Identifying Opportunities
In FY14, we surveyed our offices to gather initial data needed to establish a baseline for setting targets and assessing our future environmental performance. We updated the survey in FY16 to include additional offices, as well as new information from existing offices. Information gathered from these office, our 2016 Employee Sustainability Survey and our clients’ requests for information was used to identify material topics related to our environmental footprint as a company. Survey topics included:
> > Recycling of office paper > > Recycling of toner / printer cartridges > > Recycled content in purchased paper > > Environmentally friendly office supplies > > Copiers defaulting to double-sided
> > Electronic management of project files > > Energy consumption awareness > > Energy conservation practices > > Community involvement
Since the launch of our sustainability coordinator network in March 2016, our coordinators have been actively engaged in communications to and from our offices to share best practices. We are also in the process of developing an office scorecard, which will allow offices to highlight unique initiatives in defined categories.
TRC EMPLOYEES IN ACTION:
> > In January, 2016, the Austin office was awarded platinum certification in the Austin Green Business Leaders( AGBL) program, the highest ranking possible. Certification is achieved by scoring points in seven sustainability categories: communications and outreach, resource management, water efficiency, energy efficiency, healthy work environment, alternative transportation, and community stewardship.
> > In FY15, the Ann Arbor office decided to take action after identifying a lower energy use intensity compared to other offices. By seeking out energy-hogging devices, downsizing their copier and upgrading to LED lighting, the office is able to reduce its energy footprint and save an estimated $ 8,700 annually on energy costs.
> > Concerned about waste from the disposable coffee pods from the Keurig coffee machine, the Lyndhurst office identified a recycling option through Keurig’ s“ Grounds to Grow On” program. Since implementing this recycling program, the office recycled over 2,000 used pods( or roughly 119 lbs).
> > When the Greenville office’ s copier lease expired, employees took the opportunity to materially change the office culture with respect to office printing. Through setting user controls on printing and reducing the number of copiers in the office, they were able to save over $ 2,000 per month on copier costs, as well as see a 50 percent reduction in black and white prints and a 66 percent reduction in color prints.
> > The Green Committee in the Windsor office routinely distributes messages on green topics including recycling procedures. The office received accolades from their property manager, Griffin Land, on their implementation of a single stream recycling program.
> > The Fort Collins office launched an alternative transportation initiative in the spring of 2016. Employees received a ticket any time they took alternative transportation( carpooling, bus riding, bicycle, walking, etc.) for a work-related trip. At the end of the month, one ticket was drawn and the winner received a prize such as a gift card to a local business.
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