Draft Copy
Thanks for participating in Charleston's Green Business Challenge!
By taking the Challenge, you are contributing to our City goals and the creation of a greener Charleston.
Being green can be easy, so we made the Scorecard as simple as we could.
The Scorecard outlines 50 actions you can take to make your business greener. As you fill in your
responses, a score is generated. There are 100 points total and 4 levels of achievement. See below for how
many points are needed per tier. Tier 1 is the highest.
Tier 1 76 - 100 pts
Tier 2 51 - 75 pts
Tier 3 26 - 50 pts
Tier 4 15 - 25 pts
The Scorecard is designed to be used electronically, so there's no need to print it. Use a projector at your
Green Team meetings instead of making copies.
Here's how it works.
There's 5 major steps, and we'll walk you through each step.
1) Fill in our company info.
2) Get your starting score.
3) Make improvements.
4) Report back to us.
5) Get recognized for being green!
Ready to dive in?
Click here to start.
Questions or comments?
Email us at: CharlestonGBC@ci.charleston.sc.us
Draft Copy
Please fill in the blue section. DO NOT TYPE HERE
Company Name Type here Years at current Number of Industry Revenue Age of building
location employees range
Phone Number Type here Click here. Then click the Click here. Click here. Then click the Click here. Click here. Then
arrow on the right. Then click the arrow on the right. Then click the click the arrow on
Email Address Type here 50 Manufacturing 20 Office $1B >75 years old
See your lease if you don't know.
Type of Business Click here. Then click the arrow on the right. Retail
Wholesale Warehouse or Distribution Center
Other
Click here to continue.
Draft Copy
Score: 0
How "green" is your business
Read and respond to the questions below.
Just click the Response box and then click on the arrow to the right to get a list of choices,
Tier:
and your points achieved will automatically populate. If you
score points for a select strategy, briefly describe how you achieve that strategy.
Response How did you achieve this strategy? Please provide a short
50 Strategies to Green your Office Points Points
Help Click in each cell below for a description of the action taken.
Achieved Available
response menu.
Company Engagement
O1 Does your company have a "Green Team," which Click here. 2
is responsible for managing environmental and Then click arrow on right.
sustainability initiatives, engaging staff and raising Help
awareness and enthusiasm for the 'greening' of
your business?
O2 Have you hosted an in-office educational session Click here. 2
for staff and company leaders to learn about Then click arrow on right.
Help
making your business green, resources to do so
and company goals?
O3 Do you designate one day to one week each year Click here. 2
to celebrate your business's green successes and Help Then click arrow on right.
efforts?
O4 Have you alerted all staff on your involvement in Click here. 2
the Green Business Challenge and do you Then click arrow on right.
provide electronic reports regularly (e.g. monthly, Help
quarterly, semi-annually) on the progress of your
environmental and sustainability initiatives?
O5 Have you performed innovative green practices Click here. 3
(such as participating in lights out at night, bike to Then click arrow on right.
work day, composting, having a green roof, use
of local foods, goods and services, or other green Help
practices) not covered elsewhere in the
scorecard?
1 point each, up to 3 pts.
O6 Have you incorporated sustainability as a part of Click here. 2
company culture? For example, do you include Then click arrow on right.
'green' expectations, policies and/or company
commitment to sustainability in the employee Help
handbook, guidelines, orientation materials or
other company media? Is it a part of your mission
and company identity?
Energy
E1 Have you calculated your average energy use Click here. 3
over the last 12 months? Then click arrow on right.
Help
Establish an energy reduction goal of at least 10% of your
annual energy usage. Use the "Data Log" tab to record and
track energy savings.
E2 Have you conducted a lighting audit to determine Click here. Then click 4 Click here. Then click arrow on right. Click here. Then Click arrow on right.
where you may be able to reduce energy use for arrow on right.
lighting, and documented a plan for efficiency
improvements (1 pt.)? Have you implemented at Help
least one of these energy saving strategies?
(1 pt for each lighting strategy up to 3 pts.)
E3 Have you assessed strategies to increase the Click here. 3 Yes - audit and documented plan Yes - Campaign or policy
efficiency of your heating, cooling, and ventilation Then click arrow on right.
system (1 pt) and implemented at least one of Help
these strategies (1 pt)? Do you have a
geothermal HVAC system (1pt)?
E4 Have you created a list of all your office Click here. 1 Yes - audit & implemented 1 strategy Yes - Computer shut down
appliances and electronics and recorded whether Help Then click arrow on right.
or not they are ENERGY STAR rated?
E5 Have you established a policy that when replacing Click here. 1 Yes - audit & implemented 2 strategies No
or adding new electronics or appliances, they will Then click arrow on right.
have an ENERGY STAR rating, or for non-Energy Help
Star Rated appliances that they are a high
efficiency model?
E6 Have you changed the settings on all office Click here. 2 Yes - audit & implemented 3 strategies Click here. Then Click arrow on right.
computers to go into sleep mode or hibernate Then click arrow on right.
after a set time of non-use, discontinued the use
Help
of screen savers (1 pt), and programmed all
printer/copiers to go into stand by mode after as
set time of non-use (1pt)?
E7 Have you implemented a "Computer Shut Off" Click here. Then Click 2 No Yes
campaign or policy (1pt)? And does staff arrow on right.
Help
completely shut off all computers at the end of
the work day (2pt)?
E8 Do you have onsite renewable energy Click here. Then Click 2 Click here. Then Click arrow on right. No
Help
production? arrow on right.
E9 Do contribute to alternative energy generation Click here. Then Click 2 Yes - PACE
through the Palmetto Clean Energy (PACE) arrow on right.
Help
program (1pt)? Or, do you offset energy related
emissions with carbon offsets (1pt)?
Waste Yes - Carbon offsets
W1 Have you conducted a waste stream audit to Click here. 3 Yes - Both
determine what your waste stream profile is, and Then click arrow on right.
assess ways to increase recycling and reduce Help
overall waste? Use the "Data Log" tab to record and
track waste reduction. DO NOT TYPE IN THE BOX
W2 Have you developed an environmentally Click here. 2 No Click Click Click
Click here. here. here. here.
preferable purchasing (EPP) policy to procure Then click arrow on right.
Help Click here. Click here. Then click Click here. Then Click here. Click here. Click here. Click Here. Then Then
green products where feasible, and circulated the Click here. Then click arrow on Click here. Then click arrow on arrow on Then click Click here. click Click here. Then click arrow on Then click arrow on Then click arrow on Click here. Then click arrow on click click
policy to employees? Then click arrow on right. right. Then click arrow on right. right. right. arrow on right. Then click arrow on right. arrow on Then click arrow on right. right. right. right. Then click arrow on right. right. arrow on arrow on
W3 Have you established a recycling policy that Click here. Then Click 3 Click here. Then Click arrow on right. Yes Yes - Refillable products Yes - Assess strategies Yes - Programmed computers Yes - Participate in a carpool program Yes - audit
Yes - Offset business travel Yes - Conduct an30% recycled products
codifies office recycling practices in coordination arrow on right.
with all your building's or location's recycling
opportunities, located recycling receptacles for
convenience and accessibility throughout the Help
workspace, and verified that staff and/or
custodial service properly disposes of recyclables Click here.
(2 pts)? Does your recycling program include Then click arrow
cardboard (1pt)? Yes Yes - 30% paper on right. Yes - 1 innovative practice Yes - One referral Yes - mail
Yes - Unsubscribe to junkCell phones, batteries, & cartridges
W4 Are all employees given a paper recycling tray or Click here. 2 Yes - recycling program Yes - Implement a strategy
Yes - Phthalate & Bisphenol A free products Yes - Printer/Copier Yes - Provide a transit benefit program Yes - Offset commuting Yes 100% recycled products
Yes - Implement-a recommendation
bin to use at her/his desk and have you verified Then click arrow on right.
Help
that the paper is properly disposed of for
recycling? No Yes - 100% paper No Yes - 25% - 50% Yes - newspapers
Yes - 2 innovative practicesYes - Two or more referrals Yes - Reduce catalogs & Alkaline batteries
W5 Do you track how much copier/printer paper your Click here. 2 Yes - cardboard Yes - Both Yes - Both Yes - No single-serve bottled water Yes - Geothermal Yes - Both Yes - Both Yes - Both No No
business uses and established milestones to Help Then click arrow on right.
reduce paper use? Tiers No Yes - 50% - 100% Yes - 3 innovative practicesNo
W6 Do you purchase at least 30% post-consumer Click here. 2 Yes - Both No No Yes - 2 out of 3 practices Yes - Two of the above No No No
recycled copier/printer paper (1 pt)? Do you Then click arrow on right.
Help
purchase 100% post-consumer recycled
copier/printer paper (2 pt)? 0 Do not qualify No No
W7 Do you purchase at least 30% post-consumer Click here. 2 No Yes - All of the above Yes - All of the above
recycled paper products (i.e. paper towels, filing Then click arrow on right.
folders, envelopes, notepads, boxes, business Help
cards, etc.) (1 pt)? Do you purchase 100% post-
consumer recycled paper products (2 pt)? 15 4
W8 Is double sided copying and printing set as a Click here. 2 No No
default on all capable machines, and have you Help Then click arrow on right.
instructed staff of this practice? 26 3
W9 Do you unsubscribe to all junk mail (1 pt)? Have Click here. 2
you reduced the number of catalogs and Help Then click arrow on right.
newspapers sent to your business (1 pt)? 51 2
W10 Do you circulate documents and memos Click here. 1
electronically instead of using hard copies? Do Then click arrow on right.
you discourage printing emails unless absolutely Help
necessary? Have you included these practices in
your office policy, employee guidelines and/or
orientation materials, or otherwise notify staff? 76 1
W11 Do you provide recycling for electronics, print Click here. Then Click 2 Click here. Then Click arrow on right.
cartridges, cell phones, batteries and/or other Help arrow on right.
hazardous waste materials?
1pt each, up to 2 pts.
W12 Do you have hand blow dryers or continuous cloth Click here. 1 Yes - one material
hand dryers in the bathrooms to eliminate paper Help Then click arrow on right.
towel waste?
W13 Have you eliminated the use of disposable cups, Click here. 2 Yes - two materials
plates, bowls, utensils, and coffee stirrers and, Then click arrow on right.
Help
instead, purchase reusable kitchen-ware for
office use?
Transportation No
T1 Have you found out how employees get to work Click here. 1
by using a commuter survey? Then click arrow on right.
Help
Establish a goal of 20% of employees using alternative
transportation (bicycling, transit, walking, carpooling) most
of the time.
T2 Do you have a telecommuting, flextime, or 4/10 Click here. 1
Help
work week policy/option for employees? Then click arrow on right.
T3 Do you provide onsite secure bike parking for Click here. 2
Help
employees and guests? Then click arrow on right.
T4 Do you provide showers and lockers in the office Click here. 2
or subsidize local gym membership for bike Help Then click arrow on right.
commuters to have those amenities?
T5 Do you provide a public transit benefit program to Click here. 3 Click here. Then click arrow on Click here. Then click arrow on right.
Click here. Then click arrow on right. right.
Help
encourage use of public transportation? Then click arrow on right.
T6 Do you have a carpool program to help staff find Click here. Then click 1 Yes Yes Yes
Help
carpool partners? arrow on right.
T7 Do you have a bike sharing program so that Click here. Then click 2 No No No
employees can travel by bicycle during the Help arrow on right.
workday?
T8 Have you established a policy for employees to Click here. 1
preference a fuel efficient or hybrid vehicle when Then click arrow on right.
renting cars for business travel, using a car Help
service or taxi, or when purchasing vehicles for
the company fleet?
T9 Do you offset transportation related emissions Click here. Then click 3 Click here. Then click arrow on right
associated with company travel and fleet arrow on right
management (2 pts), and/or employee commute Help
(1 pt) through purchasing carbon offsets?
Water Yes - company travel and fleet
P1 Do you have water-conserving devices on your Click here. 1 Yes - employee commute
Help
toilets? Then click arrow on right.
P2 Do you have faucet aerators with a target flow Click here. 2 Yes - Both
rate of a maximum of 1 gallon per minute on all Help Then click arrow on right.
lavatory sinks?
Response How did you achieve this strategy? Please provide a short
50 Strategies to Green your Office Points Points
Help Click in each cell below for a description of the action taken.
Achieved Available
response menu.
P3 Do you use sustainable landscaping strategies Click here. 3 No
such as native and drought resistant plants, Then click arrow on right.
Help
minimal to no turf grass, broad tree canopy for
shade, etc.?
P4 Do you use water conserving technologies in your Click here. 3
landscape, such as drip irrigation, rain or moisture Help Then click arrow on right.
sensors, or rainwater irrigation systems (e.g. rain
barrels)?
Healthy Work Environment
H1 Do you have a smoke free work place policy, and Click here. 1
require all smoking be at least 20 feet from all Help Then click arrow on right.
doors and operable windows?
H2 Do you have a policy preferencing low- or no- Click here. 2
VOC cleaners, polishes, sealants, adhesives, Then click arrow on right.
Help
paints, carpeting, and finishes (especially
furniture)?
H3 Do you conduct annual staff surveys to assess Click here. The click arrow 3 Click here. The click arrow on right.
employee comfort level regarding temperature, on right.
light and sound (1 pt); and do you implement
Help
improvements if at least 20% of staff surveyed
report some level of discomfort (2 pts).
H4 Do you use Green Seal certified (or equivalent) Click here. 2 Yes - survey
green cleaners? If you use a cleaning company, Then click arrow on right.
Help
does your contract specify use of Green Seal (or
equivalent) cleaners?
Community Stewardship Yes - made improvements
C1 Is your business a CSA drop site for local Click here. 1 No
Help
farmers? Then click arrow on right.
C2 Is your business a drop site for uncommon or Click here. Then click 3 Click here. Then click arrow on right
hazardous materials recycling, such as arrow on right
electronics, cooking oil, print cartridges, alkaline Help
batteries, construction and demolition materials
etc? 1pt each, up to 3pts.
C3 Have you gone through the Localize Your Click here. 1 Yes - one material
Help Then click arrow on right.
Business Program with Lowcountry Local First?
C4 Do you occupy a historic building subject to BAR Click here. 1 Yes - two materials
regulations, and have you maintained the building Then click arrow on right.
Help
to BAR standards for the benefit of the appeal of
Charleston's historic architecture?
C5 Have you referred another business to participate Click here. 2 Yes - three materials
Help
in the Green Business Challenge? Then click arrow on right.
0 100 No
TOTAL
Congratulations! You have now completed your
base score. How did you do?
If you are satisfied with your score, please:
1) Go back to the top of the Scorecard and I fyou have not already describe how you fulfilled each strategy for
which you answered Yes (Column H).
2) Email your Scorecard to CHARLESTONGBC@ci.charleston.sc.us
If you want to improve your score, please complete the following:
1) Establish the tier you want to achieve within the next 6 - 12 months.
2) Work with your Green Team to determine on what areas you want to improve.
3) Divide your Green Team into work groups to make these improvements.
4) Change the answers to the Scorecard as you complete these green practices.
5) If you need more information, go to the Help section by clicking below. You can also check out the Challenge's
website for a calendar of educational workshops and events.
6) Once you are satisfied with your score, follow the directions in the yellow box above.
Click here to get help on improving your score.
