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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, buildings in the U.S. account for 12% of total national fresh water consumption. Reducing the need for water reduces stress on the local water infrastructure and leaves reservoirs and aquatic ecosystems intact. Renewable Energy Trust.
- Establish a recycling program for plastics/glass/cardboard/newspaper
- Establish a recycling program for paper
- Establish a policy for discarding printer and copier toner cartridges
- Establish a policy to recycle and/or donate old electronic equipment/phones
- Establish a company policy of copying on both sides of paper for internal documents
- Purchase recycled or managed-growth forest paper
- Establish a policy to distribute documents electronically in lieu of printing
- Designate a used goods area for reusable binders, folders, padded envelopes and boxes
- Utilize printing services that use soy-based inks and recycled or managed-growth papers
- Establish a policy for archiving documents electronically
- Purchase office supplies from local companies
- Use washable, biodegradable or recyclable tableware in office
- Use non-toxic cleaning products
- Purchase/lease low-emission vehicles as company vehicles and provide a written policy on all future vehicles
- Support and provide incentives (when possible) for carpooling, biking or the use of public transportation when commuting to and from work
- Locate bike racks outside and showers in office
- Equip at least one room with online meeting and teleconferencing capabilities
- Clean or replace HVAC filters per manufacturer's recommended instructions
- Provide safe, clean drinking water for all employees
- Utilize "Energy Star" office equipment or equivalent for all new equipment/appliance purchases
- Establish policy for turning off lights and computers when not in use
- Install compact fluorescent, LED or other long-burning light bulbs throughout offices
- Use motion sensor lights in commons areas such as bathrooms, meeting rooms and corridors
- Conduct an energy audit (call energy utility company)
- Monitor and track monthly electricity usage to assure usage levels are meeting expected amounts
- Install motion-sensor controlled lights throughout office
- Install individual comfort controls devices with an automated thermostat
- Insulate all accessible hot and cold water pipes
- Qualify as a carbon-neutral company with proper third-party verification
- Install low-flush toilets and/or low-flush or waterless urinals
- Install motion-sensor controlled faucets in bathrooms
- Install aerators on office sinks that are under the company's control
- Monitor and track monthly water usage to assure usage levels are meeting expected amounts
- Clean or replace HVAC filters per manufacturer's recommended instructions
- Turn all HVAC systems down or off when offices are unoccupied. Install and use programmable thermostats whenever possible
- Purchase high-efficiency HVAC equipment when replacing or upgrading existing systems
- Inspect and clean air ducts and both supply and return grilles on a regular basis to minimize dust collection and mildew
- Insulate all accessible hot and cold water pipes
- Monitor and track monthly natural gas usage to assure usage levels are meeting expected amounts
- Locate bike racks outside and showers in office
- Purchase or lease all future company vehicles with the lowest available emissions standards of vehicles within their particular class
- Support and provide incentives (when possible) for carpooling, biking or the use of public transportation when commuting to and from work