Q&A: Green consultants and guides
This week's eco-topic: Green workplace
Your eco-questions answered:
Question: My work is working (no so hard) on trying to "green" the office. I am wondering if there are any consultants who will come in and assist with greening an office building, and/or guides which you might recommend.
Especially helpful are guides which stress the money-saving options, and how to best take advantage of those. If it doesn't save money, it probably won't fly. -- Cassandra
Answer: If your office is in Santa Monica, the simple solution's to take advantage of Sustainable Works Business Greening Program, FREE to Santa Monica businesses. This city-funded program will send a green expert to do an on-site assessment, give targeted recommendations, then work with businesses to prioritize and implement the recommendations they choose. Afterwards, the now-green business can apply for Santa Monica Green Business Certification to proudly tout its enviro-consciousness.
Not in Santa Monica? Then contact your city council member to ask that your city fund this Business Greening Program. Basically, any L.A.-area city can get Sustainable Works' services -- but the city needs to first pay up.
Outside city-funded programs, finding a greening consultant is almost too easy these days. Why? Anyone can call themselves a greening consultant. After all, there's no national greening consultant test or qualification system. The trick now is identifying the reputable green consultants and organizations are out there to get the good eco-advice you're looking for.
A good place to start might be with an eco-audit of your workplace from a trusted organization. As I've talked about before, eco-auditors can analyze which aspects of the business have the biggest footprint, as well as what eco-initiatives to undertake to get the most footprint-shrinkage per dollar.
You might also consider a responsible purchasing consultant to help your business spend its money wisely. Responsible Purchasing Network, a project of New American Dream, offers consulting services and has worked with many businesses and government offices to help them green their workplace. In fact, if you work for the state or local government, you can apply to get pro bono assistance from RPN! Get your proposals in by March 10.
As for greening guides: RPN also provides FREE online guides to help green your office purchases. In addition, there's the "Greening the Office" booklet I recently reviewed. Despite some of its shortcomings, this pocket guide will get you started on making your workplace eco-friendly.
Top photo by brianhendrix
Other cites throughout the United States should look at Santa Monica as the model to promote "green" businesses.........these cities should also offer green certification as well........this may promote a better environment for all.
Posted by: Vectorpedia (Rick) | February 23, 2008 at 08:31 AM