Management Blog

Workers dig green ideas

With more and more employees demanding green workplaces, it's time for managers to take their organisation's environmental stance to a new level, the Leading Green blog argues.

With this in mind the following tips on how managers can walk the green walk and talk the green talk are offered. In summary, these include:

1. Consider green policies that both improve workers' everyday experiences and help the environment, e.g. switching to hybrid cars

2. Look outside the office for inspiration by offering a petrol-saving 'work from home' option or even a shoe subsidy for walkers

3. Spell it out by articulating your company's green point of difference and make it part of your business strategy

Green offices in demand

More than 50 per cent of office tenants are keen to reside in green buildings, a recent study has found.

Colliers' 2008 Office Tenant Survey indicates the majority of tenants didn't just see the value of green office spaces, they are also prepared to pay higher rents to occupy one.

The Australian claims the trend shows many businesses are serious about corporate social responsibility while cost savings and staff retention are suggested as other benefits.

The study also found 77 per cent of tenants considered environmental sustainability when refurbishing their workplaces in 2008, an increase of 28 per cent over the last three years.

Business travellers go green

A new US study suggests an increasing number of business travellers are keen to stay at green hotels, Smart Company reports.

The Deloitte study found 34 per cent of travelling professionals said they actively looked for hotels that implemented green initiatives, such as recycling and energy efficient lighting.

In an encouraging sign for the hospitality industry, 28 per cent of travellers said they were prepared to pay more for green accommodation options.

The study also looked at the sustainability-related habits of travellers.

Surprisingly, the researchers claim younger professionals are less inclined to turn off the air conditioning when they leave their room or request for bedding and towels not to be changed.

Making smarter, greener choices

We're told small decisions can make a lasting difference to the environment, but sometimes it can be hard to make the greener choice between two alternatives.

To help you make more informed purchasing decisions Forbes recently posted a fascinating slideshow that compares a slew of product alternatives.

For example, is it greener to drive or fly between cities? According to the article flying wins (although it does depend on passenger numbers) as planes produce less CO2.

Dry cleaning and hand washing? As it contains a plethora of toxic chemicals that can end up in waterways it's better to hand wash… even those items with labels reading 'dry clean only'.

The difference between supermarkets and farmer's markets is also weighted up with Forbes claiming the former is a better choice as fruit and vegetables are transported on mass.   

IKEA goes green with bike lending service

IKEA Denmark is taking its customers for a ride in the nicest (and greenest) way possible with the introduction of a bike-trailer lending service, Springwise reports.

After providing a refundable deposit and paying US$7 for insurance, customers are given free overnight access to a bike and trailer to take their purchases home.

According to the post, IKEA launched the innovative service after their market researchers recognised that many customers were eco-savvy cycling enthusiasts.

Springwise claims the service is further evidence of the growing trend of bicycle use for goods transportation in urban areas.

Say hello to the scuppies

What happens when you combine a hippie and a yuppie? You get a scuppie. No it's not a joke, it's the name given to Socially Conscious Upwardly Mobile Persons, news.com.au reports.

Like hippies, scuppies are passionate about the environment; and like yuppies they care deeply about their lifestyle and bank balance.

According to the article, scuppies are willing to spend up big on any goods that don't involve an environmental, social or human cost; for example, Starbucks is fine as long as the coffee is fair trade.

Despite criticism by hardcore eco-warriors, it's claimed the scuppie phenomena is growing quickly as a result of high profile advocates like Leonardo DiCaprio and Bono.

Cutting the cost of commuting

With petrol prices continuing to increase a growing number of US companies are supporting initiatives that ease the cost of the daily commute, Inc magazine reports.

According to the article, the programs include:

1. Carpooling 2.0 - when commuters organise car pools via online coworker networks

2. Bike sharing - some employers are allow staff borrow 'company bikes' to ride to and from work

3. No Fridays - a small number of US firms are allowing their staff to work longer days so they can take a full day off work in lieu

4. Telecommuting - nearly 30 million Americans now work from home at least one day a week

5. Walking - trendhunters say job hunters may soon prefer to work close to their homes to conserve resources

A tiny tip for rubbish downsizing

Want to encourage staff to do more recycling?

Try giving them a mini garbage bin to place on their desk, an idea that has seen recycling increase by 55 per cent at one US university.

The mini garbage bin – which acts as a reminder for staff to recycle – is just one of many small ideas organisations are using to tackle largesocial problems, Harvard Business's Green blog claims.

According to the blog, workers are sometimes annoyed about having their normal waste paper bins replaced. However, many change their tune when their recycling weak spots are revealed.

Consumers push for green products

Australian shoppers are prepared to vote with their wallets on the issue of global warming, a new survey suggests.

The Pricewaterhouse Coopers 2008 retail and consumer report claims a growing number of consumers are threatening to avoid goods that aren't authentically green.

The report says big business is aware of the trend with leading retailers including Target, Bunnings, Sussan and Woolworths undertaking green initiatives.

However, as the trend is consumer driven - as opposed to being pushed by marketing - PwC says companies need to consider their green policies carefully.

It's claimed consumers will disregard any existing brand loyalty and immediately move to a new retailer if companies don't deliver on their environmental promises, The Herald Sun reports.

Introducing the eco-PC

Dell has unveiled a new ecologically sound personal computer it hopes will be an attractive proposition for green consumers.

According to Trendhunter, the yet to be named eco-PC is 81 per cent smaller than standard computers and uses 70 per cent less energy.

Energy savings aren't the only green benefit. The unit is manufactured from recycled materials and features a slick curved outer casing that's made from bamboo.

Rumour has it the eco-PC will be released later this year; it's expected to be priced from between US$500 and US$700.