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

Use high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, like high efficiency toilets (HETs) and urinals (HEUs)

Own/lease a business space that has a green building certification such as LEED, BREEAM, Green Globes, WELL, Energy Star, Green Star, or another standard in your area.

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

Install faucets with controls that turn off automatically (motion sensors)

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

Use washable electrostatic furnace and air conditioning filters

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

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

Perform a yearly assessment of all suppliers/vendors’ environmental and social practices in comparison to your company’s commitments

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

Provide a benefits package that meets the needs of employees, and is well-defined, accessible and transparent to all workers

Provide a living wage for all employees, at all levels of the organization including both full time and part time workers

Carve out a “no meetings” day during the work week

Choose a pest control service that minimizes the use of toxic pesticides

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

Define, institute, and clearly communicate a policy to prioritize employee diversity, equity, and inclusion

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

Arrange the workspace to take advantage of areas with natural sunlight

Reserve at least one day a year when your company volunteers for local environmental or community projects (e.g., Habitat for Humanity, Earth Day, Save a Tree)

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

Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified or similarly highly efficient appliances

Provide equitable opportunities to ensure women have equal access to employment, leadership roles, and pay

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

Purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to off-set any emissions related to energy consumption

Work with a food recovery service to donate surplus meals, stock and other edible food items to reduce waste.

Conduct a comprehensive water usage assessment/audit to pinpoint specific areas of water usage and waste

Install water flow rate controls (aerators) on faucets

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

Become an annual sponsor, making a substantial contribution to a meaningful event promoting sustainability in your area

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

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

Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, bio-based cleaning products

Replace regular light bulbs with LED bulbs

Ensure there are no harmful VOCs or chemical fumes in building furnishings, coverings, and walls including paint, curtains/blinds, carpet, flooring, and furniture

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

Establish a paperless billing program for your customers

Have accessible green space somewhere onsite or in close proximity to grounds

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

Place a company employee on the organizing committee for a sustainability event

Become an active member, either by serving on the board, donating or volunteering time for an organization that continually works to improve the environment

Recycle or sell your used toner cartridges

Purchase recycled or remanufactured toner cartridges

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

Regularly test your irrigation system to ensure proper configuration, optimized watering schedule, and eliminate overwatering and waste

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

Use air-filtering plants throughout the office

Print and copy double-sided only

Make your business’ sustainability efforts a central part of your message by filling out and linking to your GBB Public Profile and publishing your sustainability commitment on your website

Use virtual meeting platforms to replace travel when possible

Purchase trash liners made from 50-100% recycled materials

Designate your office as a smoke-free working environment with outside smoking areas 25 feet away from building entry areas and common walkways

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

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

Use natural odor elimination

Relax the office dress code to allow for attire that doesn’t require dry cleaning