Strategies
Monitor water consumption and develop strategies for water reduction. Effective strategies can begin with something as simple as retrofitted faucets with low-flow aerators.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Log waste and develop a strategy for waste reduction and recycling. Summarize the waste stream and identify targets for waste reduction. Develop a recycling program with a good plan including logistics that detail how recycled materials will be collected and stored.
_________________________________________
Related Posts
Best Practices for Communicating Sustainability
Best Practices for Engaging Employees in Sustainability
Sustainable Supply Chains
Walmart and HP's Sustainable Supply Chains
IT Sector Should Leverage Their Supply Chains
Innovation and the Development of Sustainable Products or Processes
An Integrative Approach to Eco-Innovation
10 Steps to Sustainability-Driven Innovation
Sustainability is a Catalyst for Innovation
Sustainable Brands 2010
Sustainable Brands Innovation Open Finalists
Sustainable Successes and Failures
Sustainable Business Methods, Strategy, Management and Reporting
Sustainability is an Unstoppable Megatrend
The Overwhelming Logic of Sustainable Business
Climate Counts: Businesses Combating Climate Change
Social Action Driving Businesses to Adopt Sustainable Practices
Consumers Continue to Embrace the Burgeoning Green Market
The 2010 World Energy Technologies Summit
Action on Climate Change
America's Most Sustainable Businesses
Canada's Most Sustainable Businesses
Social Media and Sustainability
Environmental Revolution: Leadership and Morale
ISO 14020 Series: 3 Types of Environmental Labels and Declarations
ISO Principles for Environmental Labels and Claims
The History and Value of Environmental Labeling
Standards to Combat Eco-label and Eco-Certification Confusion
Canadian Guidelines on Environmental Claims
Organic Standards and Certified Labels
ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard
The Implications of ISO 50001 for Your Business
ISO Standards and Greener Vehicles
ISO 14001 Certification in the Solar Sector
Cititec ISO Environmental Management
G3 Guidelines and GRI Sustainability Reporting
Best Practices for Sustainable Businesses
Great points! By making simple modifications in our daily lives we can drastically improve our environment. By removing toxic cleaning products and using organic cleaners you can reduce your indoor air pollution
ReplyDelete