| We know that energy-use is a major cause of global | | | | each employee accountable; there are times to |
| warming. We also hear about everything from Energy | | | | delegate, this is not one of them |
| Star equipment, carbon offset investments, and | | | | 2. An interdepartmental Green Team - hopefully |
| lighting retrofits, but most business managers and | | | | reporting out monthly to top level leaders, Green |
| executives don't focus enough on what can really | | | | Teams set goals, identify problems, empower |
| allow them to fight global warming. | | | | solutions, and troubleshoot projects |
| Investing in new technology and consulting services is | | | | 3. Baseline analysis - how much energy do we use |
| all well and good, but poor execution can kill any | | | | annually and what are our costs? |
| well-meaning project. Dropping the office thermostat | | | | 4. Tracking successes - You can't manage what you |
| to 68-degrees can rub people the wrong way if | | | | don't measure. Regular reports on energy use are |
| they're not all on board with the change. Creating a | | | | essential to organizational focus |
| recycling program doesn't guarantee people will use it. | | | | 5. Communication and education - provide employees |
| And re-lamping with energy efficient lighting can | | | | with weekly tips and factoids on energy use and |
| sometimes create quite a stir. | | | | other environmental issues; four- line email blasts |
| The keys to successful company-wide climate | | | | (hopefully with a bit of humor) will work wonders and |
| change policy are often not technology based but | | | | maintain the team approach to solutions. |
| organizationally based. Communication, leadership and | | | | In this age of economic decline and geopolitical |
| teamwork are vital in the war on global warming -- | | | | struggle, it's easy for a workplace environment to |
| just like they are in all business pursuits. True success | | | | begin to devolve. Focusing on solving big-picture |
| requires, at a minimum, the following: | | | | problems like global warming can help strengthen |
| | | | employee morale and renew everyone's sense of a |
| 1. Top down leadership - executives must drive and | | | | "can do" office. |
| back environmental programs, and they must hold | | | | |