Green Business Barbados. Jan. 29, 2014 Ariana Marshall, GBB Coordinator

Transcription

1 Green Business Barbados Jan. 29, 2014 Ariana Marshall, GBB Coordinator

2 Who are we? What Is A Green Business? We define a Green Business as a business committed to facilitating a Green Economy as defined by the United Nations Environmental Programme. UNEP defines a green economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities (UNGESS, 2012). Green businesses can be found in every sector. Green Business are informed and transparent about how their business ethics and operations impact the local society, the global community and future generations.

3 What have we done? ( ) GBB standard : 5 GBB focus areas, 200 action items Waste Management Energy Conservation Water Conservation Pollution Management Employee Well-being and Productivity 15 businesses, 1 coordinator, initiating grant from GOB Recognition by Caribbean Green Economy Action Learning Committee, UWI/UN GESS, IADB

4 Green Business Barbados Expand and Strengthen Green Business Barbados (GBB) Standard Create and Disseminate Knowledge Green Business Barbados Program Implement Revised Certification with 20 SMEs Develop Green Financial Products for Micro and Small Businesses

5 Why? Nation News Lennox Devonish :

6 How will our decisions affect them? St. Jude s Primary Good Shepherd Primary

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8 State of Green Business Trends 2014 Collaboration becomes an accelerator Chemical Transparency Creates a Window of Opportunity Water Rises as A Risk Factor Companies Take Stalk of Natural Capital The People Side of Sustainability Gets Legs Food Sustainability Gets A Seat at the Table Employee Engagement Becomes Strategic Energy Storage Becomes A Game Changer Buildings and Companies Go Positive

9 GBB Baseline Assessment One GBB path option Needs identified by business community and FCT past projects Cost-savings due to participation Value of becoming a Green Business themes Awareness and education, cost savings, competitive advantage, importance of becoming green in small island economy Cost not a barrier Internal motivation (CEOs, Org. Culture)

10 What is sustainability? The ability to continue using natural resources but using the GBB program to factor in the environment? The use of natural resources in a moderate way such that our children will have at least what we have and more Long term endurance or maintenance by understanding the link between the economy, the environment and society Full sustainability is where business activities cause a net zero environmental impact, for example, carbon produced equals carbon sequestered The ability to conserve energy and reduce waste, and maintain these efforts without upsetting the environment Consistent effort to maintain certain behaviors with minimal effect on the environment

11 Baseline Assessment 78% high motivation - Waste reduction, recycling and reuse, Energy conservation and renewable energy resources, and Water conservation and management Easiest - Waste management, reduction, reuse and recycling; Environmental Education; and Energy Conservation and Renewable energy Recycling program greatest achievement Waste management, reduction, reuse and recycling - No. 1 priority as a nation

12 Analysis of GBB standards : Waste Action items implemented by all green businesses: Replace plastic garbage liners/bags with biodegradable bags. Encourage customers/employees to bring their own bags, water bottles and coffee mugs. Donate furniture or other unwanted or reusable items. Recycle all office paper and junk mail, cardboard, plastics, glass & aluminum. Centralize all purchasing to reduce waste and unnecessary deliveries. Action items never implemented Offer incentives for customers/employees to use reusable shopping bags. Recycle all plastic wrap and plastic bags.

13 Analysis of GBB Standards : Energy Action items implemented by all green businesses Rearrange workspace to take advantage of areas with natural light and design for increased natural lighting when remodeling Institute a written policy that ensures blinds and curtains are closed during peak summer period (white reflects) and/or use ceiling fans to reduce A/C load. Action items never implemented Use motion sensors on air-conditioning units which turn off the compressors if there is no movement in the room. Offer a transit benefit program for employees who take public transport, walk or bike to work.

14 What are we doing now? 3 GBB path options, 5 GBB focus areas, 1 coordinator and 8 GBB coaches, GBB Technical Committee, BNSI/ISO Enhanced marketing strategy Measurements of goal achievement, results and cost savings Financing options Engagement of businesses in defining GBB standard Opportunity for every business and organization regardless of where you consider yourself in your shade of Green.

15 What are these opportunities? Sustainability Services and Products Listing MOU Partnerships with SSPL members (optional) GBB 3 options, 5 GBB focus areas, Employee well being and productivity added Local funding of environmental education projects Partnerships with governmental agencies and organizations interactive public objective workshops in 5 GBB focus areas (BREA and BIDC)

16 Sustainability Services and Products Listing (SSPL) Website listing, and social media promotion GBB business and coach review option Targeted, simple and affordable marketing strategy Increased confidence in relevance of your product/service Reduce buyer s paralysis by investing into an unbiased and reliable tool. Pioneer in transition to a transparent green economy

17 Green Business Barbados Certification Benefits All Pathways Assessed through GBB Standard Document GBB coach assessment and goal achievement support Consulting, Workshops, Data Analysis GBB Marketing media promotion, website. GBB Educational Posters and Signage Quarterly GBB Newsletter Financing options (internal/external)

18 Green Business Barbados Palm Option (1) (1 of 5 focus areas) Environmental Education 2 workshops Sponsorship of local environmental education project OR/ Participation in FCT events Listing on GBB Website

19 Green Business Mahogany Path (2) (3 of 5 focus areas) Green Business Coach Support (e.g. Business of 15 employees = 30 hours) Workshops Assessment Monitoring of goals Green Business Learning Community Green Employee of the Month Competition Tax incentives Feature article, SSPL listing

20 Green Business Baobab Path (3) (5 0f 5 focus areas) Green Business Coach Support (e.g. Business of 15 employees = 30 hours) Workshops Assessment Monitoring of goals Green Business Learning Community Green Employee of the Month Competition Tax incentives Feature article, SSPL listing

21 How it works? GBB standard document with over 200 action items 5 6 month process and realistic timeline Point system credits for what you have done and what you agree to do. Unique action items (avg. 10% per focus area) Tier system determines certification level - % total score for each selected GBB focus area Tier 1: 30% - 44%... Tier 5: 85% - 100% 1 year certification recertification 50% of initial GBB fee Year goals set at the end of 5 month process make recertification a swift process Green Gold Certified: Awarded after recertification of Tier 5 business

22 Summary Identify your business as transparent, responsible and proactive (competitive edge) Benefit from existing tax incentives, financing options and our marketing strategy Be a leader in your sector beyond simply receiving a green stamp of approval

23 How will you define your Green-ness? What Is A Green Business? We define a Green Business as a business committed to facilitating a Green Economy as defined by the United Nations Environmental Programme. UNEP defines a green economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities (UNGESS, 2012). Green businesses can be found in every sector. Green Business are informed and transparent about how their business ethics and operations impact the local society, the global community and future generations. Green Business Barbados. Relevance. Reliability. Responsibility We need you.

24 Website:

25 Memorandum of Understanding EnSmart Inc. Director of Research and Development Jerry Franklin