Energy-related Options:
- Replace inefficient boilers or furnaces with newer energy-efficient models.
- Convert combustion processes to cleaner burning fuels.
- Install renewable energy source technology such as wind, geothermal, or solar.
- Replace incandescent lighting with compact fluorescents.
- Purchase only Energy Star office equipment.
- Set all computers to sleep mode or to turn off, as opposed to using screen savers.
- Set your thermostat 1-3 degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer.
- Assign a team or person to ensure that all lights and computers are off at the end of a workday.
- Reward departments that quantifiably reduce energy.
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Transportation-related Options
- Install bike racks for employee use.
- Develop a fee-based parking system.
- Reward carpoolers with preferred parking.
- Offer public transportation cost offsets for employees.
- Offer telework programs.
- Purchase hybrid and/or super-low emissions vehicles for pool cars.
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At the Office
- Notify employees of upcoming Air Quality Action or “Ozone” Action Days.
- Promote ridesharing among employees.
- Encourage employees to ride their bikes to work by providing bike racks or letting them keep their bikes indoors.
- Encourage employees to bring their lunch to work or organize taking orders for restaurants that deliver or send just one employee to pick up the lunches.
- Consider allowing employees to telecommute from home when possible.
- Implement an employee recognition program or incentives for employees that take actions that promote better air quality.
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Join Partners for Clean Air
Your business can also think green by becoming a Partner for Clean Air. The Indiana Partners for Clean Air is an outreach program for Northwest Indiana established by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. The partnership exists between area businesses, community organizations, schools, and government agencies.
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BUSINESSES/GROUPS
As a business owner or manager, you have an important role in improving the air quality in Northwest Indiana. Your actions set the example for your employees and show the community that you are doing your part to think green so we can all breathe easy.
There are some things you can do as a business owner to enhance your work environment and to support your employees to think green in the workplace (click the bullets below to see more information):