Response How did you achieve this strategy? Please provide a short
50 Strategies to Green your Office Points Points
Help Click in each cell below for a description of the action taken.
Achieved Available
response menu.
Draft Copy
Need more information about green business strategies? See below.
Scorecard Strategy What the strategy means and how to achieve it Additional resources
Company Engagement
O1 Create a "Green Team" responsible for A "Green Team" is essential in maintaining enthusiasm, producing creative ideas, and engaging
managing environmental and employees. By working together, your greening efforts will be a success!
sustainability initiatives, engaging staff Georgia's Sustainable Office Tool Kit- Forming the Green Team
and raising awareness and enthusiasm You may be asking... How many people should be on my Green Team? How much time do members have
for the 'greening' of your business. to dedicate?
TIPS ON HOW ACHIEVE CRITERIA: Bring Your Green to Work with ENERGY STAR- Create a Green Team (EPA)
1) Find staff members who are enthusiastic about greening your business Ideally, you would have
members from each department, or representatives for each division of primary operations. Make sure
green team members are recognized for their contribution and are given the time to invest in postive
improvements you hope to achieve. Team Up to Save Energy- Protect Our Environment Through Energy Efficiency (EPA)
2) Have a Green Team launch meeting. Make it fun! Discuss what is important and prioritize these
concerns - use the scorescard strategies to help spur ideas.
3) Divy up tasks, make sure everyone knows what to do, and get to work! Some strategies or initiatives may
have overlap, so also make sure the green team communicates effectively and efforts are not duplicated.
4) The Green Team could meet once a month or as needed. But keep the momentum going and the team Green Teams- Engaging Employees in Sustainability (GreenBiz.com)
engaged.
O2 Host an in-office educational session for Education is key.
staff and company leaders to learn
about making your business green, If people don't know the reasons why going green is important, it will be hard for them to adopt some new
resources to do so and company or ways. Also, if your green team and staff do not understand the resources available to them, both in-house
organizational goals. Businesses can and outside sources, great opportunities could be lost. The Sustainability Institute can provide a workshop
host an educational session internally or or help to create a customized training/education session for your green team and staff. Or feel free to The Sustainability Institute
request a workshop with The host your own green businesses educational workshop. Maybe a "Lunch & Learn"?
Sustainability Institute for assistance.
O3 Designate one day to one week each Call it "Green Day" or "Green Week." It's fun to celebrate your business's accomplishments. Send out
Going Green Statistics
year to celebrate your business's green special email announcements, have a company get-together to recognize the impact of specific green
initiatives and successes. business and environmentally friendly initiatives. Use this time as a way to increase company enthusiasm
for sustainability and your staff's participation in the Challenge. Interesting statistics stick in people's minds. Green Living Tips
Help people create "green" habits with friendly reminders and mind-blowing stats. Also, it is important that
your entire staff as well as company leadership is engaged and feels a part of your company's 'greening' Earth Fast Facts (Planetpals.com)
efforts, so use this time to show how each person can and does make a difference.
U.S. EPA WasteWise Program Success Stories
Go Green Facts
O4 Alert all staff as to your involvement in Let everyone know about your business's participation in the Green Business Challenge and all green
the Green Business Challenge and successes along the way. The progress will give your Green Team and others pride in how far you have
provide regular electronic reports on the come. Provide small updates and reminders with regular reporting measures, or begin a sustainability
progress of your business's green update issued quarterly or biannually. Highlight small efforts with big impact and pat yourself on the back. 4 Ways to Optimize Inter-office Communication
initiatives and successes.
O5 Performed innovative green practices Go the extra green mile.
Green Roof Outfitters
such as participating in lights out at
night, bike to work day, composting, What do we mean by "innovative green practice"? It's a unique, green action that sets your company apart
having a green roof, use of local foods, from others and shows your dedication to preserving the planet. So many great green practices did not Charleston Green Roofs
goods and services, having a green make it into the scorecard. If your businesses has taken special initiative to be green in a way not reflected
roof, etc. in the strategies here, this is your chance to get the credit. Explain what you've done and share your Living Roofs Inc.
experience.
Earth Hour
Bike to Work Day
Charleston Farmers Market
The S.C. Smart Gardener Program: SC DHEC website providing information on
composting and water conservation.
Long range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP): A widely-used software tool for
energy policy analysis and climate change mitigation assessment.
Lighting Ordinances (International Dark-Sky Association): Sample lighting ordinances.
Turn lights off at night.
O6 Make sustainability a part of company Its important for your entire company to be engaged and aware of your business's commitment to go-green
culture. Include green practices and and that this identity resonates with your staff as well as with clients, customers or members. Make
policies in employee handbooks, sustainability a part of every aspect of your operations by integrating environmental responsibility, resource
guidelines, standards of operation, and conservation, support for a strong local economy and other sustainability considerations into company
orientation materials. Integrate standards and protocols - purchasing, fleet management, facility maintenance and up keep, products and Environmental Policy Examples
sustainability and environmental services. Use regular communications with employees, as well as your customer or client network, to share
stewardship as a value of company information about initiatives and the changes you are making to become more sustainable and
standards. environmentally responsible.
Energy
E1 Calculate your average energy use over Know where you stand.
the last 12 months. Determine
milestone energy reduction goals with By observing your energy (electricity and gas) bills and getting a baseline, you'll have a reference point of
the overarching goal of reducing at least how much energy you use. In this way, you can determine how much progress you're making.
10% of your energy usage.
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA: EPA Office Energy Checklist
1) Collect 12 months of your electricity consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh) and therms. If you have not
been in your space for a full year, compile utility bills for the time you have been in the space (a minimum of
3 months will suffice). If your electricity is built into the lease, work with your landlord or property manager
to get your energy consumption.
2) Take the average of the 12 months. This is your average electricity consumption. How low can you go?
(Also, note the months of highest usage to know when your biggest opportunity for reduction in annual
energy consumption.)
3) Establish how much you want to reduce (10% is an achievable goal, 30% is a good stretch goal) and by
when.
4) Brainstorm ways your office can reduce its energy use (use the strategies in the scorecard for
EPA's Portfolio Manager: A software that baselines your energy and water use
inspiration).
5) Choose a few practices to focus on. Concentrate your efforts on implementing them.
6) Assess your progress towards your goals quarterly.
E2 Conducted a lighting audit by Lighting is one of the major areas, where you can get the biggest bang out of your buck. It accounts for 30 -
inventorying the types and number of 50% of a building's energy use. Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
lights throughout your building or office TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA: 1) Conduct a lighting audit so that you know the areas where you could
space. Create a plan to switch out any be more energy efficient. You can do this yourself or hire an outside company to do it. 2) Discuss with the Conducting a Lighting Audit: Simple Guide by the North Carolina Division of Pollution
incandescent bulbs for CFLs, T12 Green Team, senior management, and other parties on what changes you want to make. 3) Make the Prevention and Environmental Assistance (NCDENR)
fluorescent tubes for T8s or T5s for changes (that all agreed upon) happen!
new fixtures, or installing LEDs in place
of traditional fixtures. Also consider the Hagemeyer Sustainable Solutions
utility of having daylight sensors and/or
occupancy sensors in offices and/or
About ENERGY STAR Light Bulbs (CFLs)
common areas (remember closet and
bathroom lighting). Implement these
lighting efficiency improvements as About ENERGY STAR Commercial LED Lighting
lamps burn out and need replacing or
as investment is appropriate.
