Sustainability - There Are Bottom Line Reasons
By Dennis Shepit April 13/07
There are “bottom line¨ reasons to having a Greener sustainable business. The simple fact is that those businesses, institutions, healthcare facilities, schools, colleges, universities, trade & professional associations, etc. who have a focal point outside the facility’s walls (as opposed to turning a profit alone) do better in every aspect.
Sustainability is the driving factor. Meeting the needs of the present generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs is the key issue. We all need to ask ourselves, “Are my current work ethics and practices diminishing opportunities for future generations to enjoy the same values I’m enjoying today? ¨
EcoFact: [Did you know that every ton of 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper saves: 12 trees, 1976 lbs. of greenhouse gases, and 390 gallons of oil that the next generation won’t have?]
Sustainability has to meet the Triple Bottom Line
1. Does it harm or improve the Environment?
2. Does it make good Economic sense? Will it generate enough profits essential for my business or organization improving the global community and environment?
3. Does it meet Social needs? Is my workplace conducive to promoting a healthy and productive work environment or do the occupants of my building complain of chronic health related problems? Are employees treated as a valuable resource?
Where do I start?
Look for building blocks to transform your business in ways that will increase your profits. Your business can develop a scorecard for your own company, then map out your corporate strategies to positively impact the society around you separating you from your competitors.
What will it take?
It will take the willing participation of all the stakeholders in your workplace to create a better learning and working environment. More projects fail for lack of communication than for any other reason! Once you have a commitment from senior management, staff and colleagues including the cleaning personnel, move towards establishing some goals and standards. Just think of the collective impact this knowledgeable team will make on your facility because they live there day by day. These aggregated ideas along with a plan for continuous improvement against measured progress will result in a successful endeavour.
What commitment is involved?
You will need to establish a baseline to identify needs, goals, potential problems, identify unique situations [occupants with special vulnerabilities], review complaints, review indoor air quality, evaluate current products, evaluate current equipment and procedures.
EcoFact: [Did you know that Canadians dumped 54,000 metric tons (54 kilotons) of general-purpose cleaners and disinfectants used in their homes alone - not counting industrial use. Most of which are toxic and end up in our waters?]
How much will it cost?
That would depend to what degree of green you want to achieve. One needs to put a sustainable business practice plan useful to identify ways to increase product and service, efficiency, reduce energy demands, and reduce negative environmental impact in at least eight areas that affect a company’s sustainability performance:
1. Environmental Management Systems
2. Product/Service Design
3. Facilities
4. Purchasing
5. Operations
6. Packaging
7. Deliver/Installation
8. Marketing/Sales
What’s in it for me?
Consider being part of a concerted effort to:
• Divert tons of waste from landfills through reuse and recycling of materials and equipment
• Eliminate tons of toxic, cancer causing substances from your home and workplace
• Reduce consumption of water and fuel by installing energy saving devices
• Conserve energy resulting in savings and lessening the demand for natural non-renewable resources
• Improve employee health through cleaner air in the workplace
• Lessen absenteeism
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants
• Make happier occupants and tenants
• Have a more productive staff with less turnover
• Control maintenance costs and give you a vast return on investment (ROI) -the overall operating costs can be made lower
Workshop:
“Sustainable Energy-Efficient Practices for Your Business.”
On average, an effective corporate sustainability program will increase profits by 25% and reduce expenses by 20% (Willard, 2007). Registrants will learn how to influence stakeholders, develop strategies, increase awareness, identify and adopt key energy saving practices to reduce energy consumption with little cost or effort. It will help you create systems, processes, and documentation to ensure your business is on the right track towards sustainability. You will implement some of the best practices that contribute to: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants; improved energy and water efficiency; reduced waste and support reuse and recycling; the use of renewable resources; reduced hazardous waste; and reduced toxic and hazardous substances.
[$20 per person - 1hour session] includes PPT presentation, handout materials and a self-assessment guide.]
Dennis Shepit is a Sustainability Workplace Specialist at Flyte Consulting and Training in Abbotsford, BC, Canada. Enroll in one of many Free and Fee Based workshops on going green and reducing the use of hazardous chemicals in your home and workplace. Email Dennis at dshepit@vancouverconsultants.com or call 604-850-8508. Web: www.cleaningconsultant.ca