PARK PLACE GREEN TEAM GREEN OPERATIONS OFFICE AUDIT

The Goal To gain baseline information on current activities. To identify opportunities for improved performance. To recognize areas of excellence in the Region’s sustainability. To engage employees in sustainable practices. Ultimately, to reduce the environmental impact of Region 10’s operations.

Methods Green Operations Office Audit: Distributed to EPA Region 10 offices through office directors and unit managers Questions asked whether units carried out certain sustainable practices The checklist consisted of answer options of “Yes”, “No”, or “Partially” The questions were organized into the following sections: Energy, Water, Green Meetings, Paper and Printing, Purchasing, Recycling and Waste Prevention, and Transportation. Analysis:  Each answer was given points of completion out of how many possible activities could be performed for each category. “Yes” = 1 point “No” = 0 points “Partially” = ½ point  We could then calculate the percentage of activities performed in each office

Results

Responses 72% of units filled out and returned the audit checklist Participant Comments: Lack of knowledge/information on office practices  More communication within units about sustainable practices Survey should be distributed to individuals rather than units

Areas for Improvement Prioritize categories which Region 10 scored below 60% participation:  Energy 49.9%  Water 51.3%  Paper and Printing 55.8%  Recycling and Waste Prevention 56%

Energy The region participates in 49.9% of possible energy conserving activities listed in the survey Opportunities for improvement (common questions with “No” responses):  “We switch off our monitors when we are not using the computer for longer than 15 minutes.”  “Our office has conducted an appliance audit and eliminated any unnecessary personal refrigerators, coffee makers and other appliances.” Messages:  Are you leaving the office? Is your computer still on?  When focusing on tasks which do not require the use of your computer, turn off your monitor until you need to use it again.

Water The region participates in 51.3% of possible water saving activities listed in the survey Improvement opportunities:  “Signs in bathrooms, locker rooms, and kitchens promote water-wise behavior such as turning off taps and taking short showers.” Messages:  Signs could be a useful reminder for us to conserve water

Paper/Printing The region participates in 55.8% of possible activities to reduce paper and printing usage listed in the survey Improvement opportunities:  “We track the amount of paper we use in the office and share that information with staff”  “We have an office-wide commitment to only print when necessary.” Messages:

Recycling/Waste Prevention The region participates in 56% of possible recycling and other waste prevention activities listed in the survey. Improvement opportunities:  “Approved compostable service-ware items are available for staff use instead of non-compostable service-ware items, for times when reusable alternatives are not appropriate.”  “Our office promotes use of reusable/durable food containers and discourages the use of foil, plastic wrap, and other disposable food packaging through information porters and signage.” Messages: