Green cleaning methods for green companies

With tons and tons of toxic cleaning chemicals produced and used throughout the world, the whole cleaning process is just adding to the already existing pollutions. Cleaning processes in corporate and industries are the main contributors to these pollutions. So, companies going green should also concentrate on implementation of green cleaning methods.

Adapting to green cleaning methods consists of two main steps:

Maintenance of cleanliness- reduction of dirt

 This is nothing but minimizing the cleaning process itself. Yes, maintence of cleanliness, reduction of dust and dirt is what needs to be done. A well maintained office/place needs less number of cleanings. Lesser number of cleaning a great way to green compared to green cleaning. Lesser dirt means, lesser sweeping, lesser use of water and chemicals.

Usage of entry way track-off systems would keep the dirt outside and would help you to reduce cleaning. Open windows, lilies and small plants inside the building would keep the air inside the room fresh and reduce the usage of air fresheners frequently.

Using green cleaning methods

It’s only that with good practices one can just reduce the number of cleaning required to keep the place clean. But, adapting green cleaning methods to clean is what companies should concentrate on. Usage of non-toxic and natural products, power and water efficient cleaning equipments are the ways to go. If your cleaning work is outsourced, make sure to hire services that use green cleaning methods.

Usage of natural room fresheners with your Air conditioners would reduce the toxicity inside the room and also would prove healthy for the people inside. These simple methods if implemented would reduce addition of lots of toxic waste to the nature.

Creating and using green products are the way to go green

Corporate are contributing their bit in making earth a better a better place to leave. It’s really high time that we realize the importance of taking eco-friendly steps.  Many corporate giants lead by making their company a green company and setting examples for other companies to go green. Of all the green methods available, creating green products is the best way to go green.

Continues efforts from R&D of the companies to create efficient green products are really yielding the fruits. What’s more wonderful are, many young entrepreneurs are emerging with their new green product as the USP of their business. So no doubt many green product are on the way. 

Benefit of green products

Green campaigns are doing their bit in creating awareness among the people.  But, that would really take time along with similar efforts, to be effective. On other hand equipping people with green products is a straight way to make them go green.

Some green products that will create the great green impact  

Here are some of the green products that are picking up pace and will create the green effect in great manner.

Green/Hybrid vehicles

The wide usage of cars and vehicles around the world plays a great part in pollution. A shift to hybrid or green cars is much needed. Automobile around the world are already out with their different versions of hybrid cars. Even though it is yet to hit the market strongly, these developments indicate the shift in future.

Green energy supply

Along with transformation to efficient energy usage methods, companies are shifting to green energy supplies. Utilization of solar power, wind mill for energy supply are the highlights. But, Internet giants like Google, eBay are experimenting with highly efficient energy production technology from Bloom energy called Bloom Box. This technology is predicted to be highly compact and efficient. But only time would provide you answer. 

Why companies going green show true entrepreneurial spirit

It is great to see many companies go green. The corporate world understands the importance of going green and creating a better tomorrow.  It’s not the just energy sector that is taking part but all sectors of the corporate are actively participating in the green awareness. Green methods, green products, and green campaigns are the ways of going green. Better consumer awareness has made it bit mandatory for the corporate to work on their CSR activities. Whatever it is, but a green initiative taken by a company shows the true Entrepreneurial of that company. Here are the reasons to strengthen this.

Entrepreneur is the one invests for the future

As Robert T Kiyosaki says it, true entrepreneurial spirit lies in working without getting paid immediately. The entrepreneur is the one who understands delayed gratification. Yes, shifting your business process to green is something similar to this. It’s an investment to the future. Implementing the green initiatives needs some capital from the company. Shifting to efficient technologies, starting new methods, creating green infrastructure according to LEED norms, all these need initial capital investment. But these investments will help in tremendous cost reduction in long run. The profit of the company will drastically improve due to cost reductions.

For the betterment of self and others

True entrepreneur spirit lies in creating better feature for self as well as for others. Even though their exits competition, entrepreneurs always prefer WIN-WIN situation. So through green initiatives businesses are not only creating a better profits and environment for self, but also making this earth a better place to live. The true entrepreneurial spirit lies in creating a better world.

So Green companies are not only just show the green spirit buy going green but also display their True Entrepreneurial spirit. 

Why your business need to do a green campaign

No doubt many major corporate are today setting examples by going green. You open your news paper, switch on the T.V, internet you will find lots of businesses taking initiatives to create greener world through green products, implementing green steps in their business processes, green campaign etc. Talking purely in business terms, all these activities will actually benefit the business as well.  Green products attracting more customers, greens steps being the best cost reducing methods for the company, they are indeed a necessity. Here are the few reasons why a corporate should conduct a green campaign.

Corporate social responsibility

Simple!!! It’s payback time corporate to the society. You reason it as for anything, but as leaders we need to take these steps in order for the betterment of upcoming generations. Look at your kids and see the future. What you are creating for them, rather what legacy you are leaving behind . So no doubt the corporate should consider these things as their responsibilities.

A great marketing tool

It’s not just the green initiative that will provide you the great marketing, but any CSR activity would provide you great marketing. With the emergence of social networks, the content sharing among people has grown exponentially.  Recently, one of my friends shared a video about green initiative by ‘JK tyres’. I really liked it and did share in my Facebook profile. As the saying goes “Quality promotes itself”, so does genuinely done good things. So a green campaign would no doubt create better people, customers and investors credibility.

Better employee credibility

On a visit to a telephone exchange, I saw the batteries stacks used for power backup. I excitedly, informed the person over there, that I worked with that company for some time. We all love to see our company (present or past) being in news for all good reasons. Whether you agree or not, initiatives like green campaign would definitely excite any employee and their participation in these initiatives just adds to the excitement. 

    

Understanding all these, many big and small business are strengthening their CSR activities. So get started if you haven't. 

How a shipping company can go green

With corporate and business striving to strengthen their CSR activities through green initiatives and green campaign, here are the few methods that a shipping company can take to go green and show the spirit of eco-friendliness.

Using reusable plastic materials for packing

Shipping companies use cardboard boxes or wooden boxes/pallets as packing materials during transportation. The cardboard boxes are either disposed or recycled. Wooden boxes/pallets are reused but these wood needs to be replaced frequently due lesser life. Replacing all these packing materials with reusable and recyclable plastics for covering and as pallets would be nothing but a green initiative.

Fuel efficiency and carbon reduction

Lots of fuel goes into shipping. Fuel efficient driving practices, increasing shipping efficiency through logistical and operational streamlining, usage of well maintained vehicles that sticks to emission rules and regulations, usage of hybrid vehicles are some of the methods through which the shipping companies can reduce the carbon emission and in return reduce the cost there by increasing the profit.

Reducing the usage of paper for office work

Even with the usage of computers the shipping companies still use lots of paper for their office work. Proper insight with a goal of reducing the usage of paper is necessary. Computer and internets are to be used maximum in order to reduce the paper usage.

These are few main general things that shipping companies can inculcate in their work process and show the eco spirit of their company. While analyzing specifically your own company one can sure find many more techniques to reduce cost and go greener.

How Green Companies have advantage over others in terms of 'Carbon Credit'?

Definitely green companies have advantage over others in terms of 'Carbon Credit'. To understand this let us know first what does this mean?

What is Carbon Credit? 

In simple terms 'a carbon credit' is a permission to emit one tonne of carbon or carbon dioxide equivalent. And obviously it needs one to spend money to buy these carbon credits 

What is the Objective of introduction of carbon credits and how it reduces Carbon in atmosphere??
The objective is to reduce carbon emissions into atmosphere from all the business sources. Giving monetary value to the cost of polluting air makes business more responsible towards emissions they are making. These expenses will be included in their balance sheets of the business, there by encouraging them reduce the emissions. 

How Green Companies have advantage over others in terms of 'Carbon Credit'?
If these things hold on their grip then, companies who are not green will feel the heat. They need to spend more money for the emissions, either through higher tax or through buying Carbon credits. 

