We're officially a GreenSpot!

Here's how we will inform and engage:

Mandatory Commitments
Within the next year:

• By January 15 of each year, we will summarize and submit the green initiatives we have begun or continued as a result of being part of GreenSpot.
• We will create and display an environmental policy or mission statement.
• We will measure our compliance with local, federal, health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Additional Commitments:
Within the next year:

• We will keep employees informed about our green efforts by including updates in employee communications such as newsletters or bulletins.
• We will openly encourage employees to be responsible environmental stewards in their personal lives.
• We will post a list of the commitments we chose for becoming a GreenSpot business where both customers and employees can see it.
• We will talk about our green efforts at staff meetings. 
• We will support an environmental nonprofit organization through financial contributions, in-kind services, volunteer work, or board service.
• We will track and post utility usage in a common employee space.

Here's how we will reduce, reuse, and recycle

Mandatory Commitments
Within the next year:

• We will incorporate into our stock certain office and other supplies made with recycled or recyclable materials.
• We will establish a building-wide recycling program that includes-at a minimum-glass, aluminum, plastic bottles and paper.
• We will perform a waste audit of our business.
• We will track our monthly waste.

Additional Commitments:
Within the next year:

• We will encourage delivery of products in returnable, reusable, recycled or recyclable containers.
• We will encourage employees to communicate electronically, instead of on paper, whenever practicable and appropriate.
• We will donate unwanted furniture, supplies, scrap materials, linens, phones, etc.
• We will encourage employees to email or post staff memos and schedules in a central place instead of printing copies for each employee whenever practicable and appropriate.
• We will purchase condiments (milk, sugar, cream, etc.) and supplies (soap, toiler paper, etc.) in bulk.
• We will purchase or obtain used office furniture.
• We will incorporate into our stock, and encourage the use of, reusable rather than disposable office supplies, such as erasable white boards and wall calendars.
• We will recycle or donate electronics that no longer work, or are no longer useful.
• We will recycle toner and inkjet printer cartridges.
• We will reduce our paper use by:
  • Encouraging employees to avoid making unnecessary copies, and to make double-sided whenever practicable.
  • Not using a separate cover sheet for faxes.
  • Encourage employees to reuse paper for scrap paper.
  • Removing our name from junk mail lists.
  • Keeping our customer mailing lists current, without duplications.
• We will reuse packaging (bubble wrap, cardboard boxes and polystyrene peanuts) or donate them to a local shipping company.
• When creating mailings, we will design them so they do not require an envelope whenever appropriate and practicable.
• We will make recycling bins convenient for employees, placing them at desks or in kitchens and other common areas.
• We will reuse our holiday decorations whenever practicable.
• We will provide our customers with an on-line payment option.
  
• We will buy customer recognition and/or promotional gifts that are made with recycled and/or recyclable materials whenever practicable.
  
  

Here's how we will conserve & protect water

Mandatory Commitments
Within the next year:

• If required by law, we will comply with the City Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan requirements.
• We will check for leaks by closely reviewing our water bills.

Additional Commitments:
Within the next year:

• We will clean all outdoor areas-like parking lots, sidewalks, alleys, and patios-with a broom and/or damp mop instead of a hose whenever practicable. If hosing is required, we will collect the runoff and dispose of it properly.
• We will keep receiving areas and dumpsters clear of litter, periodically sweeping the area and ensuring each waste receptacle has a tight-fitting lid.
• We will not hose off or wash cars, equipment, floor mats, or other items where runoff water flows into the storm drain.
• We will encourage our employees to report water leaks.
• We will provide our employees with conservation tips for the office and their homes.
• We will post signs encouraging water conservation.

Here's how we will conserve energy

Mandatory Commitments
Within the next year:

• We will perform an energy audit, or use EnergyStars Portfolio to track our energy use.

Additional Commitments:
Within the next year:

• We will implement a facility-wide policy of turning off equipment and lights when not in use.
• We will install programmable thermostats, setting them to 68 degrees in the winter (55 degrees at night, weekends or holidays) & 78 degrees in the summer.
• We will perform regular maintenance on our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and refrigeration systems-or ask our landlord to do so.
• We will use caulk and/or weather-stripping around windows and doors, keeping caulk in good repair.
• When replacing equipment and appliances, we will ensure they are EnergyStar rated and/or equipped with energy-saving features.

Here's how we will streamline transportation

Mandatory Commitments
Within the next year:

• We will encourage all employees to participate in "Two by 2012"-a commitment to commute to work twice a month using an alternative form of transportation (not a single-occupancy vehicle).
• We will maintain or install a bike rack in our facility, or provide employees with another secure location to store bikes.

Additional Commitments:
Within the next year:

• We will encourage employees to walk or bike to meetings, lunch, etc.
• We will offer preferred parking arrangements for car pool vehicles.
• We will provide green driving tips on an employee website, bulletin board or in newsletters.
• We will provide employees with information about ridesharing and bus transportation on a bulletin board and/or in newsletters.
• We will provide special parking for motorcycles.