Interest in TBL accounting has been growing in both for-profit, nonprofit and government sectors. Many organizations have adopted the TBL framework to evaluate their performance in a broader context.
Businesses play a critical role in the care of our planet’s resources and, as such, can take the lead to reduce their carbon footprint in day to day operations. But how?
- Commit to conducting an internal environmental audit. This audit will look at energy and water consumption, materials used, solid waste flow, green purchasing program or policy, landscaping and more.
- Record at least one year’s worth of utility consumption and behavioral data.
- Next, commit to implementing one or more measures to reduce the carbon footprint and decrease utility consumption levels. For example:
- Reduce energy consumption by improving lighting, installing motion detectors, turning computers off at the end of the day.
- Create a recycling program or increase existing recycling program.
- Install low-flow water features, such as faucets and toilets.
- Reduce paper consumption through two-sided printing and sharing of catalogs and magazines.
- Purchase “green” certified office products.
- Install drought-tolerant plants throughout landscaping.
- Encourage ride-sharing, carpooling and bicycling.
- Collect rainwater for landscape irrigation.
- Establish a “green” team at the office.
- Get corporate buy-in with a “green” policy supported by upper management.
- Announce your new program and work to promote it.