Sustainability’s front line secures lasting value

Organizations have discovered value in their sustainability programs. In many facilities, utility bills can be substantially reduced. Water, which is neither free nor forever abundant, can be conserved. Materials that otherwise would have incur transport and landfill costs can instead be reused and recycled.

Green Teams take ownership of plans and policies which claim those benefits. They grow organically as their successes are observed. When one team member is seen taking the office waste to the recycling bin, drinking from a refillable bottle, or carrying items in a reusable bag, others recognize that is simple, easy, and abundantly worthwhile. Green Team members themselves can become change agents. As such, they are the catalysts for greater and more valuable sustainability improvements.

The team agenda

Jessica Wright, an ecoPreserve Project Manager, has found that the Green Team will do whatever they determine to have value. That makes planning essential to Green Team success. Preparation always involves a client-consultant partnership.

Success strategies

Green Teams are the engine behind real change at many public and private organizations where ecoPreserve serves. Over the years, we have developed varied recipes which have brought success. These are the common ingredients.

• A commitment to environmental and human health
• Quantifiable, actionable written goals supporting that commitment
• Top leadership recognition for the team

In collaboration with our clients, our process begins with a written action plan. The plan contains Key Performance Indicators (KPI) with which we and the client can evaluate success. Those KPI are referenced in regular progress reports to management. Again in collaboration with management, we share the sustainability news and achievements company-wide.

How’s your Green Team? We’d love to hear about the sustainability successes in your organization. Please let us know about the insights and best practices that your team has discovered. Thank you!