It takes considerable amount of time make improvements and reduce emissions. The one who takes early steps is the one who benefits. 

So it is better to buck up and take green initiatives as early as possible.

Electronic industry-Emergence of green companies

With head to head competition, electronics goods companies are striving hard to create more and more efficient products. Energy saving, sensible cooling, water efficient are some of the keywords that can be seen in their product promotional advertisements. Companies are building technologies and finding creative ways to apply available technologies in creation of greener products.

Panasonic's Eco-Navi washer uses light activated sensors to find out the stain areas and adjust the wash cycles accordingly.
Voltas sensible cooling ad shows to keep the AC in sleeping mode while sleeping to save power.
Samsung's Eco bubble offers energy-efficient wash.
Chirag computers promises green computers-greenputers, that is energy-efficient.

Now that most companies are marching towards greener products and effectively advertising with 'green punchlines' its clear that the customers are definitely  interested in green products. The question remains is that 'whether these customers are concerned only of money saving or there existing a emotional attachment for Eco-Friendly products?"

JK tyres:Soles with Souls - Breakthrough innovation

With the number of vehicles hitting our road raising exponentially, the number of scrap Tyres filling the landfills are also increasing exponentially. 80% of the cast-away tyres leave incurable scars on the environment. In the wake of global warming and a depleting ozone layer, the matter calls for immediate attention. The obvious answer is recycling. 

But JK tryre, wanted the recycling to appeal to every citizen of the country. The idea was to convert what was unwanted to the most desired. Scrap Tyres, till now abandoned, could become couture footwear and accessories.

In association with Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), JK tryre attempts to recycle tyres using unconventional methods and innovatively create footwear and accessories from old and recycled tyres.  

The initiative could become a testimony for the companies wanting to go green. With this breakthrough innovation, JK tyre, intends to encourage the green companies to work towards creativity and innovation in Corporate Green Responsibilities (CSR) division.

REEBOK - Use of Biodegradable plastics

The corporates, mainly retail industries and others where, packaging involves are now switching to biodegradable plastics for their packaging. Reebok India is one such example, for this. Recently I was handed over a Reebok bag in its outlet. Back home I observed an 'environmentally safe' symbol at the bottom of the bag. That did interest me.
Now, corporates are taking steps to go green, because they know it matters.  Reebok- India, did found out a  manufacturers named KAYSONS INDIA PVT LTD Who manufacturers biodegradable plastics. This Biodegradable plastic is made with combination of virgin plastic vegetable starch, organic minerals & vegetable extracts processed in a controlled conditions & thickness of  50 microns. The biodegradable bag can be re-used for carrying domestic garbage. The bags are manufactured with materials which are tested for its bio-biodegradability.

Definitely there are many more methods how a biodegradable plastic can be made but, the point over here is, how concerned the corporates are in using them.
Green companies should shift its focus not only towards green suppliers but also towards suppliers with green products. This drives suppliers towards green innovation and ultimately to green revolution.

Green Companies: supply chain

The term 'green supply chain' is gaining popularity.  Green companies have looked to their supply chain and seen areas where improvements in the way they operate can produce profits. But yet most companies are unaware of potential benefits. Companies can find cost savings by reducing the environmental impact of their business processes. But it's very important to align green supply chain goals with business goals and be concerned about primary requirements - quality, cost  as well.

Companies reviewing their business processes should look beyond their factory walls. The list of Green Supply Chain Management Best Practices are:

1. Choosing a nearest vendor - whenever possible: No doubt it reduces transportation cost :)

2. Choosing green vendors: It's not just purchasing from nearest buyer but ensuring that the your vendors is also a green company. Being green always implies that vendors are open to improvements and striving for efficiency, which actually match your business goals.

