Q My fitness franchise consumes a lot of resources in a given day (lighting, water, energy, etc.) How can I use these resources more efficiently?

Chris says:
‘Going green’ should not cost your company large amounts of money. There are many low-cost changes you can make to help save money and conserve resources. First, sit down with your staff and develop a green business strategy. This, much like a business plan, will provide a path to help achieve your green goals. In the plan, inlcude objectives such as switching all lighting to compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, and shutting power off to all electronics, including cardio equipment, after hours. Consider placing electronics on power bars and clustering equipment in a way that only the equipment needed to meet demand is turned on during operating hours. You can also switch to low-flow aerators, e.g. 2.0 litres per min (lpm) (1.5 gallons per minute [gpm]) or less, and shower heads rated at 9.8 l/min (2.5 gpm) or less.

Q I work out of a small home office, running my own business consulting franchise. Are there ways I can green my business in this unique environment?

Chris says:
‘Greening’ your home office is a win-win for your company and your home. When you are working out of your home, customers don’t just see your company they see you and how you live; this will reflect on your franchise. If you are making renovations or redecorating, try incorporating paint and sealants that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Be sure to advertise this fact in your office area; VOC-free products are not only better for the environment, but also for you and your clients’ health. Also ensure that any home office equipment you are using (e.g. computers, printers, fax machines, etc.) qualify under the Energy Star® energy-efficiency program. You can also situate your office in an area within your home that will take best advantage of natural light, preferably using energy-efficient windows, to lower power and light consumption. Finally, remember that clients visiting your home office will see what you drive; if your vehicle of choice is a large sport utility vehicle (SUV) consider downsizing to a more fuel-efficient sedan.

Q My landscaping franchise requires a lot of auto travel. How can my fleet reduce its environmental impact while still meeting our customers’ demands?

Chris says:
When looking to reduce your fleet’s environmental impact, one of the most important things is getting employees on board. Consider developing a green business strategy with a green fleet policy that offers incentives for employees who actively help lower the company’s carbon footprint. Coach employees on fuel-efficient driving and route optimization (i.e. planning a route before leaving). It is also important to ensure the fleet undergoes regular maintenance. Regularly evaluate your vehicles and plan for replacements with the best available energy-efficient vehicles to accomplish the job. You may also want to establish an anti-idling policy for employees in the field; simply turning off a vehicle can go a long way.

Click Here to view full article

Chris Stanley helps businesses and homeowners increase profits and property values through a variety of green strategies. He can be reached via www.ecoconsultant.ca.