Establishing an Organization Sustainability Focus

Formalized Plans and Programs Further Culture, Success

In the midst of managing an organization with its challenges and rewards, taking time to consider environmental sustainability planning may not seem like a priority. But sustainability may be as critical to your organizational health as it is to environmental health.

Establishing a framework to include sustainability into your operational processes ensures that there is a structure and accountability in place for ongoing decision making.  Being aware of state and local regulations is an important first step. From there, identifying a person or committee to be responsible for continuing education and staying up to date on changes in local and state regulations reflects your organization’s commitment, and ensures that your organization is compliant with the latest requirements. With this information you can identify your organization’s specific needs and priorities.

In addition to determining your baseline, a regular audit may be a good place to measure your organization’s benchmarks and progress. Knowing your strengths and growth areas and establishing progress benchmarks will enable you to determine what initiatives are working and the areas that need attention. Readdressing sustainability efforts and progress every year – or more often - reflects your organization’s and its leadership’s commitment and provides the opportunity to measure what is working and to what extent. In addition, a regular audit will keep sustainability efforts and progress front of mind with leadership and associates throughout the organization.

The Basics

Once you have reliable information on your organization’s existing sustainability efforts and needs, you can begin to address them with common best practices. Energy conservation can begin with simple steps such as turning off lights, copiers and computers at the end of the day and installing smart power strips. When possible, replace existing lighting, appliances and equipment with energy efficient models. 

Green Building

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is the most commonly used green building rating system. LEED certified buildings are highly energy efficient. In addition to be being more environmentally friendly, LEED buildings have lower operational costs, use less water, and preserve land and habitats. Existing buildings can be LEED certified through the U.S. Green Building Council as well.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Recycling paper is a common workplace practice. Encouraging associates to print only when needed and using a double-sided setting can reduce paper consumption. To this end small efforts such as reusable coffee mugs instead of paper cups and repurposing furniture and equipment are small steps that make a long-term difference. Donating furniture and supplies the organization no longer needs through local charities is far better than sending them to a landfill.

Climate-Friendly Purchasing

An awareness of climate friendly supplies, cleaning products and equipment is an easy adjustment for most organizations. A focus on reusable items – such as batteries, cups, plates and utensils – is easy and reinforces an organization’s commitment to sustainability.

Put it in Writing – and Track Progress

Creating any plan that lives on someone’s hard drive is not a valuable use of anyone’s time and does not further organization culture. Once you have new measures in place it’s important monitor your results. Tracking data and information on energy consumption will allow you to evaluate what is working and what is not. In addition, it will allow you to capitalize on successful strategies. With measurable results in hand, you can engage your organization and solicit their input on how you might modify or expand current initiatives.

A reoccurring theme in sustainability resources is a focus on people, planet, purpose and profits. This philosophy is a valuable measure of what is best for people, organizations and the planet. Leadership who set the tone and provide consistent reinforcement can set the tone for a more sustainable organization and community.