3. Reusable packing materials: Most of the packing materials are used one time. At-least in B2B mode the packing materials - wrappers, carton boxes, are reused unless damaged. And also reusable & efficient packing materials to be used. For example, traditionally, companies have transported goods using timber pallets, but the disadvantages are timber pallets are naturally fragile and regularly need replacing and has very little use for recycling. And also timber pallets are relatively heavy themselves, so when multiplied on large shipments of goods, they can considerably add to the fuel needed to transport those goods.

4. Refurbishment program for products: At the opposite end of the supply chain businesses should look at their return process. Many businesses have not developed a successful refurbishment program for their products that have been returned or exchanged. By offering refurbished items businesses can increase purchasing options to their customers and widen their customer base, whilst improving the environmental impact of their products.

Green companies boost employees' moral

Have a question of How to boost employee moral? Here is one answer...... GO GREEN.
Employees love to be associated with green Companies. Companies going green really boosts the employees' moral, posted an Indian newspaper.

A study conducted by Cassandra Walsh and Adam Sulkowski, at Charlton College of Business at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth indicated a significant positive relationship between employee satisfaction and level of perceived environmental performance.

Definitely, why not? Who doesn't love the company which care for them? Who doesn't love better working conditions? Thats it... you have one more strong reason to make your company a green company.

Green Companies: LED lightings

'Break your fluorescent shackles, and switch to LED lights'. Green companies look up to LEDs for energy efficiency. LED lighting can save up to 85 percent of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs and up to 50 percent of electricity used by fluorescents. LEDs are also highly durable.


The estimation is that widespread adoption of LED lighting by 2025 will :

• Reduce electricity demands from lighting by 62 percent.
• Eliminate 258 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
• Reduce the amount of materials being put into landfills.- unlike CLFs it does not contain mercury.
• Avoid the building of 133 new power plants.
• Save just the US over $280 billion- imagine for world.

Now the question is, Are they not expensive?
I would say not at all, but it costs more upfront. It all depends on the how you define 'expenses'. Because in long term its going to save lot more than you spend-with the efficiency, durability & low maintenance cost. LED lights can have a lifetime of 50,000 hours and more in continuous operation. Unlike other lighting technologies LEDs do not completely fail—they grow dimmer. At the 50,000 hour mark, Cree’s LED lights are designed to provide at least 70 percent of their initial light output.
The estimated cost for the new lighting technology has an approximate 1.3-year payback.

Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a manufacturer of LED solid-state lighting components, reduced the energy consumption by 45% percentage in its Headquarters. 
And there are many more testimonies out there, which inspire you to go for LED lights.
Green companies use LED lighting in offices, parking lots, as streetlights, restaurants,restrooms etc. It can be also used in advertising boards. Depending upon lighting requirement one can choose the type of LEDs.

Green Companies- PepsiCo (India)

"Performance With Purpose articulates PepsiCo India’s belief that its businesses are intrinsically connected to the community and world that surrounds it"


PepsiCo- India, acts as a testimony for Green Companies and previous posts . Various green measures initiated with the above statement strengthen their belief.


1. Replenishing Water :
    They call it the 'positive water balance'. Giving back more water than they take. Different steps is been implemented to replenish water to the environment. Rain water harvesting, Community water projects, Water conservation in agriculture are some of the steps taken.
know more 

2. Reducing water usage in plants:
    In last five years through awareness, recycling, & re-engineering more than 45% of water usage is been reduced & saved 3 billion liters of water through conservation efforts.
know more


3. Solid waste management:
    With the partnership with leading environmental NGO Exnora- a pioneer in waste mangement, PepsiCO is able to recycle 97% of the household garbage providing the community members the benefit of clean environment.  Bio-degradable waste converted into organic manure through the process of vermi-culture. Waste segregation is a method to be noted.
know more


Awards like Golden Peacock Award for Innovation in 2006, BSE NASSCOM Social and Corporate Governance Award 2008 ,and recognition by UNICEF in 2007 adds strength to their work...

Individual Green responsibilities in green companies

Green awareness among all the people inside the company play a vital as a whole in Making the company green.
 Some of the individual green responsibilities followed in green companies are:

1. Efficient usage of power: Proper knowledge about the loss & awareness in power conservation methods will lead to efficient power usage. Switching off the machines, PCs & other appliances when not in use and while leaving work. 

