This document discusses green initiatives that can be implemented in the workplace. It provides definitions of "going green" and sustainability. Some benefits of green initiatives include social responsibility, leadership, cost savings, and increased revenue. The document then discusses California Closets as a case study, outlining their sustainability program which included forming a green team, reducing energy and water usage, improving recycling, and selecting more environmentally-friendly vendors. It provides an example action plan and implementation strategies for starting green programs. Finally, it lists some resources for going green.

1. Green Initiatives
in your Workplace
C H R I SS Y G O D F R E Y, M B A , S P H R
C O N S U LTA N T W I T H
H R B I Z PA RT N E R S

2. Definitions
According to the authors of The Down-to-Earth
Guide to Global Warming:
Going Green is “the adoption of a sustainable
lifestyle that respects the environment while
actively working to curb our carbon footprint
and leave the world better than we found it.”
The Environmental Protection Agency definition:
Sustainability is “meeting the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.”

3. Value
 Social Responsibility
 The Right Thing
 Leadership in your industry
 Differentiation (company brand or product)
 Customer loyalty
 74% of customers consider a company’s environmental
practices before making a decision on what products to buy
 Expense reduction
 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
 Revenue generation
 Increased profits due to cost reduction
 Increased revenue due to market share and customer loyalty

4. Sustainability Programs
California Closets as a case study
• Implementation of green initiatives
• We sought information (Green MBA student project)
• We had a process and a timeline
• We put together a Green Team
• We involved all employees
• We had the support of management
• We communicated regularly on the status of our
initiatives and what was coming next

5. Action Plan
• Energy – reduce usage and expense
• Energy efficient light bulbs
• Motion sensors (auto shut off)
• Use overhead or lamp, not both
• Set thermometers at appropriate levels and turn off HVAC at night
• Turn off computers and peripherals at night; install energy star
• Supplies – reduce usage and expense; more recycled products
• Switched and consolidated office supply vendor (cost saving and reduction
of GHG for multiple deliveries)
• Switched vendors for printer supplies; soy-based ink; recycle cartridges
• Encouraged supply sharing and kept stock at minimum
• Make double-sided copies, or none at all
• Waste – reduce waste and expense by changing activities
• improved recycling throughout the building
• changed drinking habits; installed water filtration system
• Provided dishware, “to go” mugs, reusable bags, tupperware

6. Action Plan
• Vendor selection - look at environmental practices of current
and potential vendors
• Switched marketing vendor, used soy based ink, wind powered plant
• Increased business with a vendor FSC certified; LEED compliant
• Travel – reduce all forms of travel
• Off site employees limited trips to corporate and franchise locations
• Corporate employees limited travel for training, bring in house, use technology
• Proposed telecommute and flex schedules as well as carpooling
• Educate and inform employees, franchisees and customers
• Green updates provided at management and all staff meetings
• Monthly newsletter articles with helpful tips and regular progress reports
• Sustainability Promise and Action Plan shown on website
• Posted information and statistics in the kitchen
• Other
– Provided more bins (repurposed empty boxes) and signage for recycling
– Changed to environmentally friendly cleaning products
– Donated used items and computer equipment to nonprofits

7. Implementation Strategies
 Support from leadership
 Build partnerships within your organization
 Network with “like-minded” colleagues and join professional
associations
 Start small or pilot projects
 Advertise your successes through newsletters, e-mail or
company meetings
 Provide a process for suggestions and praise
 Volunteer in your community to learn more and set an
example; incentives for employees to volunteer

8. Resources
 Websites and newsletters
 www.idealbite.com
 www.greenbuzz.com
 www.treehugger.com
 www.greenoffice.com
 Join the Green Chamber of Commerce
 www.greenchamberofcommerce.net
 Network – use on-line and off-line forms of networking
 Legislation watch – join California Chamber of Commerce
 States are piloting legislation for employees to ‘telework’ and work
compressed schedules to reduce traffic and pollution