Replace T12 Fluorescent Lamps with T8 Lamps
Life Cycle Cost Estimate for 20 Energy Star Qualified CFLs
E3 Assess strategies to increase the Heating, cooling and ventilation accounts for 39% of the energy use in a typical office. If you are a tenant,
efficiency of your heating, cooling, and most likely you won't be able to change the heating and cooling system (plus, it's quite expensive), but there Renewable Energy- Geothermal (SC Energy Office)
ventilation system, and implement are actions you can take to help make the most out of your (cool or warm) air.
strategies (see suggested strategies for
HVAC efficiency). TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA: Geothermal Service & Tools from Carolina Heating Service
If you have a geothermal system, give 1) Move your thermostat down 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer. This saves 2,000
yourself a point. For mnroe information pounds of carbon dioxide, not to mention money on your heating and air conditioning bill. Every 1-degree
on geothermal, see link to the right. reduction in an 8-hour period = 1% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions; and an average of 3% reduction
Portland Green Office Guide: Heating & Cooling (See pp 17-21)
in energy costs.
2) Install automatic setback thermostats to adjust the temperature for weekends and evenings.
3) Eliminate the use of space heaters and/or personal fans. They consume a great deal of energy. A typical High-Performing HVAC Systems: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's
electric space heater uses 1,500 Watts of power and ties up more that 83% of a standard 15 Amp circuit. Online Guide to Energy-Efficient Commercial Equipment
4) Geothermal systems can greatly reduce the amount of energy used to heat and cool your building.
ENERGY STAR Duct Sealing
Source of Statistic: Turn the Thermostat Down (Creative Citizen)
E4 Create a list of all your office appliances Energy Star-rated equipment uses about half as much electricity as standard equipment, lowering your
and electronics and recorded whether energy bills and lengthening the life of your equipment.
or not they are ENERGY STAR rated. Find ENERGY STAR Products: Select product and follow the links to locate a dealer.
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Dedicate 2 Green Team members to walk around the office and write down all appliance names and
models. Look for the ENERGY STAR label.
2) Determine whether or not these appliances and equipment are ENERGY STAR certified by going to the
ENERGY STAR website (see right). Electronic Product Assessment Tool (EPEAT): A system to help purchasers in the public
Note: Older equipment may have an ENERGY STAR label but are no longer as energy efficient due to and private sectors evaluate, compare and select desktop computers, notebooks and
technological advances. Check your list of ENERGY STAR equipment with the list on the EPA website monitors based on their environmental attributes.
(see link on the right).
3) Meet with the Green Team to discuss findings and set up a purchasing plan for when new or
replacement elctronics/appliances are needed. .
EPA Life Cycle Cost Calculator for Computer Monitors
ENERGY STAR LCD Basics
E5 Establish a policy that when replacing or Office equipment is the fastest growing use of electricity in commercial buildings in the US. Inefficient office
adding new equipment or appliances, equipment not only draws power, but also emits heat that can contribute to higher cooling bills. ENERGY Find ENERGY STAR Products: Select product and follow the links to locate a dealer.
they will have an ENERGY STAR rating STAR-rated equipment uses about half as much electricity as standard equipment, lowering your energy
or, for non-Energy Star Rated bills and lengthening the life of your equipment.
appliances be a high efficiency model. Energy Conservation Decals (Awareness Ideas)
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Meet with staff who is responsible for purchasing electronics or appliances for the business to discuss
Energy Star equipment and potential vendors (chances have it that your regular vendor can supply you with
Office-Wide Purchasing Policy (Natural Resources Defense Council)
an Energy Star model).
2) Draft a purchasing guideline for Energy Star or high efficiency models.
3) Get buy-in from senior management.
4) Implement the new practice. CFLs Buyers Guide (ENERGY STAR)
Buyer's Guide to Purchasing ENERGY STAR Labeled Office Equipment (Yale University)
Online Guide to Energy-Efficient Commercial Equipment (ACEEE)
E6 Change the settings on all office Companies across the U.S. are wasting $1.72 billion a year to supply power to PCs that are not always shut
computers to go into sleep mode or down.
hibernate after a set time of non-use On a standard PC, use these steps to program your computer's screen saver and sleep mode: Screen Savers Don't Save Energy (ENERGY STAR)
(recommended 10-15 min.), discontinue 1) To discontinue use of screen saver go to Control Panel, find Screen Saver Settings, and select Blank
the use of screen savers, and set all or None. (Note: This will NOT turn your monitor off, just eliminates the screen saver)
copier/printers to go to stand by mode 2) To set your computer to go into sleep mode after 10-15 min on non-use: Go to Control Panel , find
after 15 minutes of non-use. System and Security settings, select Power Options and set computer to go into sleep mode after a set
period of time. About ENERGY STAR Copiers & Fax Machines
E7 Implement a "Computer Shut Off" Computer can be shut down at the end of each work day without degrading the life of the computer - most
ENERGY STAR General Technical Overview of Power Management
campaign and set a goal of all computers today are designed to handle 40,000 start-up/shut-down cycles. Shut down the computer, and
computers being completely shut off at then use a power strip (or surge protector) with an on/off switch to stop power usage completely. Even
the end of each work day. when off, computers continue to draw a small amount of stand-by power, using the power strip will ENERGY STAR Power Management Success Stories
eliminate this. Source of Statistic: US PC Energy Report 2007 (co-authored by 1E and Alliance to Save
Energy)
EPA Life Cycle Cost Calculator for Computer Monitors
Energy Conservation Decals (Awareness Ideas)
E8 Assess your building or office space for The first step is always to make your building or office as energy efficient as possible, and then further
U.S. Department of Energy- Solar
existing, or the feasibility of renewable reduce energy demand by making your own energy. (See links to the right for local resources to investigate
energy production systems. This can renewable energy.)
include solar thermal hot water, solar Renewable Energy- Solar (SC Energy Office)
PV for energy generation, or site-scale
wind turbines. If you do have renewable U.S. Department of Energy- Wind
energy, quantify the estimated amount
of energy production is provided by the Renewable Energy- Wind (SC Energy Office)
system(s).
Renewable Energy- Net Metering (SC Energy Office)
SCE&G Net Metering
SolarEstimate.org
include solar thermal hot water, solar
PV for energy generation, or site-scale
wind turbines. If you do have renewable
energy, quantify the estimated amount
of energy production is provided by the
system(s).
Argand Energy Solutions
wind turbines. If you do have renewable
energy, quantify the estimated amount
of energy production is provided by the
system(s).
Solar Hot Water…Works!
E9 Offset a portion of your energy related Want to balance out or "offset" the CO2 emissions associated with your business's electricity usage? Buy
emission by purchasing carbon offsets carbon offsets. E Business Links: Compares offset companies by price and type of offset project.
or contribute to alternative energy
generation through the Palmetto Clean Your daily activities (such as turning on the lights, driving your car, and buying a product shipped to the US
Energy (PaCE) program, from China) emits carbon. When you purchase carbon offsets, you are funding projects that reduces Green America's National Green Pages: List of Offset Companies
greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn offsets or balances out what you emitted. See the links on the
right for more information and a list of companies that offer offsets.
Carbonfund.org
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Identify your office's carbon footprint (most offset companies will calculate your carbon emissions for
free - see links to the right).
2) Decide with your Green Team and senior management what offset company you want to go through. Terra Pass
Different organizations invest in different offset methods - all are good, but find the one right for you.
3) Offset away!
Native Energy
PaCE: A non-profit organization which allows customers of South Carolina's investor-
owned utilities to buy tax-deductible blocks of renewable energy. Contributions are used to
fund renewable energy premiums and support renewable energy.
