If done right, greening your office will help the environment and your bottom line, says Chris Stanley, founder and CEO of Go On Green Eco-Consulting in Calgary.

There are, however, many details and costs to think about during the process. Here are eight tips to help you create a sustainable workspace:

1. Build a team
If you have a large staff, create a team of a few employees who will organize the greening process.

Find someone who is already committed to a green lifestyle to lead the team, says Stanley. Someone already interested in the environment will be able to motivate other staff members and offer insight on how to make the office sustainable.

2. Make a checklist
Create a roster of green projects around the office to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Have a member of your “green team” do an assessment of your office, says Stanley. Make sure that team member evaluates and records everything in the office that could be more environmentally friendly — from furniture to office supplies.

3. Create a plan
Craft a strategy for how and when you will make changes to the office.

Your green business plan should include a mission and vision statement, outlining your commitment to sustainability and any planned initiatives and deadlines, Stanley says. Team members will then understand what is going on and what is expected.

4. Track costs
Whether you are buying energy-efficient light bulbs or green office supplies, always do a cost analysis.

Becoming sustainable or going green properly shouldn’t cost you lots of money, Stanley says. Tracking costs will show you a return on your investment.

5. Motivate your staff
For any green initiative to work, your staff must be engaged. Inspire team members to make changes with some friendly competition and prizes.

For example, you could challenge people to turn off their computers at night to save energy, suggests Stanley. Those who do so would then be entered in a raffle to win a prize, such as a monthly transit pass.

6. Track your progress
Create benchmarks to help you measure the results of your green project.

Perform an annual audit of your green plan to make sure the projects are going smoothly, says Stanley. That way, initiatives that aren’t working can be discontinued before they drain time and money.

7. Be patient
It may take time before your greening project delivers obvious results for your business.

Going green is an ongoing process, says Stanley. Depending on the size of your business, it may take a few months or even a couple of years before you start to see the benefits.

8. Be honest
Tell your clients about your greening efforts, but don’t mislead them.

Nobody can be 100% green, says Stanley: “You’re working toward sustainability.”

IE