Sustainability Assessment Tools- Small to Medium Sized Businesses

Some organizations want to conduct their own sustainability assessments. If so, here are some assessment tools and resources;

eco-officiency: Developed in Excel, this sustainability assessment tool has over 360 questions customized for each primary area and department of an organization. Departments include Administration, HR, IT, Facilities and Operations, Marketing and Communications, Purchasing, Finance, Accounting, Product and Research/Development, Events and Conferences. Organizations can have departments answer the questions themselves or it can be conducted at a management meeting. The cost to download this sustainability assessment is $75.

Three Steps to Eco-Efficiency, Canada: This assessment tool was developed by the Ministry of Environment of Canada to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers to develop an eco-efficiency program that is custom tailored to their business needs. The tool is a free download.

Earth Charter: This assessment is a free download available from Earth Charter International. The assessment is designed to improve practices based on the Earth Charter principles.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Measuring Impact Framework: The WBCSD developed a framework to assess the contribution of business to the economic and broader development goals in the societies where business operates. It is designed to help companies understand their contribution to society and use this understanding to inform their operational and long-term investment decisions, and have better-informed conversations with stakeholders.

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals released in 2010 a consolidated list of Sustainability Assessments. For members it is a free download and for non-members there is a fee to download.

Carbon Nation: A movie on Renewable Energy

A movie that came out late 2010, Carbon Nation, discusses the role American can have in the renewable energy sector to reduce the carbon footprint. Whether you are believer in man induced global warming or not, it makes a compelling case for why renewable energy is a good move for the United States to invest in.

This non-partisan documentary provides compelling evidence that dealing with climate change can boost the economy, increase national & energy security and promote health and a clean environment.

The movie can be purchased via DVD or downloaded through all the various online movie retailers.

Other short videos and movies on renewabale energy that are also recommended;

• National Geographic,  Alternative Energy
• Kilowatt Ours
• History Channel, Modern Marvels Renewable Energy

Give Back: Making Company Donations

December usually is the time for giving donations to the community and other non-profit organizations around the world. Philanthropic gestures are considered one important aspect in supporting the social side of corporate sustainability. A company can donate directly or take part in match programs with employees’ favorite non-profits. Here are a few programs to consider;

Colorado Gives Day is December 6, 2011. It is a local movement to help raise funds for al Colorado based community non-profits. All donations can be made through Colorado Gives website. Last year over $8.7 million dollars was donated to local Colorado charities.

1% for the planet is another non-profit organization that supports corporate philanthropy. America averages about 1% of sales to nonprofit organizations. 1% for the plant is helping environmental groups around the world; this was started by Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia. This organization now has 1393 companies committed to giving 1% of their sales to over 2500 environmental organizations worldwide. All companies can become a member and take the pledge to give 1%  of their sales to non-profit organizations.

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)is a government run donation program where donation pledges are made by government personnel. Each U.S. government agency has a CFC contact and there is an extensive catalog available for employees to make pledges to various non-profits.

Green Holiday Parties

With this season’s holiday parties, plan and hold ‘green’ events. You may not be able to do everything but even a few activities set the example. Here are a few ideas to help your holiday parties, whether at home or work, to be more environmentally conscious;

• Be zero waste. Boulder’s eco-cycle has a zero waste kit that provides the recycling and composting containers, as well as pick up.
• Use compostable disposables. Eco-Products have an entire line of compostable of bio-ware of forks, knives, spoons, cups and plates. Although, these items can be a little more expensive and not decorated, they  are eco-friendly and set the right tone and image for companies trying to be more green.
• Donate extra food. If you have extra food, don’t let it go to waste. Consider giving it to the following local Colorado food banks;  Boulder Emergency Family Assistance Center, Denver Rescue Mission, or Food Bank of the Rockies .
• Provide alternative transportation options. When possible provide alternative transportation options to the holiday gatherings. Arrange carpools, provide van transportation or hold your event near a public transit stop.
• Use less meat at parties. Meat consumption has a high environmental impact. To learn more facts reference this blog entry called Meat Impacts on the Environment. Try some new holiday vegetarian recipes from Vegetarian Times.

For more holiday party ideas;

10 Green Holiday Party Do’s

Plan a Green Holiday Party

Ten Ways to Green Your Holidays

Sustainability Facilities Tool: Design Guidance for Office Buildings

The Sustainability Facilities Tool is a free tool developed by GSA to provide guidance for more green office buildings. The tool helps commercial facilities managers, architects, designers or construction managers learn about office spaces and integrating sustainability in various locations within an office environment. The tool can be downloaded to a  smartphone device. The tool is an interactive experience that provides information on how to;

• Select sustainable materials
• Incorporate daylight strategies
• Educate occupants of an office
• Save on water
• Conserve energy
• Information on government regulations

Measuring Your Success with Sustainability

As companies start sustainability initiatives, how will they know they are successful? One of the ways is to develop a metrics plan to measure the improvement. The complexity comes in what data do you track and measure. Data is not always available and/or time consuming to collect, track and maintain for limited staff resources.

Here are some options to consider in three of the more common areas for companies:

Energy

• % of total KWH energy reductions (via utility bill)
• # of energy star equipment or appliances purchased or used

Purchasing and Supply Chain

• % of recycled or post-consumer waste products purchased
• % of local based products or vendors used
• % of revenue of total purchases used with sustainable vendors
• # of vendors who ‘sustainable’

Transportation

• # of bus passes (used and/or purchased)
• # of miles driven to and from work for all staff
• % of products purchased within (# of miles) of company location
• # of employees who use alternative transportation (days per year)

For more information, the International Sustainability Indicators is an organization that provides information to measure progress toward sustainability for communities and companies.