Sustainability Roadmap for Startups - Green Plus

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vendors whose businesses are owned by women, minorities, or individuals from economicallydisadvantaged
communities
environmentally-friendly products or services
people/community-friendly products or services (e.g. Fair Trade)
bulk purchasing or products with minimal packaging
ground transportation over air for delivery
‣ Draft a written travel policy with a commitment to minimize environmental impacts when feasible.
Raise Awareness
‣ Write an internally-focused communications plan for how you plan to communicate sustainability to
employees. Consider developing a formal training plan to educate employees about sustainability and
foster a shared understanding.
‣ Begin transparently incorporating your sustainability initiatives/activities/goals in your
communications – website and printed materials. These serve as a signal to others (potential employees
included) of your commitment and are educational.
PLANET
Be Energy Wise
‣ Set energy usage targets for the coming year.
‣ Conduct an energy audit of your facilities. Energy audits are a major driver of sustainability-related cost
savings and should be pursued before options such as installing renewable energy production.
‣ Your energy audit will likely uncover a list of energy efficiency measures. Also consider simple energy
efficiency measures, such as: sleep modes on equipment, after-hours timers for equipment, lighting
occupancy sensors, double-paned windows, and sealing air leaks around doors and windows.
‣ Consider purchasing renewable energy credits or carbon offsets to help offset emissions from business
activities, such as events, travel, or day-to-day operations. This step demonstrates your commitment to
sustainability, while helping to fund renewable energy projects.
Be Water Wise
‣ Install low flow toilets/urinals. If it’s not possible to replace the entire commode, there are several
after-market options that can be added to existing toilets to reduce water consumption. Search online
for options.
‣ If you have landscaping at your office, take steps to reduce outdoor water usage. Add compost and
mulch to soil to increase moisture retention. Use native or drought tolerant plants that require less
watering.
‣ Reduce the use of chemicals or fertilizers used in landscaping. Doing so lessens the pollution that flows
into waterways that threatens populations of fish and other wildlife.