Become a completely remote company, requiring no office space or regular transportation to/from work

Ensure all suppliers/vendors adhere to your company’s environmental commitments and standards and do not engage in any practices that are environmentally or socially harmful

Install dynamic glass exterior windows that change their opacity to reduce or increase the amount of light and heat allowed to pass through

Upgrade from older fluorescent T12, T8 and T5 lamps to LED alternatives

Use a tankless or otherwise highly efficient hot water heater

Install a smart irrigation controller that uses weather or soil moisture data to irrigate appropriately

Implement a comprehensive recycling program including education, proper sinage, and monitoring

Implement a sustainability process and standard for all meetings, conferences, and events

Optimize your on-premise servers and business systems by ensuring the hardware is up-to-date and energy efficient

Plant native, regionally-friendly plants to minimize water use and impact on local habitat

After completing the energy audit/assessment, develop a comprehensive energy use and conservation plan

Develop a comprehensive water use and conservation plan with measurable goals to optimize water usage

Eliminate all single-use paper, styrofoam or plastic cups, plates, and utensils in the kitchen area. Use reusable mugs, dishes, and silverware instead

Schedule regular maintenance on company vehicles to ensure each vehicle is operating as efficiently as possible to reduce emissions

Install light switch occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present

Hire an Energy Services Company (ESCO) to optimize energy usage

Install a programmable thermostat to automate your HVAC or A/C system

Implement a supplier code of conduct policy

Purchase all office paper products made from 50-100% recycled materials

Arrange the workspace to take advantage of areas with natural sunlight

Ensure all windows are double pane, low-E, and energy efficient

Purchase offsets for the travel emissions and in-person work days that can’t be reduced

Purchase or lease used or recycled office equipment and furniture

Optimize the color of your outside walls and the roof for your climate

Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified or similarly highly efficient appliances

Use highly efficient filters for HVAC

Develop an office thermostat policy that maintains internal air temperature within the recommended temperature range, and eliminates A/C and heating usage when the building is not occupied

Properly dispose of all hazardous waste materials including batteries, paint and chemicals, lightbulbs, aerosol cans, and electronics

Install a filtered water tap or water bottle refill station that provide high-quality drinking water

Conduct an energy assessment/audit to pinpoint specific areas of energy use and waste

Ensure all windows and doors are properly installed, functioning, maintained, and weather-stripped, etc.

Encourage employee carpools

Significantly limit the amount of physical marketing materials you produce

Complete a consumption and waste audit to help identify and quantify the items your business acquires, uses, and discards

Replace regular light bulbs with LED bulbs

Undergo regular and complete check-ups and maintenance of your HVAC or A/C system

Establish a paperless billing program for your customers

Choose paperless billing with vendors, business partners, and suppliers when possible

Eliminate unnecessary paper usage as much as possible including forms, contracts, meeting agendas and materials, proofs, and drafts

Replace all traditional bulbs with LED bulbs throughout your home work space

Apply window film to reduce excess solar heat in the building

Recycle or sell your used toner cartridges

Develop a paper reduction policy that clearly defines when and how items should be printed

Change your HVAC or A/C filters every six months or more frequently as is recommended by filter type

Reduce junk mail by removing your organization’s name from national direct marketing databases

Use reusable cleaning products such as towels and sponges, eliminating paper towels

Print and copy double-sided only

Choose bio-based, reused, recycled, recyclable, or FSC certified boxes and bags for shipping

Reuse, sell, or donate used or unneeded furniture, equipment, and office supplies

Use virtual meeting platforms to replace travel when possible

Eliminate all physical marketing materials, rely only on digital methods

Add shades/window covering to reduce heat gain

Use a shared or centralized printer

Minimize air conditioning usage through natural ventilation by opening windows

Purchase trash liners made from 50-100% recycled materials

Use ceiling fans in place of air conditioning when possible

Reduce “vampire loads” by unplugging appliances when not in use

Donate used clothing and furniture

Organize a sustainability committee to lead your organization’s sustainability program

Complete the GBB getting started steps

Develop a sustainability mission statement for your business and define your company’s core commitments

Populate your company’s sustainability accomplishments in your profile

Announce your commitment to GBB to all employees