2. Usage of papers: 75% of A4 size paper is used one sided before disposal. Awareness about the optimum & efficient (whenever in need only) paper usage will help in reduction of paper usage.

3. Efficient usage of water:  A sincere effort by the individuals towards the efficient usage of water should be adapted. Companies should encourage their people to in doing so.

4. Reducing plastic usage and proper disposal of used plastics.

5. Reducing the usage of  napkins/ tissue paper after every hand wash. Usage of handkerchiefs can save loads of tissue papers.

6. Sticking to company green norms & strictly following them.

Individual green responsibilities can do a lot for the companies. They need to take measures in implementing them, thats it.
  

Waste Management & Neutralization by green companies

Waste Neutralization is one of the main but less concentrated aspect in most companies. Most companies are concerned with waste disposal but, Waste Neutralization, very few. 


Waste neutralization is step where the waste materials from the company are not directly disposed to the environment but it is neutralized there by nullifying the effect of these waste materials on ecosystem.


 Waste Neutralization & Waste Management steps followed by green companies :


1. Waste segregation is a step under waste management. It includes segregation of wastes like plastics, bio-medical waste, paper, e-waste, biodegradable & non-biodegradable etc. Placing labeled dustbins for each waste is effective way of doing this.

2. Food Waste- Talking about 'Waste' in companies doesn't make us think of food waste most of the times. Lots food waste are produced in companies.  These wastes can be disposed to near by piggery or some other forms.


3. Kitchen Waste- When it comes to kitchen waste, you might think that the dustbin is the right place for it.
But can be converted into manure using Vermiculture or even Biogas  using KWP (kitchen waste plant). 


4. Neutralization of used water and their re-usage.


5. The process waste materials that is produced during process of the company is properly segregated and recycling or waste neutralization is done before their disposal. Proper places are to be chosen for disposal.


A sincere effort towards the reduction, recycling & neutralization of waste materials and usage of new methods and techniques are always encouraged in green companies.  
  

Water usage optimization & neutralization of used water in green companies

Coming to water usage, most things are well know, but yet seldom put to use. Yet this information will act as check list.
Studying the water usage versus the purposes/process. And water usage reduction in each individual purpose will reduce water usage drastically.
Water usage optimization  & neutralization of used water is one of the ways/steps in Making your company green.
Some of efficient water usage steps green companies follow :

1. Rain Water Harvesting:
    Rain Water Harvesting is one the main methods seen in enhancing the water supply to the companies. It helps you by increasing the under ground water & there by reducing the unnecessary water bills.

2. Usage of water for primary & secondary purposes by recycling the water.
     Different water treatment techniques can be adopted based on the Usage & requirement.
     Neutralization of water before its release and usage for secondary purposes where ever possible.

3. Optimize the usage of water by using appropriate technologies & creating awareness among the people of company.

4. Stop leaks.
    Check all water-using appliances, equipment, and other devices for leaks. Running toilets, steady faucet  drips, home water treatment units, and outdoor sprinkler systems are common sources of leaks.


5. Use easy close Taps, & techniques like drip irrigation and sprinkler while watering plants & garden in and around the campus. 


6. More over anything apply innovative thoughts to optimize water usage according to the functions & usage of water in the campus.  

Reduction of carbon in green companies

Some of the carbon reducing techniques green companies follow in making their company a green company:

1. Sticking to energy efficient ways is one of the best way to reduce carbon.

2. Permitting only emission controlled vehicles into the company campus.

3. Usage of bicycles & golf carts inside campus reduce considerable air pollution.

4. Car pooling or Cab facilities from companies will help in reduction of pollution.

5. Garden waste:
     Don't burn leaf litter, mulch or compost it instead - burning vegetation spews great volumes of carbon dioxide and other heat trapping pollutants into the atmosphere

