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Does Your Company Recycle Electronics?

10/13/2015

If so, your customers may soon start asking whether it is R2:2013 certified. While this certification is fairly new, many industry leaders have adopted it which may influence your ability to re-sell or recycle their electronics. As a key component of the standard, downstream vendors that process electronics from other, upstream companies that are R2 certified will be expected to meet certain standards for product quality and responsible recycling practices.

Even if R2:2013 certification looks like a distant possibility for your company right now, get ahead of the curve by setting up your ISO 14001 environmental management system and OHSAS 18001 health and safety systems now. The R2 Standard requires accreditation to both of these standards or to RIOS in order to receive certification, and these certs also have their own benefits. Having an internationally-recognized certification proving you have systems to manage your environmental, health, and safety issues can only benefit your company in the long run whether or not you choose to pursue additional certifications to increase your ability to do business.

For more information on the R2:2013 Standard, view SERI's website here: https://sustainableelectronics.org/

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Energy Efficiency Rebates Moving to Mid-Stream Vendors

9/21/2015

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As of July 1, 2015, SCE has announced that the one-for-one conventional to LED light bulb upgrade is only eligible for commercial customer rebates through mid-stream distributors. What this means is that in the same way that you can get a rebate on an efficient refrigerator for your home directly through the vendor you purchase it from, the same now applies for approved vendors you buy your LED lamps from for your business. Instead of an application process, these rebates will now be applied on your purchase at the point of sale from these SCE-approved vendors.

As this significantly reduces the need for rebate application support in most situations, we'll be limiting our rebate application service to existing customers and new customers already bundled with our traditional consulting services effective the 2016 calendar year. Still need help identifying energy efficiency solutions that make sense for your business? We recommend contacting us for a general sustainability assessment to get the most value for your service.

For more information about the upcoming changes to energy efficiency rebates in the coming year, visit the SCE website directly at sceonlineapp.com

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How do you Sell Something When it's Free? (4 Common Messaging Traps)

8/15/2015

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If you've ever tried to recruit volunteers, get feedback from the general public, have people apply for a great opportunity, or any number of actions that are totally free to the person you're targeting, you know that this can actually be pretty hard!

Nonprofits and local governments in particular offer many free services you would think are a win-win. After all, who wouldn't want free rebate money, or provide feedback on adding more bike lanes on their local streets, or to attend a great community event?

As a "free" institution, it's very easy for organizations that don't charge for their services to get caught in these 4 common traps with their messaging:

Thinking that "because I'm passionate about this topic, everyone else must be too!" This is a common problem with environmental messaging, as it'll often have a value statement centered around the environment as opposed to the other, higher priorities their target audience has. This often resonates poorly with businesses and the general public in particular as the environment is not typically their highest priority value. For example, if you're trying to get the public to support alternative transportation, maybe a better emphasis is "enjoy a shorter commute" as opposed to "it's good for the environment."
Forgetting that time= money for most people. If you're making the action/commitment difficult, or time-consuming, your service or benefit isn't really "free," and will need the assistance of some incentives. This brings us to our next trap which is...
Not identifying WIIFM ("What's in it for me?"). Even if you have the greatest service, event, etc. in the world, your target audience will still need to think it's relevant to them personally if you want them to respond. Make sure to articulate those benefits in a way that people can apply it personally. For example, a student may be somewhat interested in helping at your beach clean-up event (i.e. "help the environment"), but is more likely to actually sign up if it's also presented as an opportunity to satisfy community service hours.
Not having a clear call to action. Many junk e-mails lead with vague requests for support, help, time, etc. without a clear definition of what that looks like. You want someone's feedback, not necessarily their time. You want people to donate, not just their "support." Making that request as specific and clear as possible at the outset will make it easier for your target audience to participate and continue "supporting" your mission.

Want more advice on how to get better community or employee engagement for your sustainability initiatives? E-mail us at info@sundownersustainability.com to schedule your free initial one-hour consultation today!

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Ramada Santa Barbara Earns Highest Level in the California Green Lodging Program

7/29/2015

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Ramada Santa Barbara was recently awarded the Environmentalist Level in the California Green Lodging Program, the highest level available, in recognition of its green hotel practices.

