The Portland area has been a flagship in the United States when it comes to sustainable or green environmental practices. Many people make it a personal goal to have less of a negative impact on the environment. Employers as well continue to make it a priority and many more are catching on. Such efforts can also contribute to organizational culture.

Businesses are developing “green teams.” These employee teams help coordinate projects in their workplace to make their company more environmentally friendly. With reference to businesses going green, Marcos Cordero (co-founder and CEO of the Green Business Bureau), writes to employers that

“by making it a team effort and a positive experience, you’ll be able to achieve your goals more easily and will be changing not only your business practices, but also making a difference for your staff and their involvement in the green movement.”

To get the ball rolling, Cordero suggests that employers offer incentives to get employees involved. Such possibilities include “preferred parking spots for low-emission vehicles and other green commuting” or other forms of recognition for employees who take those extra steps to help the business when it comes to environmentally-friendly practices.

Thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration, below are some tips employers can consider in making their workplace more environmentally friendly.

Develop a “green team” in your company to help coordinate projects (perhaps your culture team can coordinate green initiatives around the office)

Use energy efficient computers and other office equipment

When appropriate, send documents electronically instead of hard copy

Use paper products with a high recycled content

Use “occupant sensors” to turn lights on and off when necessary

Adjust the thermostat during unoccupied times or consider installing a programmable thermostat

Utilize timers or photocells on outside lights