Waste
W1 Conduct a waste stream audit by A waste audit determines how much trash you're generating, how it's disposed of, and what percentage
inventorying volume and composition of gets to a recycling facility. With this information, you can figure out how much you can increase recycling or
your waste stream. Determine how altogether eliminate, either by reducing the use of certain materials — say, by making double-sided copies
much waste is disposed of as garbage — or by reusing supplies such as packaging. EPA's 3 Ways to do a Waste Audit
verses recyclables. If possible, work with
your trash hauler to collect past data (up TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
to 12 months, volume and frequency of 1) Call your recycling hauler and ask for a waste audit. Most haulers offer this service to customers. (They
pick-up). Alternatively, estimate to the should be able to provide volume and frequency of pick up for garbage adn recyclables).
best of your ability volume and Or if you want to get down and dirty yourself, you can conduct your own waste audit! Download "3 Ways to
composition. do a Waste Audit" (see the links on the right) and follow the steps to conduct a waste audit or follow the
EPA's suggested waste audit methods. Enviro-Purchasing- Waste Audit (Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
2) After the waste audit, if you find that you aren't recycling much, start now!
3) Meet with your Green Team to set up recycling bins conveniently located, and post signage to
encourage proper disposal.
4) Get buy-in from key people in your office, like senior management and purchasing.
5) After a month, assess the progress your business has made.
6) Report this progress to your business.
South Carolina Smart Business Recycling Program (SC DHEC)
7) If appropriate, check your waste/recycling contract and see if they would give you monthly waste reports.
W2 Develop a green purchasing policy to Money talks. The desire to go green doesn't mean much unless you back it up with some dollars. Having a
procure green products where feasible green procurement policy formalizes your committment to going green. Many green products are Green Purchasing Policy (Green Your)
and circulate the policy to employees comparable in price to conventional products, but reduce environmental impact and have health benefits
electronically. too (i.e. no toxins).
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPA)
1) Meet with your green team to establish a policy on buying green products. See sample policies by
clicking "Responsible Purchasing Network" to your right.
Things to consider:
Green Product Checklist: What Makes a Product Green?
- Reduce frequency of delivery of office supplies to just once or maximum twice a week. Carbon emissions
from delivery can be significant if you receive daily deliveries.
- Some vendors offer the service of making a list of all the office products you buy and delineating which
are "green" and not-so-green. In this way, you can determine what products you want to replace and what Green Procurement: Background & Overview (P2Rx)
you want to keep the same.
- Get support from your vendors and service providers. Reach out with a letter to commonly used suppliers
to ask them to help you in your efforts by supplying green and environemntally friendly products.
Recycled Content Products Directory
2) You might want to shop around a bit in creating this policy. Get samples of these green products
Responsible Purchasing Network: Example Policies
W3 Establish a recycling policy that codifies TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
all office recycling practices in 1) Make sure your policy contains the following: explains what materials are recyclable, ensures recycling Starting a Recycling Program (SC DHEC)
coordination with your building's or bins are in areas where recyclables are generated (copier/printer room, kitchen, employee desks), and
location's recycling opportunities, locate make sure signs on or near these bins clearly explain what materials are acceptable. "Your Office Paper Recycling Guide": A step-by-step guide to instituting an office paper
recycling receptacles for convenience At a minimum, your policy should include recycling practices for paper, cardboard, and plastic and glass recycling program. (City of Cary, NC).
and accessibility throughout the work bottles, and aluminum beverage containers. Office Recycling Policy: A do-it-yourself office recycling policy guide (Carbon Reduction
space, and verified that staff and/or 2) If you are using a bin with a lid that has a slit in it, make sure it's in the copier/printer room for paper Institute- Australia).
custodial service properly disposes of recycling (not in the kitchen). At the same time, make sure the bins in the kitchen have circular openings for
recyclables. Include cardboard in your bottles and cans. Earth 911 Business Workspace Recycling
recycling plan if possible. 3) Make sure your staff and custodial service understands and implements this new practice.
Charleston County Environmental Management and Recycling Information
Fisher Recycling
W4 Give all employees a paper recycling Typical business offices generate about 1.5 pounds of waste paper per employee per day! Every recycled
receptacle to use at her/his desk, and ton of paper saves about 17 trees and 462 gallons of oil.
verify that staff and custodial service
understands and properly disposes of Individual paper recycling bins make it as easy for employees to recycle. But without staff adn custodial
paper recyclables. service educated on how to handle the recyclables, all your efforts go to waste (literally)! To save money Source of Statistic: Recycling Office Paper Waste Fact Sheet (Michigan Department of
and not have to buy recycling bins for every desk, get creative. Recycle an old file box or spare storage Environmental Quality)
container. Or, is you already have small waste baskets at eaach desk, make those recyclign bins and place
a larger trash in a central area for all to use to dispose of nonrecyclables, instead.
W5 Assess and estimate how much 1 ream (500 sheets) of 100% non-recycled (virgin) copier paper uses 6% of a tree (and those add up
copier/printer paper you use and quickly!). Use the "Paper Calculator" link to the right to estimate the environmental impacts of your use of
establish milestones to reduce paper different papers. Paper Calculator (Environmental Defense Fund)
use.
HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA:
1) Find out how much paper you are currently using by documenting 3 months of copy / printing paper
usage or go through your purchase orders for 3 months.
2) After you have established a baseline, determine ways to reduce - use double sided copying, reuse Office Paper Recycling Audit Form
scrap paper for draft prints, eliminate printing of emails and other resources unless absolutely necessary
(instead share and store files electronically) set a reduction goal and assess your progress every 3 months.
TIPS:
1) Collect a pile of scrap paper (paper where one side is already printed on) in the copier room to use for
draft printing. Use both sides of the paper before you recycle! Statistics on Paper: "Trees to Paper" (Conservatree)
2) Print in "draft" or "fast" mode to save ink and money (because you reduce the number of cartridges you
have to buy).
W6 Purchase at least 30% post-consumer You've probably heard of 30% post consumer recycled paper and 100% recycled content paper. What
recycled copier/printer paper and 100% does it all mean?
post-consumer recycled copier/printer
paper if possible (processed chlorine Post-consumer recycled content paper is made with fiber after a consumer has used it. Pre-consumer (or "How to Create a Smart Paper Plan for Your Business" (NRDC)
free, PCF, or unbleached too, if post industrial) recycled paper is made from overruns from the paper manufacturing process. Post
available). consumer + pre-consumer content = total recycled content. 100% post consumer recycled paper is the
most eco-friendly because no new trees were required to produce it.
Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) bleaching processes are better for the environment than "Elemental
Chlorine Free" bleaching, which is now standard across the US.
"Why 30 Percent PC?" (U.S. Conference of Mayors)
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Meet with your procurement department about this proposed change. Inform the department of the
benefits of purchasing post-consumer recycled copier/printer paper. Share companies/websites places of
where to purchase. Note: recycling is great, but if you don't purchase products from recycled material,
there won't be a demand for these materials. In other words, it's essential to purchase post-consumer
recycled paper!
2) Brainstorm ways to institute this new practice. Paper Listings by Paper Type (Conservatree)
3) Draft a new practice.
4) Get buy-in from senior management.
5) Implement the new practice.
W7 Purchase at least 30% post-consumer See above.
recycled paper products (i.e. paper
towels, filing folders, envelopes, Unbleached products (brown cardboard look) require no bleaching of any type. This is generally more eco-
notepads, boxes, business cards, etc.) friendly than any of the major bleaching methods, including PCF.
or 100% post-consumer recyled
See above.
products if possible (processed chlorine
free, PCF, or unbleached too, if
available).
W8 Set all printer/copier machines to By converting all your printers to default to double-sided, you can potentially cut your paper costs in half.
default to double sided copy/print, and
notify staff and other users with clear TIP ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
signage. This may have to happen at the computer. When printing select Properties in the print dialogue box and
check Duplex print. If possible, set this as default on your computer's printing function. If necessary, (when
Portland Green Office Guide: Paper Products (See pp 14-17)
it comes time to buy or lease a new printer/copier unit) buy duplexers (a device that allows a machine to
make duplex copies).