6. Creating awareness of Individual responsibility towards carbon pollution reduction to employees & people under reach.

7. Planting more trees in and around the campus.

8. Green supply chain:
    Raw material vendors are located in minimum radius, whenever possible.

Energy efficiency - The heart of green companies

'Knowledge of usage helps to reduce the usage'. In order to increase the energy efficiency its necessary to evaluate the energy consumption patterns & identify the energy optimization opportunities. Identifying the energy wastage modes and eradicating them is the first step in Making your company green.
Energy efficient steps the green companies follow includes:

1. Effective usage of energy, by technology up gradation. Keeping yourself updated with the new methods and technologies that are used in your industry. Analyse, how it might work for your energy consumption patterns. Set up efficient methods & technologies as per your patterns & needs.

2. Effective use of sunlight to generate energy- solar panels and solar water heaters. Most obvious but, less implemented method.

3. Green companies prefer green infrastructure/LEED norms:

      - Reduce heat ingress by using reflective glasses in building thus reducing cooling  & air conditioning

      - Use of pastel shades to reflect heat.
      - Its not uncommon that artificial light is used even in day time as well. May not sound funny since its common, but it is. Plan for your ventilation and use natural light.

4. Cutting the usage of air conditioner whenever possible. Trees around your campus can reduce AC usage & there by reduce bills. So invest on them. Again, most obvious but ..... less implemented. 

5. Mirror optic fitting to artificial light source (bulb) reflects more light. 

6. Energy efficient appliances- CFL bulbs or LED technology are used.

7.  Reduction of energy wastage due to negligence, Switching off the machines, PCs & other appliances when not in use and while leaving work. We will deal more with this in individual green responsibilities. 

 Green companies reduce energy consumption thus indirectly contributing for carbon reduction. 

Make your Company a Green Company

Need not to mention that many big, medium & even small companies are actively conducting/participating in Eco-friendly events within & even outside the company.
Some of the simple steps can be adapted to make your company green:

1. Energy efficiency - The heart of green companies:
    Evaluation of energy consumption patterns & identification of energy optimization opportunities. Rectification eradication of energy wastage modes.

2. Reduction of Carbon:
    Combining the individual green responsibilities,  new technologies, appropriate methods for respective functions and sincere engineering effort to reduce carbon emissions improves the working environment of the employees.

3.  Water usage optimization  & neutralization of used water:
     Effective water utilization techniques & water treatment plants are implemented.

4. Waste Neutralization:
     'Waste management' does catches the attention of 'Management' these days. Reduction, neutralization and recycling of waste materials are given priorities among others.

5. Individual green responsibility:
    Sincere efforts to create awareness among the work force of the company towards the green responsibility.

6. Get associated with Green business:
    Even though 'green business' is one more fancy word today, there are some genuine players. Association & encouragement will make them give better green solutions.  

Benchmarking for 'Corporate Green  Activities' keeps you updated with the new methods and technologies that are used in your industry.
More over anything creating the genuine urge to go green among all individuals of the company is must.
By just concentrating on this basic simple steps you are doing favor for yourself as well for the nation.
          
    

Need for Green companies

"God gave us resources to live, knowledge about how to use them is necessary"


CGR (Corporate green responsibility) is not just part of CSR (Corporate Social responsibility) but a necessity for the corporates today. Corporates are becoming aware of need of green companies.Consumer awareness & governmental regulations are making it mandatory for the corporates to turn them into a green company.

With the growing burden on the environment, its high time for the corporates to turn green. And the companies who do so are destined to enjoy the following benefits.

1. Long term financial benefits:
Turning green doesn't just save for the country or the government. It saves for your company as well. Lots of money can be saved in long term even though some initial investment might be required.

2. Brand value:
With the increase of consumer awareness, people love to be associated with the green companies- I have seen people who get annoyed for getting plastic bags from the cash counter. Consumer love their trusted brand turning green.

3. Not just the customers even employees loves to associated the green companies. Good and healthy environment not only encourage them, but makes them efficient. Turning green will also the increase employee trust towards the company.

4. More over any thing, the necessity for green companies is for better future of the company, public, and the world. It's its responsibility.