Being Green and Environmental Sustainability

I’ve met many people, representing small to large companies, that proudly proclaim, “We are a “green” company!” But what does it mean to be "green"?

Written Sep 13, 2008, read 421 times since then.

I’ve met many people, representing small to large companies, that proudly proclaim, “We are a “green” company!” The label is a euphemism that implies they are following strict criteria regarding environmental sustainability guidelines and standards. The “green” label is in vogue and it is an admirable aspiration, to be sure. Many companies are jumping on the “band wagon”. They are using the term as a technique to directly and indirectly market their services and/or products. But, what does it mean to be “green”? And, how can any size company implement a plan to meet environmental sustainability standards to be well on its way to becoming a “green” organization?

Agenda 21 was the principal output of the United Nations Conference on environment and development (the, “Earth Summit”). The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) offers standards or gives guidance on good management standards in support of Agenda 21. The ISO 14001 provides its requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS) that confirms global relevance for all size organizations wishing to operate under environmentally sustainable operations. It is an internationally accepted specification. The standards can be applied to any organization, large or small, whatever its product or service, in any sector of activity, and whether it is a business enterprise, a public administration, or a government department.

The principle elements, stated in an EMS are presented below:

Environmental Policy Statement (environmental aspects & impacts of products, services, activities, and services, including intra-and inter-organization operations),
Planning (environmental aspects, legal and other requirements, objectives and measurable targets, environmental management programs),
Implementation and Operation (structure and responsibility, training, awareness, and competence, communication, environmental management system documentation, document control, operational control, emergency preparedness and response),
Checking and Corrective Action (monitoring and measurement, non-conformance and corrective- and preventative- action, records, environmental management system audit)
Management Review

Okay, you’re probably thinking, “I’m a bit overwhelmed by all of this! And, what can I do to actually represent my company is “green”?” Its entirely probable in your business your Environmental Management System is just an approach for doing things that you think are “green”, e.g., turning out lights, recycling, walking or biking to work, etc. (Don’t get me wrong! These are all great things to do.). But your system isn’t written down and likely known only by one or a few individuals in management with little or no communication. Everyone has the “green spirit” and each is contributing by doing his or her own thing.

Not all companies will want to go through the ISO 14000 certification process (many large companies do). Companies that don’t wish to become certified can implement the standards to be considered as third party compliant. So here are some ways to implement a “green” company system that minimizes harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities in an effort to achieve continual improvement of its environmental performance:

Plan - establish objectives and make plans (analyze your organizations situation, establish your overall objectives and set your interim targets and develop plans to achieve them.
Do - Implement your plans (do what you planned to do).
Check – Measure your results (measure/monitor how far your actual achievements meet your planned objectives.
Act – Correct and improve your plans and how you put them into practice (correct and learn from your mistakes to improve your plans in order to achieve better results next time.

The items that go into your plan are based on your specific industry type. The depth and detail is also driven by your companies size, but many of the same principles apply:

n Waste and toxics elimination that includes, but is not limited to, product creation, materials, manufacturing processes, delivery, consumer and end of life for products you use in your daily business activities or products that you sell to others,

n Toxics reduction and elimination (“The Ban List”)

n Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions by performing teleconferencing and web conferencing instead of traveling,

n Tracking and reduction of wastes,

n Purchase automobile hybrids,

n Alternative Transportation (walking, car pooling, biking, public transportation),

n Community involvement and volunteering,

n Reduce consumption of non-biodegradable products (plastics),

n Join and participate in associations dedicated to providing regulations, monitoring industry and enforcing compliance,

n Buy from ISO 14000 certified retailers and manufacturers with in-place programs for soil, groundwater, surfacewater, and air regulations in third world countries that are protective of human health and the environment (to US Environmental Protection Agency standards),

n Use recycled products,

n Conserve resources (e.g., water),

n Replace inefficient equipment that consumes energy,

n Encourage and support state and local government (cities, counties) to establish and implement environmental sustainability policy, guidelines and regulations for organizations that desire to conduct business in their jurisdictions,

n Join organizations in your specific industry that assist you in implementing environmental sustainability for your services and products

n Work toward Best Management Practices (e.g., recycling).

The objective of any EMS, leading to environmental sustainability, is to reduce our carbon footprint on the earth. Hopefully, I’ve been successful in raising your consciousness, awareness and credibility about what “green” means. Now it’s time to act! Then after your company creates and implements an EMS program you may be proud to represent that your company is “green”.

Conrad Vernon is President of Vernon Environmental, Inc. (VEI). VEI offers ISO 14001 certification, investigation and clean-up of environmentally impaired commercial real estate assets with funding solutions for each offering.

