Carbon neutral, recycling, biodegradability, and sustainability are top of mind in many facets of daily life and being green is now prominent in the game of commercial development too.  So, what does it take to be green?

Some of the ways developers are going green include using sustainable building materials, landscaping, implementing recycling programmes, and water and energy reducing facilities such as solar panels and insulation in their plans, promoting the use of carbon reduced or neutral transport by their staff by providing electronic vehicle charging stations, shower and change facilities.

Lets start with who decides what is green and what isn’t?

In NZ the Commerce Commission have outlined guidelines for businesses making carbon offsetting and neutrality claims.  The guidelines suggest that a claim should refer to a reduction in carbon that is in addition to what would have happened anyway.  They consider factors such as timing, permanence, double counting.  Interestingly, there is no universally accepted definition of the term ‘carbon neutral’.  It is noted however, that the Fair Trading Act 1986 also plays a part by protecting consumers from being misled or deceived.

There are various entities that are dedicated to encouraging the development of environmentally conscious building practices.  In NZ the NZ Green Building Council are a one such non-profit organization.  They have developed their own star rated programme qualifying buildings between one and six stars. The measures the use include performance, the base building, its interior and community impact.

So, if ‘carbon neutral’ is not universally defined what does it mean?

It is an ideology which sees the offsetting of carbon output with the aim of reducing it to net zero.  This can be done by reducing your carbon output and taking other actions to offset it such as purchasing carbon credits.

What is net-zero carbon?

This is when you have not emitted any carbon therefore there is no need to offset it.

What is a carbon credit?

A carbon credit is a permit which can be purchased and allows the owner to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide.  This is then offset by carbon credit projects or initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases, such as forest conservation, and therefore achieve a zero balance.

How is Green good for business?

As nothing is finite, aiming to be green ensures your business can make a positive contribution to society.  Employees and consumers are often looking for companies who invest in social responsibility.  A healthy environment leads to healthy people, and it shows your business is future orientated.  It can also save on expenses such as energy, water, and often governments offer rebates and discounts too.

How can I easily implement green ways into my business?

Recycle, and recycle correctly.  It’s so confusing what to put where so check your local council website for advice on what can be recycled and how to dispose of other items.  Once you’ve worked it out share the knowledge.  An effortless way to earn participation is by setting up multiple rubbish bins, labelled with what can go in each of them.  For example, set up a bin for paper and carboard; one for soft plastic, bottles and cans; one for organic and biodegradable plastic (it normally says on the bag if they are compostable or biodegrade); and lastly one for other items that don’t fit into any of these categories.  This helps contamination of the other bins.

Make alternative transport an easy choice for employees by designating a space to securely store and lock up bikes, scooters, running shoes, a change of clothes and towels.  Often shower and change facilities end up as storage cupboards.  If you are lucky enough to have change and shower facilities onsite, make these easily accessible for use and even throw a big bottle of body wash in there.

Choose brands and office products carefully.  Engage likeminded suppliers and other simple things, such as using biodegradable bin liners, avoid aerosols, disposable cups or cutlery.  Remember that although it may seem like a little, a little plus a little plus a little, adds up to be a lot.

Thanks for reading 🙂

Steve

NB: This is an opinion piece based on personal experiences and is not a substitute for seeking professional or legal advice.