KEY POINTS:
1.Choose an energy company committed to 100 per cent renewable energy.
2.Develop a supplier policy that outlines what you expect from suppliers to help you achieve sustainability. The SBN website (www.sustainable.org.nz) has an example of such a policy.
3.Purchase eco-friendly office equipment (furniture that is locally built to last) and supplies (eco-friendly cleaning products).
4.Buy recycled products (paper, stationery, pens made from recycled materials), or products that have a certification (eg Forest Stewardship Council, Fair Trade endorsement).
5.Take practical steps to reduce the impact of business-related travel:
* Think about ways to encourage staff to make the best and most sustainable choices for commuting and business-related travel (subsidised public transport, secure bicycle parks, lockers, showering facilities, flexibility around start/finish time, working at home/telecommuting).
* Be transport-efficient by planning trips carefully and driving smoothly.
* Consider tele- or video-conferencing to minimise the need for travel to meetings, especially air travel.
* Select the most appropriate, most efficient vehicles that will meet your needs (like hybrids or smaller-engine cars).
* Offset the impacts of your vehicle by planting native trees.
*Join GreenFleet, a SBN programme which helps business to green their vehicle fleets. Visit www.greenfleet. org.nz for more information
6.Undertake a waste audit to get an understanding of what your waste is and where it is going.
7.Use posters and signs to educate and remind staff to consider their waste practices.
8.To find out who can take your recycled goods, see the Recyclers of New Zealand website _ www.ronz.org.nz _ which has a directory of recycling operators.
9.Check the information on waste minimisation on the Ministry for the Environment's "Simply Sustainable" website _ www.sustainability. mfe.govt.nz _ which will direct you to a number of useful resources and websites.
10.Undertake a "switch off" campaign _ ensure computers, monitors and all appliances are turned off overnight and when not in use. Turn lights out when rooms are empty.
* Longer term, consider investing in sensor lighting controls that automatically switch off lights in areas not occupied. Get your heating and air-conditioning units serviced regularly to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
