Business Leaders Resource Guide

Greening your business makes $ents!

In addition to helping the environment, green operating practices are generally savvy business practices. Though maybe more expensive at first, often green alternatives end up paying for themselves in a short period of time- saving business owners money.

For instance, businesses that have upgraded to more efficient lighting report an average savings of 30% in their lighting bill. Similarly, finding ways to reuse supplies and reduce offices consumption saves money on business expenses. By adopting green operations the environment and businesses can work hand in hand to create a healthy economic and environmental bottom line!

REDUCING WASTE IN YOUR BUSINESS

76% of all power-plant generated electricity is used just to operate buildings. Power production generates Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as a waste product. Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas and one of the major contributors in the creation of global warming.

Typically in a business there are three big energy culprits; heating, water and lighting. Fortunately, there are some simple steps to lessen energy use which not only reduce the carbon footprint, but save businesses a good deal of money.

Energy

Lower Valley Energy Audit

An Energy Audit consists of measuring the energy efficiency of your home or business and recommending cost-saving enhancements for more effective energy use. The cost of an energy audit will be refunded if you choose to implement any of the recommended changes OR if Lower Valley Energy finds that no improvements are needed. Call to schedule your audit now with one of Lower Valley’s energy specialists. Call 733-2446 for information. Lower Valley Energy offers a variety of innovative conservation programs which provide rebates and other incentives to businesses to encourage these types of energy efficient

improvements. Click Here to learn more.

Retrofits

Many local businesses operating in older buildings can retrofit their building to make them more energy efficient.

• Replace older appliances with more efficient Energy-Star ones.
• Install radiant floor heating to cut heating bills.
• Install overhead fans to keep cool air down in the summer and warm air circulating in the winter.
• In larger buildings, consider replacing old air conditioning/heating systems with a more efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system that equalizes air distribution so warm and cool air are used efficiently.
• Install windows where possible to make use of natural light.
• Upgrade windows and insulation to provide more efficiency.

Green Power through Lower Valley Energy

Green Power is energy produced by renewable sources, like wind and sun, which are replenished naturally. Renewable energy is a clean source of energy that has a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. By choosing Green Power, you can support development of renewable energy sources, which can reduce the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Greater reliance on renewable sources also provides economic benefits and can improve our national energy security. Green Power is paid for by an extra monthly premium, which shows up on your bill in addition to regular monthly charges. As a commercial customer you can choose between 1,500 kWhs/$17.50 per month blocks (Partner Level) or 3,000 kWhs/$35.00 per month blocks (Champion Level). Click Here to learn more about Green Power.

Electronics

Program your computers to shut down, hibernate or sleep during anticipated hours of non-use, and turn off monitors when not in use.

For weekdays it is best to “hibernate”- when you “hibernate” the computer will make a copy of what is in its memory and save it to the hard drive. When you begin work on your computer again it will quickly restore from and everything will resume as you left it.

Another good option to conserve energy when you computer is not in use is to put it into “Sleep” mode. This does not save as much energy as “hibernate” mode but it is a great energy saver.

“Shutdown” turns everything off and is ideal for the weekends. Screensavers are not an energy saving option, the computer and flat screen are still consuming power.

Make sure printers/ scanner are turned off when you leave work. An easy way to simplify and maximize on energy savings is to use power strips and plug al the gadgets into power strips. Turn off the power strips when you leave for the evenings.

How to adjust power mode?

Start>Control Panel> Power-Options>

When you are in “Power Options” you can create your “Power Plan” there are many opportunities to adjust your settings to fit

your businesses needs. (You can also make adjustment by going to Control Panel> Performance and Maintenance)

Lighting

Commercial Lighting

After completing a commercial lighting audit, Lower Valley Energy can determine energy savings and incentive dollars to help you convert to new more energy-efficient lights.

• Change bulbs to CFLs. CFLs cost about 75% less to operate, and last about 10 times longer. They may be more expensive initially but they very quickly pay for themselves in energy savings.
• Install “occupant sensors” in the proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present and back on when they return. Sensors add convenience and save money. Make sure that they are installed correctly; the sensor must be able to “see” the motion of the occupant approaching. The savings comes when people leave the area, and the sensor ensures that the lights are always turned off.
• Make a policy to always turn off lights when closing for the day, post reminder for staff.
• Don’t forget to utilize free daylight! Turn off your lights when daylight is adequate.
• Change your exit signs to LED (light emitting diode). These bulbs will last for decades and give brighter lights. If you current exit sign does not accept the screw-in lighting element, a new LED exit sign fixture costs about $100, and will save about 90% over incandescent bulbs’ operating costs.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning

Install a programmable thermostat. This can save you a good deal of money. Program it so that it does not heat or cool the workplace more than necessary during the business hours and reduce heating and cooling during non-business hours. This “smart thermostat” can turn on the HVAC one hour before you arrive, based on your daily/ hourly needs. By installing these programmable thermostats, businesses can cut HVAC costs significantly.

Perform annual maintenance on your HVAC system. Even new ENERGY STAR certified systems will decline in performance without regular maintenance. A yearly “maintenance contract” can save even more than it costs. The contract automatically ensures that your HVAC contractor will provide pre-season tune-ups before each cooling and

heating seasons.

Regularly change (or clean if reusable) the HVAC filters. During peak cooling and heating season, change or clean your filters every month. Dirty filters can decrease performance, overwork the equipment, and result in dirtier indoor air. Consider purchasing “electrostatic” filters, which are washable, long lasting, and provide cleaner air.

Use Fans. Comfort is a function of temperature, humidity, and air movement. Moving air can make a somewhat higher temperature and/or humidity feel comfortable. Fans can help delay or reduce the need for air-conditioning- a temperature setting of 3-5 degrees higher can feel as comfortable with fans. Each degree of higher temperature can save about 3% on cooling costs. Ceiling fans can even be reversed in the winter, on low speed they will pull warmer air down from the ceiling.

Water

• Turn the thermostat down to 120 degrees
• Turn the temperature setting of your hot water heater down to the lowest level necessary to meet your business needs, and put an insulating blanket on the tank to hold in the heat.
• Install faucet aerators to reduce your water consumption.
• Invest in a low water volume toilet for water savings. 1.6 GPF toilets are excellent water saving toilets. Toilets can also be retrofitted to consume less water. When retrofitting there are many ways to go about it, often times there are rebates available. https://www.conserveh2o.org/retrofitting-older-toilet
• Post reminders next to faucets about water conservation.

Transportation

Encourage and reward employees for taking alternative transportation

Office Bikes

Providing office bikes for running errands around town is a great way to reduce your carbon emissions. Employees can pick up lunch, drop off items, or go to across town meetings all carbon free. Moreover, bikes are a very tangible and visual way to show the community your environmental commitment.

Company Carpool

Everyone knows that carpooling is good for the environment, however they are notoriously hard to organize. Sponsoring a company carpool that is organized by the business creates a much higher success rate.

Work from Home

Encourage employees to work from home whenever possible. Working from home decreases the number of car trips made to and from the office.

Bus Incentives

Encourage employees to use the START Bus. Post schedules, offer bus passes, and do errands on the free town shuttle.

Carbon Offsets

If your company is seriously interested in reducing their carbon emissions you can buy carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are programs that direct proceeds of your purchase towards projects like reforestation that reduce carbon emissions. Remember to fully research carbon offset programs before investing. Two respectable companies are www.TerraPass.com and www.Carbonfund.org.

Company Cars

When purchasing vehicles for business do research and choose the most fuel efficient option. Utilize alternative fuel operational vehicles.

Office Waste

Develop a purchasing policy which includes the following considerations:

• Analysis/Inventory – know what you use and have, as well as what your business can do without.
• Establish parameters for purchases – approved vendors;minimal packaging; recycled content; locally sourced; non-toxic; etc.
• Paper: paper and paperboard account for 28% of the Municipal Solid Waste Stream in America (EPA). This material can be significantly reduced and often times reused.
• Think before you print! Can you make one copy rather than individual copies? Can the item be sent electronically? Set double sided printing as your default setting.
• Think about the containers in which supplies are being shipped. Are they reusable, recyclable or returnable? Jackson Community Recycling recycles cardboard and stretch plastic/ plastic wrap.
• Paperless correspondence when possible. Send and pay bills online.
• Limit incoming junk mail. There are many ways to go about this, you can call the number on the back of the medium and ask them to stop sending you the material. Or you can use a junk mail reduction service. Catalog Choice and Paper Karma are two options. Paper Karma is an app that allows you to scan the address (www.paperkarma.com/). Catalog Choice is an online option.
• Buy rechargeable batteries/ devices when possible.
• Switch to non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products. Why? Ingredients containing phosphorus or nitrogen can contribute to nutrient-loading in water bodies, leading to adverse effects on water quality.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC) in cleaning products can affect indoor air quality and also contribute to smog formation in outdoor air. (EPA)
• When replacing equipment factor in the cost of disposal with the cost of the purchase. The recycling center accepts all electronics, which are disassembled and recycled domestically in the U.S.A. – diverting these valuable/toxic materials from the landfill, while also creating jobs. Businesses are charge $0.40 per pound for electronic recycling.

Packaging

• Use refillable containers: refill containers such as salt, sugar, pepper and other condiments. Avoid individual packaging. Buying in bulk significantly reduces packaging waste and saves a good deal of money.
• Fact: we generate 80 million tons of waste from packaging and containers every year.
• Offer incentives to customers who bring their own shopping bags, coffee mugs, containers, etc.
• By choosing products with less packaging waste, you can save landfill space and resources. Buy items with minimal packaging like bulk items, concentrates, and no packaging needed items. Avoid “convenience items” like disposable pens, paper napkins, etc. If your company produces a product try to do so with the least amount of packaging possible. Go hang-tag free or redesign your packaging so that it is as minimal as possible.
• Buy environmentally sustainable products: There are many resources available that allow you to invest in companies that share the same values as you. Do a little research when ordering/ purchasing for you business.
• Good Guide: The good guide is a website and App that makes it easy to find which products are green and ethical, safe and healthy: www.goodguide.com
• Create a purchasing protocol where there are established guidelines to encourage waste prevention; durable, concentrated, reusable, high quality, then at the end of the products life is it recyclable?
• Consider the length of the warranty on the availability of repair services when purchasing equipment.
• Get creative with reducing waste: A freezer equipment distributor in Maryland wanted to cut down on waste disposal and shipping costs. They bought a paper shredder for $250 and shredded waste paper to replace foam packing peanuts in boxed they shipped. They are saving between $1,500 and $2,000 a year by reducing waste disposal costs and their use of packing peanuts.

Event and Conference Planning

Hosting an event or conference is no time to forget about being green. Instead of providing packets of paper handouts make all materials available on-line and have participants print only what they need. Also, find ways to cut miscellaneous waste. For instance, provide water pitchers with reusable cups instead of individual water bottles, have a buffet lunch instead of prepackaged ones, and reuse placards, lariats and other items. Incorporating green practices into events is also a great way to inspire and show others your environmental commitment.

REUSING IN YOUR BUSINESS:

Office Paper

Reuse single-sided office paper for memos, notes, drafts, and other paper needs. Place a box of used single-sided paper by copiers, printers, and desks to have readily available for reuse.

Packaging Materials

Save boxes and packaging materials to be reused for shipping and receiving needs. Try to avoid Styrofoam packing peanuts because they are non-biodegradable. Excess packing peanuts can be brought to the UPS Store for reuse. Shredded paper works great as packaging and is recyclable.

• Donate old furniture. In Jackson local thrift stores include: The Restore, Forget Me Not and Browse and Buy.
• Provide staff with reusable, plates, utensils, coffee mugs, drinking glasses, napkins and hand towels for the bathroom. Look for areas to reduce single use items.

Company Specific Reusable Items

Every company has specific needs and creates a specific waste. Think about creative ways your company can reuse everyday items.

RECYCLING IN YOUR BUSINESS:

Starting Recycling at your Business:

Require Recycling

The most successful way to incorporate recycling into your daily operations is to require it in employees job descriptions. Though individual recycling motivated employees are a wonderful asset to a company, a written recycling policy establishes legitimacy and ensures success for the long term.

Education

Education is an integral part of a successful recycling system. Place clear and simple signs outlining what is recyclable near your bins. Have an initial staff meeting to introduce the system to everyone and clear up any questions. Schedule a recycling workshop for a few weeks after the program is introduced to answer questions and iron out any wrinkles. Jackson Community Recycling provides one-on-one consultations to get businesses started with recycling as well as educational workshops. Continue with your recycling education year after year. Call JCR at 733-SORT.

Set Up a Recycling System

Often businesses are overwhelmed when it comes to starting a recycling program. Remember to keep it simple and design a system that works for your organization. If fancy pre-marked bins don’t fit in your space, don’t use them. Those local businesses that have found success with recycling have created a system of several recycling stations starting with small receptacles and moving towards larger ones. If you are just starting with recycling make an easy transition and avoid overwhelming staff by just recycling your most used items and then slowly work other recyclables into the system. Don’t forget it is important to locate bins near trash cans and where recyclables are produced. Recycling bins are available on-line at www.recyclingbins.com or at local hardware stores.

Collection

Many companies have found that having an internal service, i.e. assigning an employee to do the job, is the easiest and most effective way to drop off recyclables. Remember, if choosing to do your recycling internally, JCR’s Adam’s Canyon Facility is the only location that accepts commercial recyclables. JCR’s community sites are reserved for residents and cannot handle the volume generated by businesses. Other companies use Jackson Curbside Recycling, a commercial pick up service, to collect their recyclables. Jackson Curbside collects all recyclables except cardboard. Curbside service is tailored to meet each business’ need. If businesses are apprehensive about starting to recycle, Curbside can create a program designed to grow with your needs. To inquire about service call Jackson Curbside Recycling 733-8559.

Recycling Services:

Shredding

JCR shreds confidential documents for $.25 a pound. Call 733-SORT for more information.

Cardboard Recycling

With the vast amounts of shipping and receiving inherent in business, cardboard recycling is an easy way to incorporate recycling into your operations. It is much  cheaper to recycle your cardboard than to throw it away. Jackson Community Recycling’s has various service option needs to fit your businesses needs. Call 733-SORT for info.

Electronic Waste

E-Waste, such as old computers,phones, faxes, and small appliances, is accepted Monday- Friday , 9am –5pm at Adams Canyon. Businesses are charged $.40 a pound and individuals are asked to pay as much as possible toward the  cost of recycling.

Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous wastes like old paint, antifreeze, and pesticides are accepted at JCR by appointment on the 1st and 3rd Tues.

of the month, April-November.

Construction Materials

As of June 2007, Teton County Trash Transfer Station is requiring all recyclable construction materials to be sorted. The following materials should be sorted for recycling:

• Concrete
• Wood
• Landscaping Waste
• Scrap Metal
• Appliances (non-electronic)
• Corrugated Cardboard
• Gypsum Board

Light Bulbs

(Tubes and CFL’s) Jackson Community Recycling offers fluorescent light bulb recycling for $.60 a bulb. All fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and must be recycled so that this hazardous material does not end up in the landfill.

General Recycling

Businesses are welcome to drop off recyclables 24 hrs a day at Adams Canyon. Please reserve community sites for residential use. JCR recycles the following:

• Aluminum Cans
• Aluminum Foil & Pie Plates
• Corrugated Cardboard
• Glass Bottles & Jars (green, clear, and brown)
• Magazines & Catalogs
• Newspapers & Inserts
• Phone Books
• Plastic #1 PETE Bottles
• Plastic #2 HDPE Bottles
• Scrap Metal
• Steel/Tin Food Cans
• Stretchy plastic film
• Textiles

Office Pack

Most every kind of paper your business uses is recyclable in the office pack bin.

Acceptable: computer; copier; fax & pastel colored paper; receipts; envelopes; adding machine tape; manila/ bleached file folders;

business cards; glossy flyer’s; NCR forms; white bond; index cards; staples are okay

Not Acceptable: paper clips; fluorescent or deep-toned paper; sheets of self adhesive labels; sticky notes; construction paper; rubber bands; glue bound publications; tyvek envelopes; “gold” envelopes; ream wrap; photos; blueprints; plastic; paper cups or plates; napkins; paper towels; or boxes.

Recycled Materials:

Building Supplies

Recycled building supplies have come a long way from hay bales. If your organization is looking into to building a new facility, renovating, or retrofitting, green building supplies are an environmentally friendly and often economically savvy option. Green building supplies often have added health benefits for your employees by not releasing toxins into your workspace. Some examples of supplies you could incorporate into your building are:

• Marmoleum or Natural Linseed Oil flooring instead of petroleum based flooring.
• Recycled tire carpet for high traffic industrial areas.
• Plastic Lumber for new decks and other projects. Ideal because you never have to stain it and it is almost indestructible.

These are just a few examples. Try greenbuildingsupplies.com for ideas. Locally call Living Green at 733-2152 for supplies and ideas.

Recycled Paper

One of the easiest things an organization can do to make a difference is to switch to 100% or high post-consumer percentage recycled paper. There is a common misconception that most paper is made of recycled materials, yet 90% of office paper is made from virgin trees. The average person in an office uses 12 pages of paper an hour!! Most paper suppliers have a recycled paper line, so ask your current supplier what is available. Always try to aim for the highest post consumer content. Locally Staples offers a reasonably priced 100% and 30% line. You can buy it by the ream, box, or think bigger and save money by buying your paper by

the pallet. Even if you have a small office, share a pallet with a neighboring office or buy a pallet to share with the entire office.

Avoid Non-Recyclables

Businesses often think of buying recycled products but forget about the other half of the equation—non-recyclables.

Some common items to avoid:

• Fluorescent and deep toned paper
• Brown/deep toned accordion or file folders
• Golden Envelopes (the type with metal clasps)
• Post it notes (though pastel, their glue makes them non-recyclable)
• Construction paper
• Tyvek envelopes

General Business Operations:

Green Dry Cleaning

For looking professional, choosing a green dry cleaner is a great option. Traditional dry cleaners use many highly toxic chemicals that are bad for the environment.

Buy Local

Whenever possible buy local. Not only does this stimulate the local economy but also helps cut down on the environmental costs of transportation.

Composting

Composting is a great way to reduce office food waste. For more information about how to compost and purchasing a composter contact Jackson Community Recycling- at 733-SORT.

Water Filters

Provide employees with a simple water filter like a Brita or faucet filter. Clean, good tasting drinking water is good for general employee health and encourages drinking from the faucet and not from disposable water bottles.

Natural, Organic, and Local Foods

When hosting meetings conferences or company gatherings buying natural, organic and local foods help the overall quality of our environment.

Green Promotions

Advertising is a huge part of any business. Be creative and try to advertise in ways that have little environmental impact. For instance, use a green printer like Greenerprinter.com for promotional materials. If using a traditional printer use vegetable or soy based inks and recycled-content paper. For company promotional products avoid miscellaneous items like pens, paper, stickers, pins, handouts, etc. Consider getting your name out there in non-material ways like local sponsorships, radio and tv ads. When investing in promotional products choose items that can be used year after year like reusable “Sale” signs or window paint instead of disposable signs.

Green Investing

When creating an investment portfolio, whether managing your businesses money or providing retirement options for your employees, consider adding a green investment option. With ever increasing environmental awareness the market has many savvy green investment opportunities like alternative energy firms and green builders. Inquire with your current money manager for options. Also check out www.greenmoneyjournal.com for ideas.

Cleaning Supplies

Switching to green or natural cleaning products is a great way to protect the environment and employee’s health. Natural cleaners are as effective yet less harmful than their chemical counter parts. Many natural products also come in bulk so you can reduce your packaging as well.

Donations and Sponsorship

When asked for local donations or sponsorship consider giving to causes that have shown an environmental commitment, whether directly in their mission or in their general business practices. Joining an organization that donates a percentage of its profits is another great way to donate to environmental causes.

For more information go to www.onepercentfortheplanet.org and www.onepercentforthetetons.org.