GOING GREEN
The questions below identify the areas where you can improve. We recommend you form a GREEN team for your office and use our simple eco-check list to perform a self evaluation of your facility. From there, put a plan in place to implement changes.
SUPPLIES (Paper, Copiers, and Dry Goods)
Do you buy recycled copier paper, toilet paper and paper towels?
Do you encourage the use of ceramic/glass dishes by supplying dishes, cupboard space, a dishwasher or a sink and soap?
Do you buy refillable pens and pencils?
Do you encourage the reuse of file folders, binders and other non-expendable office supplies?
Do you recycle toner and ink jet cartridges?
Do you have a water filtration system for drinking water rather than bottled water?
Do you print on both sides of the paper for non-confidential printing?
Are your business cards smaller than a standard 3.5? X 2??
Do you have floor matting at all entrances to your facility?
Do you have Green (recycled materials) floor matting at all entrances to your facility?
Do you reduce the amount of chemical contamination created by your office by purchasing non-toxic, water based correction fluids, recyclable batteries and green cleaning products?
Do you email memos instead of printing them?
Do you have a web site or electronic message board for inter-office communications?
Do you send eChristmas cards to clients?
Do you choose promotional gifts to advertise your brand that help the environment (e.g. thermal mugs, fabric shopping or lunch bags etc.)?
ENERGY (Lighting, HVAC, and Recycling)
Do the light fixtures have energy efficient bulbs?
Are the heating and air conditioning systems as energy efficient as possible?
Have you chosen office furnishings and decorations made from sustainable materials?
Do you turn off your photocopier and other office equipment at night?
Do you have multiple recycling boxes in prime locations (under each desk, beside photocopiers, in the lunch room) and minimal garbage cans to encourage recycling over creating garbage?
Does your office have live plants to help improve air quality?
Is there a substantial amount of natural light available in work areas?
Does the washroom have water saving facets, toilets and blow dryers instead of paper towels?
Are water leaks in the kitchen and bathroom attended to quickly?
Do you have windows that open to allow fresh air movement in and stale air out?
Does your HVAC system get regularly cleaned?
Is the air quality regularly tested?
TRANSPORTATION (Vehicles, Commuting, and Maintenance)
Do you have incentives for employees to ride their bikes to work or use transit?
Is the location of your office close to good transit routes and amenities?
Do you use bike couriers whenever possible?