The following list has been adapted from Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Green Workplace Challenge. Netgreen members are encouraged to look through the items and make note of which items might apply to their business operation. A DECO Consultant will then be able to help each company begin forging a path to sustainability.
Netgreen Sustainable Strategy |
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| # | Description | Notes |
Energy |
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| 1 | URA’s Business Energy Saving Program ($400 toward energy audit) | |
| 2 | Utilize EnergyStar portfolio manager | |
| 3 | Earn EnergyStar certification | |
| 4 | Conduct an energy audit/implement suggested actions | |
| 5 | Use on-site reusable energy | |
| 6 | Purchase ‘green power’ from a renewable energy source | |
| 7 | Enroll in a demand-response program | |
| 8 | Install energy efficient windows or insulate glass | |
| 9 | Upgrade to energy efficient HVAC systems | |
| 10 | Shade outdoor HVAC units with plants | |
| 11 | Install a cool, white, or green roof | |
| 12 | Install motion sensors or programmable light switches | |
| 13 | Replace light fixtures with LED’s (or T5’s) 26 parking lights | |
| 14 | Install natural lighting | |
| 15 | Set office computers to automatically shutdown at close | |
| 16 | Install environmentally conscious hand dryers | |
| 17 | Set an energy use reduction target goal | |
| 18 | Policy requiring EnergyStar compliance for new equipment | |
| 19 | Policy to identify and eliminate ghost power | |
| 20 | Establish a Green Team/Sustainability Manager | |
Social |
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| 21 | Become a certified sustainable local business | |
| 22 | Compare your standing against industry average | |
| 23 | Commit to the 2030 district goals | |
| 24 | Join the Breathe Coalition and commit to campaign/sign up for Air Quality Action Day | |
| 25 | Implement the Air Quality flagging program | |
| 26 | Green Friday, flex time, telecom policy | |
| 27 | Establish sustainability guidelines and outline of strategy to achive commitment | |
| 28 | No idling zones in parking areas and signage | |
| 29 | Donate extra food | |
| 30 | Policy to reduce exposure to chemicals with greener cleaning products | |
| 31 | Sustainable Education Workshop | |
| 32 | Sponsor or volunteer for a community environmental event | |
| 33 | Participate in a tree planting/planting event or become a tree tender | |
| 34 | Install potted plants | |
| 35 | Utilize local interns | |
| 36 | Post sustainability policy on website | |
| 37 | Local, state, and greener federal incentives | |
Supply Chain |
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| 38 | Develop a greenhouse gas emmissions inventory | |
| 39 | Establish an environmentally friendly purchasing policy (greenerpittsburgh.com) | |
Transportation |
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| 40 | Conduct a transportation survery with Commute Info | |
| 41 | Register with commute infor and have employees participate in ride-share | |
| 42 | Encourage alternative transportation | |
| 43 | Encourage Bike-pooling or car-pooling | |
| 44 | Bike-friendly employer and participate in car-free Fridays | |
| 45 | Sponsor, volunteer, or paticipate in Pedal PGH or other Bike PGH events | |
| 46 | Promote the National Bike Challenge | |
| 47 | Bike-share or office bikes | |
| 48 | Utilize qualified bicycle reimbursement | |
| 49 | Utilize Zipcar | |
| 50 | Employee benefit program for alternate transit | |
| 51 | Establish greener driving practices (promote higher MPG and fuel efficient vehicles) | |
| 52 | Offer public transportation passes to employees | |
| 53 | Incentivize walking/biking/public transit | |
| 54 | Offer transportation benefits (pre-tax payroll deductions) | |
Waste |
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| 55 | Give discounts for using reusable cups/containers | |
| 56 | Utilize sustianable landscapes technologies | |
| 57 | Set waste reduction and composition targets | |
| 58 | Conduct a professional waste audit/contact Zero Waste PGH | |
| 59 | Use EPA’s WARM tool to measure recycling | |
| 60 | Earn Zero Waste ZIP certification and use ZIP for events | |
| 61 | Establish a composting program and use material in landscaping | |
| 62 | Collect batteries, flourescent lighting, ted (e-waste) and toner | |
| 63 | Create a comprehensive recycling program for plastic, glass, metal and paper with descriptive signage | |
| 64 | Establish a policy to limit/eliminate single-use beverage containers | |
| 65 | Utilize 2-sided printing | |
| 66 | Purchase furniture, supplies, and materials from used supplies | |
| 67 | Utilize recycled paper/eco-friendly ink for paper products | |
| 68 | Donate unwanted items to Construction Junction/Creative Reuse/Goodwill | |
| 69 | Designate a sustainability manager and encourage on-going training | |
| 70 | Sponsor or participate in local waste collection events | |
| 71 | Waste reduction goals and strategies, ban small individual trashcans | |
| 72 | Establish a recycling policy and outline strategy | |
| 73 | Policy to eliminate/reduce bottled water | |
| 74 | Oft for e-billing/paperless receipts | |
| 75 | Policy to donate surplus/unwanted building materials | |
Water |
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| 76 | Set a water reduction target goal | |
| 77 | Install environmentally conscious toilets, faucets, shower heads, or waterless urinals | |
| 78 | Install a toilet tank water displacement device | |
| 79 | Incentivize use of tap water with filtration device and water pitchers | |