Sustainability Reporting: importance, scale, process
We believe that organizations of all kinds have a responsibility to document, discuss and address the environmental and social impacts of their core activities. Indeed, much of our work consists of assisting government agencies, corporations and higher education institutions in their efforts to measure, manage and market their environmental and social performance. However, this reporting procedure must be scaled appropriately to an entity's resources and focused on major impacts. We believe our modestly scaled reporting is ample for our organization's size and focuses on the most serious concerns.
The vast bulk of our environmental and social impacts and performance can be summarized with the following three major categories:
Transportation: The release of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions is, we believe, the single largest environmental impact of our activities. Our work, inside of Oregon and around the country, requires a considerable amount of travel.
We purchase carbon offsets for all emissions, making Good Company a climate neutral entity
We use hybrid and high-mileage vehicles (rentals or personally owned) for as much of our automobile travel as possible
We use rail and other public transportation extensively, as available
General office practices: Our routine office activities together comprise the next largest impact area. We strive to reduce the negative impacts of these activities with a series of simple but powerful strategies. Among the most important:
Near-exclusive use of 100% post-consumer recycled content (PCRC) paper
Near-100% recycling and composting of office waste
Virtually all of our desks, chairs, whiteboards and other office equipment were purchased used
Implementing energy efficiency strategies, such as using CFL’s in desk lighting, using concrete flooring, and keeping the thermostat at a consistent temperature during the daytime
Employee Health and Community Involvement: Good Company’s contributions to the health of our employees and to the well being of our community are intentional. We believe that healthy and happy employees are significant to creating a productive work environment and functional community.
Measure and Manage
Like any company or other entity, Good Company regularly engages in activities that have a series of impacts on ecosystems, human health, natural resources, local and global communities, and society as a whole. It is part of our mission to document these activities, mitigate the negative impacts and communicate this information publicly via this web page.
Transportation
Transportation-related CO2 emissions
In 2005, we created 20.3 metric tons of CO2 from business and commute travel
Commute travel represented 4% and business travel represented 92% of our total CO2 emissions
85% of our commute trips were by means other than SOV (single-occupancy vehicle) travel, and 48% were GHG-free (i.e., walking and biking)
In 2006, we created 7.4 metric tons of CO2 from business and commute travel
Commute travel represented 7% and business travel represented 81% of our total CO2 emissions
79% of our commute trips were by means other than SOV travel, and 41% were GHG-free
What we’re doing to mitigate these impacts
We purchase high quality carbon offsets (Click here for more information)
We distribute CFL light bulbs to clients and partners as gifts
What we’re doing to improve
We ride the bus, support employee bike maintenance, telecommuting, and travel by train whenever possible
When renting vehicles, we try to get hybrids for every trip, and when they are not available, we rent the most fuel-efficient cars available
We limit travel and try to bundle trips whenever possible
We utilize conference calling
Office
Office energy use
In 2005, office energy use created .2 metric tons of CO2, or less than 1% of our total CO2 emissions
In 2006, office energy use created .4 metric tons of CO2, or 5% of our total CO2 emissions
Recycling / composting
We have systems in place for recycling and composting but we don’t yet weigh waste or measure volume for exact percentages
Our office has a small waste stream. Employees are conscious of waste sources, such as lunch food packaging and waste, and seek to minimize them
We recycle nearly all locally recyclable items and compost food waste
The remaining small percentage of our waste that we don’t recycle comes in the form of packaging, or other sources that we have little control over
Paper use
Our standard printer paper is 100% PCRC, process chlorine-free (PCF)
Our printer defaults to double sided printing
We deliver documents electronically whenever possible
Cleaning supplies
Non-toxic cleaners are provided for cleaning surfaces and carpets inside the building, including neighbor businesses
As of 2007, all new computer systems meet EPEAT Silver or better. (Spring 2007 for desktops, all-in-one systems and monitors, Fall 2007 for laptops)
Systematically upgrading to flat screen monitors
We donate, sell or recycle all e-waste
Building energy efficiency
We are working with landlord to make other improvements and buy renewable energy; meanwhile, we are offsetting what we can’t change
Employee development and well being
Good Company understands that all employees need to be healthy in order to effectively support our clients, families and community. To support this goal, Good Company provides the following services:
A complete health benefits package, including health insurance, health club membership, and access to alternative health care options including acupuncture, naturopathy, and chiropractic care.
On-going progress toward ergonomically safe and healthy workstations
Alternative commute incentives and support
On-going professional education, supported through paid company time and financial support
As our workforce increases, profit sharing strategies will be developed
Community development
In support of our mission, Good Company gives donates money to local worthy endeavors, but more often we share our time, knowledge and networks
We are members of some organizations because we share a similar mission; others we support in order to bring sustainability into their mission and organization
We donate to a number of mission-related organizations, including McKenzie River Trust and the Oregon Natural Step Network
Approximately 1% of company time is used for community outreach work
