Earthenterprise Tool Kit - International Institute for Sustainable ...

EarthEnterprise Tool Kit
TOOL
emissions reduction strategies. Many have already reduced emissions by more
than 30 percent.
Though small and medium sized companies are not yet required to comply
with the legislation, that day may not be far off. Once large companies have
exhausted cost-effective emissions reduction and pollution prev e n t i o n
strategies, regulators will start to look more closely at the many small firms that
g e n e rate emissions. This is alre a dy happening in California, w h e re air
emissions regulations now apply to bakeries, fast food re s t a u ra n t s ,
lawnmowers, and outdoor barbecues.
Corporate monitoring of ethical and social performance is still rare, but
spreading. Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Inc., The Body Shop, Patagonia, and
Tom’s of Maine report on the causes they promote and their community
development efforts.A few companies now include ethics in employee training
programs and provide mentors to give moral guidance to new employees.
When staff members feel valued, empowered and fairly treated, they are more
likely to treat colleagues, suppliers, and customers the same way.
In-House Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Teams
G reen teams, comprising personnel from different departments, can be
effective in devising strategies to improve environmental performance. Toplevel
support, adequate budgets, and ready access to all employees are
necessary to execute team strategies.
Start by setting easily achievable goals and get more ambitious as confidence
and expertise are gained.Asking all employees to bring their own coffee mugs,
and purchasing mugs for visitors, is an easy first step. Requiring all printing and
copying to be done double-sided, providing refillable pens in the supply
cabinet, and turning off unused lights and equipment are other starting points.
Establishing paper and packaging recycling programs, asking suppliers for
green alternatives, and installing energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs might
come next.
After momentum and interest have been established, tackle the tougher issues.
Talk to maintenance staff about biodegradable soaps and cleaning products and
ask for bathroom tissue and paper towels made from recycled fibre. Approach
your landlord about installing timed thermostats, water-efficient toilets and
plumbing fixtures, and lighting systems responsive to outdoor light. Quantify
the payback associated with these capital investments, so that everyone
understands the financial benefits of env i ronmental re s p o n s i b i l i t y.
Manufacturing firms can target their in-house production processes.
92
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT