2 Ways To Measure Your “go green” campaigns
Because I have been working with hundreds of companies that have implemented “go green” campaigns over the past few years, I often wonder how to quantify the effectiveness of these programs.
There are dozens of reasons that an organization will want to run a green initiative—from good corporate stewardship to trying to improve their corporate image in the community or within their industry…and everything in between.
In a tight economy, management is often looking for ways reduce costs, so every program is under fire, including green initiatives.
So how can a business or organization justify the time and costs involved in their green campaigns? Here are six steps to help in quantifying the results of a “go green” initiative.
1) Certifications: Some organizations, such as those in the building trade, can use the LEED certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. This program measures how well a building or community performs against a variety of criteria, including use of materials, energy savings, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and others. LEED addresses all sorts of built environments including neighborhoods, homes, offices, schools, hospitals and retail-new construction and existing buildings. More information about LEED can be found at this link.
Other industries may have similar certifications form which you can measure and compare best business practices.
2) Cost Savings: Perhaps you can measure the energy savings from switching to solar panels or the savings from switching to more energy efficient HVAC equipment, new windows, window coverings, CFL light bulbs, thermostat setting adjustments, etc. These numbers are fairly straight-forward.
Start working on these low-hanging items and become a much greener company.