Ramada Santa Barbara is the only hotel on the South Coast to achieve the Environmentalist level, and joins the Fess Parker as the only other certified hotel in the Santa Barbara area. The Ramada Santa Barbara has several unique environmental features including a pool heated by solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, LED lighting, permeable pavers, water-conserving fixtures, and plates made from sugarcane. But in addition to its physical features, the hotel implements a wide variety of green operational practices that go on behind-the-scenes.

"By institutionalizing many of the great things our staff members practice on a daily basis, like recycling responsibly, turning off the lights when they leave a room, and purchasing eco-friendly products whenever possible, we created a policy that simply formalizes our existing commitment to the environment," said Ramada Santa Barbara general manager Tom Patton.

Engaging staff members and implementing new technologies is an approach that is certainly paying off when it comes to going green. The CA Green Lodging designation is the hotel's third green certification in less than a year, following closely on the heels of its gold certification through Audubon International Green Lodging, and Santa Barbara County Green Business Certification.

Sundowner Sustainability Consulting, a Santa Barbara-based company that served as the hotel's consultants for all three certifications, has some insight into the secret of Ramada Santa Barbara's continued success.

"Each time we come back, Ramada Santa Barbara has really taken our recommendations to the next level, and they're not afraid to continue experimenting with new technologies and practices that will improve their environmental performance. Their willingness to innovate is what makes pursuing, and more importantly, achieving additional environmental certifications possible," said Sundowner Managing Partner Ellie Perry.

The California Green Lodging program, administered by the State of California's Department of General Services, recognizes lodging facilities that demonstrate best practices in water and energy conservation, waste minimization, recycling, environmentally friendly purchasing, program sustainability, and pollution prevention.

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Proving My Food is Green: Are labels the only way?

6/22/2015

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There are very few things closer to customers' hearts than food. Especially when you're talking about "going green." Whether you're a restaurant that serves food constantly, a hotel that serves occasional meals, or a business that only provides snacks or maybe just does a few get-togethers a year, the food you serve can be looked at through a couple different lenses.

Unlike other green certifications related to buildings, or non-edible products, labels can be particularly misleading. For example:

"Natural" and "responsibly grown" are generally adjectives any company can use. With no true certification for these types of descriptions in place, a self-made label that claims these doesn't necessarily mean anything.
USDA Organic is a popular 3rd party certification (which is a good start), though is notoriously expensive, knocking many smaller local farmers that may have better eco-friendly practices out of contention. The label has also faced controversy in the environmental field due to loopholes allowing chemical use, as well as not accounting for ecosystem impacts. For example, you could chop down rainforest to build an organic soybean farm, but is that really "green"?

If you're looking for ways to "green" your menu, try looking at these other qualities instead:

Locally sourced foods often taste better (due to being fresher) and support local economies. Many top restaurants build partnerships with local growers and suppliers for this reason, so if you do the same, be sure to tell your customers or highlight local items on your menus.
Fish is heavily impacted by commercial fishing practices, so make sure your seafood checks out on the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch guide.
Industry-specific certifications are often more custom to the practices of a given product such as coffee, wine, etc. Look for industry standards that involve 3rd party verification and have a good reputation for integrity and environmental protection.

And don't forget about what happens to the food after you buy it. Plan carefully to avoid ordering/throwing away too much food, as well as excess packaging (i.e. individually wrapped items versus bulk). The landfill will thank you!

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Sundowner offers a full range of sustainability ("green") consulting services to help organizations improve their environmental performance while saving time and money in the process. Read on for more tips and case studies on how to make our mission part of your mission!

Does Your Company Recycle Electronics? ﻿

Energy Efficiency Rebates Moving to Mid-Stream Vendors﻿

How do you Sell Something When it's Free?﻿ (4 Common Messaging Traps)

Ramada Santa Barbara Earns Highest Level in the California Green Lodging Program

Proving My Food is Green: Are labels the only way?

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Does Your Company Recycle Electronics?

Energy Efficiency Rebates Moving to Mid-Stream Vendors

How do you Sell Something When it's Free? (4 Common Messaging Traps)