Learn more about the author, Conrad Vernon.

Comment on this article

Posted by Ariagne Arielle R Duave, Las Vegas, Nevada | Sep 15, 2008

I do agree with you.
Posted by Allen Cooper, Bothell, Washington | Sep 15, 2008

Hi Conrad, Great article. It was nice to see that you suggest a plan not just a few things that make people feel good, And of course the most important thing that you listed was Action. I am working on the Plan part and the action for my business. Thanks, Allen
Posted by Conrad Vernon, Seattle, Washington | Sep 15, 2008

Thanks Allen. I'm glad you are putting in place an Environmental Management Plan. Call me any time with any questions you may have and I'll be happy to answer them to the best of my knowledge. -Conrad

Founder Vernon Environmental
Posted by Tanya Stock, Seattle, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

As a Green Consultant I understand exactly what you are speaking but as I work with the smaller companies and home owners they struggle with what it means to be green when times are tough and green often means "green" in expense.

Just understanding the nature and complexities of green can be overwhelming. I like to think of all people and businesses finding their right shade of green. And it can be done in an affordable and approachable manner.

Its great to remind anyone that it is not a significant financial commitment it can be a simple gesture and act that from that seed a tree grows.

One voice, one step, one improvement will make a world of difference.
Posted by Conrad Vernon, Seattle, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

I'm with you on making a difference. I see you provide "green" remodeling. Do you have a plan? Are you a LEEDs certified contractor? I'm looking to partner with a good LEED consultant. Environmental sustainability is a broad field. There is nothing more powerful that handing your company’s Environmental Policy Statement and Plan to prospective clients. It is measureable and shows your seriousness all while enjoying the benefits that come from generating greater revenues within the “green” network.

Founder Vernon Environmental
Posted by Tanya Stock, Seattle, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

I am no longer a contractor.. I am pending my LEED AP and right now working on getting my NAHB 3rd party verifier.. as I believe they are more affordable and easier to work with than LEED.. I find LEED more targeted to Commercial build and I am interested in affordable homes. I use LEED as the "King" of Green guides but as anything in green build its a matter of trade offs and that is why I moved into consulting so I could spend my energies researching and finding the appropriate ones.

In this economy I worry when I see Green Homes out of reach of the average consumer.. it has to be accessible in order to become affordable. I don't believe being Green is being elite.. its being smart.
Posted by Shane Petersen, Seattle, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

Great article Conrad! Many companies find the act of going green a daunting one. The Environmental Management System plan you outlined is a great guide for small and large businesses. Even if a business doenst have the resources to pursue and implement the ISO 14001 standard....there is a lot of low hanging fruit that can drastically green their business. No matter the size of the business or the available resources greening your business is possible.
Posted by Tanya Stock, Seattle, Washington | Sep 17, 2008

Just to clarify my remark on Green being elite.. I was referring to the larger perception by many that it is a "fad" or the provenance of those who can "afford" to do such "things". As I am an active volunteer within the community I try to educate those in lesser circumstances the advantages of pursuing green choices... that it is not "buying" something labeled green but doing things that may be as simple as ride a bus, walk to the store or change a light bulb, wear a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat, etc

I am participating in Green Jobs Now Day on 9/27 which is to educate home owners in lesser advantaged areas to the "advantages" of going green. And so when I see Conrad mention the idea of a company simply volunteering as a statement of greeness.. I applaud it... as long as Green is thought of as something akin to wearing the latest in shoes or carrying a handbag (and yes to some that is a reality) we will not be successful in making the world a healthier and more sustainable place. Green has to come from the streets I believe for those at the top to see how important it is... and if companies can make the push too then there is no excuse for governments to follow suit.

So by making Green a part of the mass lexicon it will not be the new black it will be the all green.
Posted by Jessie Upp, M.S., Edmonds, Washington | Nov 09, 2008

Thanks for sharing, Conrad.

Having a green "plan" as part of an organization's vision statement would be fantastic to see...and then, of course, creating a strategy where everyone is a stakeholder (not just the visionaries).

Green Your Next Event!
Posted by Conrad Vernon, Seattle, Washington | Nov 09, 2008

Jessie,

Did you have achance to see my latest article on the Biznik Welcome page? I am committed to assisting small biz owners with their green certification through specificity.

Founder Vernon Environmental
Posted by Sean Hegstad, Bellingham, Washington | Dec 01, 2008

Thanks for the info. I read your most current artical and now can write my Environmental Policy Statement.
Posted by Conrad Vernon, Seattle, Washington | Dec 01, 2008

Awesome Sean. Let me know if you would like assistance anytime. Would you like to meet? -Conrad

Founder Vernon Environmental