W9 Unsubscribe to all junk mail and reduce 100 million trees are ground up each year for unsolicited mail, costing $550 million for transport and $320
Junk Mail Reduction Fact Sheet (Ohio EPA): Helpful document with links to different
the number of catalogs and newspapers million in local taxes for disposal annually. But not to fear, there is a solution to eliminate your junk mail and
services to help you unsubscribe from mail lists.
sent to your office or business. reduce the paper waste!
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA: How to Get Off Mailing Lists (Direct Marketing Association)
1) Unsubscribe to junk mail by contacting the sender and take your company off their mailing list or visit the
links to the right to unsubscribe from a number of mailing lists.
2) Encourage employees to share subscriptions/copies of certain periodicals and/or newspapers instead of Stop the Junk Mail Monster! (EcoCycle)
getting their own copies.
3) Certain trade journals, magazines, etc. are available online. Explore getting online subscriptions for the
Source of Statistic: Tips & facts on junk mail reduction (Ecofuture.org)
office.
W10 Circulate documents and memos Electronic copies save paper, postage, and storage space. They also allow for electronic search
electronically instead of using printed capabilities, which you don't get with a paper copy. Any document that does not need to be signed or
hard copies. Also discourage printing otherwise used in hard-copy format can be circulated electronically. Eliminate printing of documents such How Paperless Offices Work
emails unless absolutely necessary. as employee handbooks, and consider revising requirements for submitting timesheets, requests for time
Include this protocol in employee off, etc.
guidelines and orientation materials.
Cutting Paper: Provides practical information about how to reduce the amount of office
paper you use.
W11 Recycle electronics, print cartridges, cell The average cell phone is replaced (or upgraded) every 18 to 24 months. That's a lot of rechargeable
phones, batteries and/or other batteries and cell phones. When it's time to retire your old cell phones or replace your rechargeable Call2Recycle: Order cell phone & rechargeable battery boxes.
hazardous waste materials by batteries, don't forget to recycle them. You'll help preserve natural resources and keep discarded products
establishing an in-house program or out of landfills.
participating in an outside/third party Recycle4Charity.com: Recycle toner.
hazardous materials recycling program. About 500 million ink-jet and 75 million laser cartridges are sold annually in North America alone. About
half of these cartridges are simply thrown away when empty - resulting in significant loss of resources and
waste in landfills. Sending these cartridges back for remanufacturing and refilling can help avoid this waste.
Alkaline Battery Recycling Solutions
Alkaline batteries are often just trashed, but just like recycling paper, plastic and metal, recycling these
batteries helps divert waste from landfills and helps recover valuable resources.
Earth 911 Business Workspace Recycling
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Contact the recyclers (see links on the right) to find out where and how to recycle hazardous waste. .
2) Create and post clear signage about what materials are acceptable in your office. Recycling Convenience Centers and Drop-Site Locations (Charleston County)
3) Send an email blast to all employees or have a "Lunch & Learn" to educate the staff to this new
program.
SC DHEC Frequently Asked Questions: Provides answers to common questions, such as
how to properly dispose of batteries.
eCycle: Get paid for your used print cartridges, cell phones, and mp3 players.
W12 Install blow-dry hand dryers or Air hand dryers are more sanitary and environmentally friendly than paper towels. No more paper towels
continuous cloth hand dryers in the on the floor! In a medium sized office, air hand dryers can have a payback of 6-12 months depending on
bathrooms to eliminate paper towel usage. Excel Dryer
waste.
A warm air hand dryer over its life time will result in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to driving a car
roughly 3,170 miles. If paper towels were used instead (during this time), over 2.5 times more greenhouse
gases would have been produced.
HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA: World Dryer
1) If you are a tenet, talk to your property manager to find out if you can install a hand dryer. If you own your
building, talk to senior management about installing a hand dryers or continuous cloth dryer.
2) Find some vendors, get some pricing, and put together a cost analysis.
3) Present the cost analysis to your senior management.
4) If it's a go, install the hand dryer (or a dryer with continuous cloth towel) and enjoy the zero-waste way to
dry your hands! American Dryer: Extreme Air
W13 Eliminated the use of disposable cups, 860,000 tons of plastic cups and plates from the municipal solid waste stream were landfilled in 2007
plates, bowls, utensils, and coffee (EPA). This does not include plastic utensils and packaging. That's a lot of plastic! How low could your
stirrers and purchase reusable kitchen- business go in waste generation? Could it be zero waste? One easy way is to get rid of the disposable
ware for employee and guests. serviceware and get durable, reuseable goods.
If you use polystyrene (or commonly called Styrofoam) cups in your office, get rid of them! Polystyene is Source of Statistic: EPA Waste Data 2007
made from oil and is non-renewable, non-compostable and can't readily be recycled. Polystyene breaks up
into small pieces and can be ingested by marine or bird life, killing them through starvation. Finally, studies
have shown that chemicals in polystyrene are carcinogenic (especially when it's heated) and can leach into
your food or drink.
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Brainstorm with your Green Team how to eliminate disposables. Could you invest in some durable
goods? Maybe each person could bring 1 - 2 mugs from home to contribute to the office? It's fun to
celebrate birthdays... but what about all that trash afterwards? What can you do to eliminate waste when
the office gets a meal catered?
2) Once a plan is established, propose it to senior staff.
Styrofoam ban makes impact (Examiner.com)
3) Once it is approved, educate your co-workers about the new practice Have a get together and showcase
the new durable goods or launch the BYOS (bring your own serviceware) program.
Make it fun!
Transportation
T1 Conduct a survey of employee The first step in changing the way your staff gets to work is by finding out how they get to work.
commute to determine distance and
mode of transportation. Establish a goal TIPS ON ACHIEVING THIS CRITERIA:
of 20% of employees using alternative 1) Brainstorm with your Green Team how you want to encourage your staff to participate in a Commuter
transportation. Survey (see link to the right).
2) With this information, devise a strategy on how to encourage 20% of your staff to use alternative
commuting methods. (This an include several of the transportation strategies listed in the scorecard, see
Commuter Survey: An example of a commuter survey (Commuter Connections)
T3 -T6).
3) Implement the strategy.
4) Measure your progress.
5) At the end of the year, reward your staff for its accomplishments.
You could have a month long contest to find out what department has the greenest commute and conclude
the month with a celebration complete with food, prizes, and memorable commuting stories.
T2 Assess options and feasibility for Teleconferencing can allow your business to achieve the same results as face-to-face meetings while
offering employees the ability of cutting out unnecessary employee travel and improving productivity. A schedule of four 10-hour days per
telecommuting, flextime, or 4/10 work week cuts commuting time, cost, and emissions by 20%. A schedule of nine 9-hour days over two weeks
How to Write a Telecommuting Policy (Forrester)
week. will save 10%.
(Note: This strategy may not apply to all participants, particularly those of nonoffice establishments with
staff or employees who do not work a standard 9-5 40 hour week.)
TIPS TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA:
1) Find out if your company/organization has a telecommuting or flextime policy. If so, could it be
improved? How could you attract more people to take advantage of it? Source of Statistic: Portland Green Office Guide: Flexible Work Arrangements (See pp 26-
2) If your company/organization does not have one, take a poll of your co-workers to find out if they would 27)
be interested in such a policy.
3) If so, have a couple members of the Green Team to draft a telecommuting policy (see link on the right
for tips on this). Include a tracking device (a form will be fine) so that you'll know how many people are
signed up.
4) Share this research with the Green Team. Revise and edit.
5) Pitch to senior management. Telecommuting: Saving Energy and Promoting Progress (Tennessee Advisory Committee
6) Announce this to the whole staff via a lunch meeting or regularly scheduled staff meeting. on Intergovernmental Relations)
7) Explain this policy to new employees.
8) At the end of the year, measure how many people use this policy and if possible
calculate the carbon emissions reduced and commuting time and money saved.
T3 Provide onsite secure bike parking for Reward your bike-riding employees with secure bike parking!
employees. Preferably bike space for at
least 20% of staff would be available for A bike rack is unobtrusive and makes a quiet statement about a company’s commitment to the
employees that choose to ride their bike environment. Make bike parking visible, accessible, and consider covering it. Your bike-riding employees —
to work. and clients — will thank you.
Things to Consider When Making a Bicycle Rack Purchase (Bicycle Rack Source)
HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA:
1) Take a poll and find out if your co-workers could ride to work and , if so, would they.
2) Work with property owner to determine what areas are available for bike parking. Interior bike parking
may be an option if your building can accomodate it.
3) Propose this idea to your senior staff, complete with the number of employees who would use the bike
parking.
T4 Provide showers and lockers in your Lack of showers discourages many people from bicycling to work. If your building has a fitness center,
building or office, or subsidize local gym allow showering by bicycle commuters.
membership for bike commuters to
have those amenities. HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA:
1) If you have showers and lockers available in your office building, promote them! You will have more bike
commuters and reduce the eco-impact of your co-workers' commute.
2) If you don't have showers and lockers, encourage your employer to offer a discount to join a nearby gym
that does. This may improve your work environment as those who are physically active as generally happier
and more productive.
T5 Provide a transit benefit program to Public transportation in America's most congested cities saved travelers 1.1 billion hours in travel time
encourage use of public transportation. (2003). CARTA Fares
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Discuss with the Green Team and senior management to see if you could offer a transit benefit program.
Contact CARTA to see their rates and ridership info. Where to Buy Passes (CARTA)
2) Iron out the logistics. Ensure that the program has a way to measure success.
3) Brainstorm and implement ways to educate staff members on the new program.
4) Promote your successes at the end of the year.
T5 Provide a transit benefit program to Public transportation in America's most congested cities saved travelers 1.1 billion hours in travel time
encourage use of public transportation. (2003).
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Discuss with the Green Team and senior management to see if you could offer a transit benefit program.
Contact CARTA to see their rates and ridership info.
2) Iron out the logistics. Ensure that the program has a way to measure success.
3) Brainstorm and implement ways to educate staff members on the new program.
4) Promote your successes at the end of the year.
CARTA Route Index
T6 Facilitate a carpool program to help Use the commuter survey or an alternative sign-up tool, to make it easy for employees to connect with
Amigos Carpooling: Fill a taxi or share a carpool.
staff find carpool partners? each other and coordinate carpools. Perhaps give carpoolers special parking or other incentives to reduce
single occupancy vehicles.
Savings calculator for carpooling (Pace)
T7 Purchase bikes for a bike sharing Nearly 40% of all trips Americans make are 2 miles or less, which is the perfect length to go by bike. Yet
program so that employees can travel less than 1% of all trips are taken by bicycle. If people rode bikes instead of cars for short trips, it would
by bicycle during the workday. greatly reduce harmful pollution that contributes to climate change.
Source of Statistic: Bikes Belong
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Discuss with the Green Team and senior management to see if there's interest for this project.
2) Explore storage. Find out if you can allocate space in your building to store 1 - 2 bikes.
3) Find out about the logistics. Determine how bikes will be lent out/signed out, do emplyees need to sign
waivers for liability purposed, how can you provide safety information to keep riders safe on the road, etc.
6) Publicize the program.
7) Make sure to compile information on how often bikes are used and travel (distance, destination etc.) info. Community Bike Programs (International Bike Fund)
Measure the eco benefits of the program and let the office know.
T8 Establish a policy where employees Driving a green rental car is good for the planet because:
must preference a fuel efficient or • When accelerating, a hybrid rental car will run off a battery-charged electric motor, not gasoline, curtailing "Car Rentals Go Hybrid": A 2007 article addressing the status of hybrid cars in rental car
hybrid vehicle when renting cars for global-warming-causing tailpipe emissions. Hybrids can reduce air pollution by as much as 90%. company fleets.
business travel, using a car service or • As concern over the cost and source of petroleum soars, hybrids have been proven to have excellent fuel
taxi, or when purchasing vehicle for economy due to advanced aerodynamic designs (which reduce wind resistance), light-weight engines, and
company fleet. other fuel-efficient features. This is a distinct advantage for renters who plan on driving extended distances. GreenTravel Hub (by RezHub.com): Find and book green rental cars from popular car
• While at a standstill, a hybrid rental's engine shuts itself off and the vehicle runs on electricity. Every two rental companies.
minutes of idling in a standard car consumes the same amount of gas required to drive approximately one
mile—a waste of resources and a contributor to smog.
• Money saved at the pump when driving a hybrid on a vacation or business trip allows travelers to redirect eQocar.com: An environmentally-friendly car rental company that offers a complete range
funds on more pleasurable, non-petroleum based diversions. of hybrid vehicles
TIPS ON ACHIEVING CRITERIA:
1) Amend your company/organization's current car rental policy to mandate that x%
(we would suggest 50% or more) of car rentals must be from fuel efficient vehicles. Charleston Green Taxi
Include resources on where your co-workers can rent this type of vehicle.
2) Pitch the idea to your senior management.
3) If it's approved, educate your co-workers and new incoming employees.
Greener Choices: Cars (Consumer Reports)
T9 Calculate and offset transportation Go carbon neutral!
related emissions associated with E Business Links: Compares offset companies by price and type of offset project.
employee commute, company travel or When you drive a car, travel via plane, or turn on the lights, most likely you are supporting an operation the
fleet management by purchasing emits CO2. One way to reduce your carbon emissions (after you reduce your usage, of course) is to offset
carbon offsets. them by purchasing carbon offsets. When you purchase carbon offsets, you are supporting businesses and Green America's National Green Pages: List of offset companies
projects that decrease the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere such as wind farms and energy
efficiency. Chicago Climate Exchange: The world’s first and North America’s only active voluntary,
legally binding integrated trading system to reduce emissions of all six major greenhouse
HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS CRITERIA: gases (GHGs), with offset projects worldwide.
1) Identify your office's carbon footprint for business travel and employee commuting, most offset
organizations will calculate this for free - see links to the right. Carbonfund.org
2) Decide with your Green Team and senior management which offset company to use. Different offset
companies invest in different offset methods - all are good, but find the one that is right for you.
3) Offset away! Terra Pass
Native Energy
Water
P1 Install water-conserving devices on your Commercial buildings use about 20% of the US drinking water supply. Reducing total commercial building
toilets. water consumption by just 10% would mean saving well over 2 trillion gallons of water each year! EPA's Portfolio Manager: A software that baselines your energy and water use
Old toilets use up to 7 gallons of water per flush; now all new toilets are required to use 1.6 gallons or less EPA WaterSense: Information on water-efficient toilets
per flush. Check to see what type of toilet you use. You may be flushing lots of water down the pipe!
HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA: Let's Be Water Smart: WaterSense High-Efficiency Tiolets (James City Service Authority)
1) Brainstorm with the Green Team and engineering staff (if applicable) what devices you want to install to
save water. (Conventional toilets can use simple displacement devices, commercial toilets may be Lowe's- Shop "WaterSense" Toilets
retrofitted with flush valve fixtures).
2) Research vendors with your price range.
3) If you are a tenet, discuss these ideas with your property manager. Home Depot Eco Options- Water Conservation
4) Implement these ideas.
5) Document your savings and share your success. . Source of Statistic: "First Step to Improving Building Water Efficiency" (EPA)
Source of Statistic: Georgia's Sustainable Office Tool Kit- Water-Efficiency
P2 Install faucet aerators with a target flow Available fresh water amounts to less than .5% of all water on earth. Global consumption of water is
rate of a maximum of 1 gallon per doubling about every 20 years, more than 2 times the rate of human population growth!
minute on all lavatory sinks. EPA's Portfolio Manager: A software that baselines your energy and water use
Aerators can cut faucet water use in half.
HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA:
1) Brainstorm with the Green Team and engineering staff (if applicable) what low-flow aerator you want to EPA WaterSense Product Search
install to save water.
2) Research vendors with your price range. (Low flow aerators can be purchased at most hardware stores).
3) If you are a tenet, discuss these ideas with your property manager.
4) Implement these ideas. Source of Statistic: Georgia's Sustainable Office Tool Kit- Water Efficiency
5) Document your savings and share you success.
P3 Employ sustainable landscaping If you own your property, develop a landscape plan to integrate and maintain grounds which are low
strategies such as native and drought maintenance and drought resistant. If you are a tenet contact your property manager about the potential for SC DHEC Smart Gardener Handbook- Choosing the Right Plants
resistant plants, minimal to no turf sustainable landscaping strategies within their plans for maintenance and up-keep of the property.
grass, broad tree canopy for shade, etc.
Clemson Extension HGIC: Conserving Water in Your Landscape
P4 Install water conserving technologies for If irrigation is needed make sure to employ the most efficient system to reduce the amount of water used,
Information/Education on Water-Efficiency (Innovative Water Solutions)
your irrigation needs, such as drip over watering, and irrigation of unplanted areas. Many irrigation systems can be fitted with moisture sensors
irrigation, rain or moisture sensors, or or other controller efficiencies to reduce irrigation to only when needed. As well rain barrels, or rain
rainwater irrigation systems (e.g. rain catchment system, can be an alternative to using city or well water to irrigate (remember: rain is free). Clemson University Rainwater Harvesting System
barrels)?
Ascot Earth Systems
Lowcountry Raincatchers
RainXchange: Rainwater Harvesting System
SC DHEC Smart Gardener Handbook- Smart Watering
Resources for Rainwater Harvesting: Harvest H2O.com
Healthy Work Environment
H1 Establish a smoke free work place Prohibit smoking in the building and locate designated smoking areas at least 20 feet from entries, air
policy, and require all smoking be at intakes and operable windows.
Why Go Smoke Free?: South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative
least 20 feet from all doors and
operable windows
H2 Establish a policy preferencing low or no Have you ever wondered what causes that pungent paint smell?
VOC cleaners, polishes, sealants, Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (EPA)
adhesives, paints, carpeting, and The answer is a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At room temperature, VOC fumes
finishes (especially furniture). can come from building materials and paints. VOCs can make people sick, and unfortunately List of Green Seal Certified Paints: Paint listed under "Construction Materials, Equipment
concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. When and Systems."
you paint, polish or clean, say no to VOCs.
About Green Seal
HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA:
1) If your business or the building owner decides to renovate, find out if you can use no- or low-VOC paint. Home Depot Eco Options- Clean Air
2) Go to the link to the right for a list of Green Seal certified paints.
3) Enjoy a paint job that doesn't have the strong paint smell.
Lowe's Healthy Home Products- Paint
Sherwin-Williams Green Solutions
H3 Conduct annual or semi annual staff Implement a survey among staff to collect anonymous responses about temperature, lighting and sound
surveys to assess employee comfort comfort related conditions; and agree to develop a plan for corrective action if the survey results indicate
level regarding temperature, light and more than 20% of staff surveyed report some level of discomfort. Some suggestions, if lighting is an issue
sound; and implement improvements if task lighting is a good alternative for individual needs, as well, shades or light shelves can be used to Thermal Environment Survey (ASHRAE Standard 55-2004): Sample survey form appears
at least 20% of staff surveyed report reduce glare, thermal comfort issues often relate to air flow and dampers could be a solution to redirect on page 16-18 of actual pdf document.
some level of discomfort. airflow, and noise issues can be addressed by piping in white noise if you are equipped with the appropriate
system or using sound absorbent materials to cut down on echoes and promote quiet.
H4 Establish purchasing preference for Green your cleaners.
Green Seal certified (or equivalent) List of Green Seal Certified Cleaners
green cleaners. If you use a cleaning Green cleaning is better for the earth and for the workers who are exposed to the cleaners on a daily basis.
company, specify in your contract use of Green Seal, a nonprofit 3rd party product certifier, ensures that Green Seal certified cleaners contain no
Green Seal (or equivalent) cleaners. toxic chemicals and still do a quality cleaning job.
Green Cleaning Pollution Prevention Calculator
HOW TO ACHIEVE CRITERIA:
1) Find out what is currently used for cleaning products and determine if they can be replaced with a Green
Seal or equivalent cleaning agent.
Home Depot Eco Options- Healthy Home
2) Establish a green cleaning policy.
3) Educate staff and custodial service on the health and environmental benefits of green cleaners.
4) Use the green cleaners and enjoy the fresher air!
Lowe's Green Cleaning Products
Community Stewardship
C1 Make your business a CSA drop site for Research the links to the right to find our more about Charleston CSA opportunities. Connect with a CSA
local farmers? organization or local farmer to find out how you can become a drop site. Community Supported Agriculture (Local Harvest)
Lowcountry Local First- Community Supported Agriculture
C2 Make your business a drop site for Coordinate and advertise among the community a special recycling opportunity. Consider unusual but
uncommon or hazardous materials recyclable materials that may be a part of your operations and share the opportunity with the public to
recycling, such as electronics, cooking recycle these materials through you. Communicate your success and the positive community impact you
Recycling Convenience Centers and Drop-Site Locations (Charleston County)
oil, print cartridges, alkaline batteries, are making by going above and beyond to help the Charleston community reduce waste, recycle more and
construction and demolition materials become a more sustainable city.
etc.
C3 Sign up to participate in Lowcountry Lowcountry Local First advocates for the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community
Local First Localize Your Business support for independent locally owned business and farmers. The Localize Your Business program will
Lowcountry Local First
Program. survey member-businesses' biggest expenditures and look for ways owners can use local businesses to
get supplies and merchandise.
C4 If you occupy a historic building subject The greenest building is one that is already built. Charleston I sknow for its historic appeal, largely
to BAR regulations, and are responsible represented in our historic buildings. The BAR and other organizations are inplace to assure the City of Charleston Board of Architectual Review (BAR)
for the maintenance and upkeep of the maintenance and preservation of Charleston's historic buildings. If you maintain a historic building in
building to BAR standards - give Charleston, give your self a point.
yourself a point. Historic Charleston Foundation
C5 Refer another business to participate in Get rewarded by spreading the word. List businesses you have referred to the Green business challenge in
the Green Business Challenge, and give the strategy description column on the scorecard tab. These businesses need to have registered for the
yourself a point. 2010 Green Business Challenge by the December deadline.
Draft Cop
ENERGY, WATER, and WASTE DATA
Using the template below enter in monthly energy use. Follow the model to tally monthly energy use by kWh and therms, water
gallons and do not have to disclose energy costs). At least 3 months of energy data is needed for a baseline and any assessme
Energy Data (Model) Water Data (Model)
Date kWh Therms Cost Date CCF
January 10 - February 8 1008 24 $156.00 January 10 - February 8
Februrary 8 - March 11 1200 29 $160.00 Februrary 8 - March 11
Log Energy Data Here Log Water Data Here
Date kWh Therms Cost Date CCF
Draft Copy
use by kWh and therms, water by CCF or gallon, and cost in dollars (you may just include kWh and therms, CFF or
r a baseline and any assessment, a minimum of 9 months is preferable and a year is ideal.
Data (Model) Waste Data (Model)
Garbage Recyclables
Gallons Cost Date Pick-Ups Pick-Ups
Volume Volume
January 10 - February 8 96 gallon 4 22 gallon 2
Februrary 8 - March 11 63 gallon 4 33 gallon 2
Log Water Data Here
Garbage Recyclables
Gallons Cost Date Pick-Ups Pick-Ups
Volume Volume