Green Industry ECOnomics - LandcareNetwork.org

• Does it fit into our operations and our bigger plan
• Can you expect an ROI in an acceptable time horizon
• Can and will employees support it
If you approach a new sustainable initiative as a marketing or public relations
opportunity, rather than from a business standpoint based on business best
practices, it will be recognized within your organization for what it is —
greenwashing.
Chalk up easy wins early
Remember, you only have one opportunity to roll out a new program to your
employees, one chance to make a first impression, even in terms of implementing
sustainable policies.
Involve all employees, even if the initial involvement is limited. Make it
personal to them and, if possible, fun. Your chances of successfully initiating
any program, green or otherwise, within your company depend on having
your entire team onboard. By making the initiatives voluntary (with benchmarks,
of course) and personal, you will get better cooperation.
While most employees will want to be a part of solutions that they perceive
will result in tangible results, don’t expect their cooperation if they view the
commitment to the new program or process as insincere or false.
For most companies the best course of action is to start with simple initiatives
first and score easy wins. Put points on the board and build enthusiasm
for the new programs as quickly as possible. This provides a base from which
to launch more ambitious plans as you build your company’s green footprint.
“It’s about establishing a culture within your company. And you build your
culture one step at a time,” added Dean DeSantis.
“You’re not going to get equal engagement from everyone,” said DeSantis.
“You have to meet people where they’re at. You have to make it clear that
this is where you’re going with it.”
Kurt Bland of Bland Landscaping in Apex, North Carolina, quickly added,
“The best way to do it is to decide it democratically, but enforce it dictatorially.”
“Your employees have to see that you’re serious about it,” commented Steve
Pattie.
Consider starting a sustainability committee within your company, suggested
DeSantis. “You have a better chance of getting buy-in if it comes from a committee
rather than from an owner saying ‘here’s what we’re going to do.’
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