You can't manage what you don't measure. This is the premise of this section, which focuses on helping you to identify impacts related to tourism, measure them, and establish systems to manage them. To be successful, you will need to establish a system for managing each of your impacts:

	Establish a baseline for each of your impacts utilizing quantifiable variables that are based on current levels of impact.
	Set goals and objectives and develop action plans for minimizing your negative impacts and enhancing your positive impacts.
	Appoint an employee to monitor and execute scheduled activities as well as record and review the results.
	Educate your staff and clients about the ways in which they can help you to achieve your goals.
	Track your performance by using current impact levels as a benchmark and compare future levels to set targets or to similar businesses.
	Focus on continuous improvement.

Once you have created a solid framework to manage your efforts, you will need to concentrate on meeting the goals and objectives you have set for yourself. This section of the User's Guide provides practical tips that you can easily implement to improve your sustainability and your rating through the STEP process:

	Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management and Reduction
	Solid Waste Management, Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
	Freshwater Consumption Reduction
	Wastewater Management
	Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Management
	Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation
	Land Use Planning and Management
	Air Quality Protection and Noise Reduction
	Preserving the Social Norms and Cultures of Local and Indigenous Communities
	Providing Economic Benefits to Local and Indigenous Communities
	Responsible Purchasing

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management and Reduction

Travel and tourism is arguably inescapably environmentally destructive, particularly with regard to transportation and its related impacts on global climate change. Air and ground transportation combined are one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions that affect global climate change. Integrating greenhouse gas emission management practices into your operations will help reduce global warming, promote energy independence from foreign non-renewable sources, and may substantially reduce operational costs, providing a healthy return for taking no and low cost actions.

Measuring Your Impact: Calculating your Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Calculating and documenting you and your client's overall CO2 and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory by using a nationally or internationally accepted GHG protocol is the most accurate way of collecting data on your annual greenhouse gas emissions, and although this process can be rather complicated, calculators exist that provide a simple means of measuring your emission levels.

STI provides these calculations and offers a portfolio of the best offsets and green tags available in the marketplace via a user-friendlier secure on-line format. Projects are either Green-e certified or exceed Greenhouse Gas Protocol and comply with the directives for projects in developing countries under the Kyoto Protocol. MyClimate projects also have to verifiability reduce GHG emissions according to the CDM Gold Standard (www.cdmgoldstandard.org). To offset your business emissions, visit www.my-climate.com and click on "Buy CO2 Offsets," then work through each applicable section. Or contact STI, and we will provide you with a custom energy audit.

Climate Neutral Network's Greenhouse Gas Accounting Worksheet (climateneutralnetwork.org/metrics.php) is also a good comprehensive resource; it covers many different aspects of a business, so you may not need to fill out every category.
For a less detailed approach, designed to help administrative offices calculate their CO2 emissions, visit CLEVEL

Managing Your Impact

Investing in carbon offsets and/or green tags is an efficient way to mitigate or neutralize your greenhouse gas emissions, support environmentally friendlier (and lower emission) development options, and directly fund the construction and operations of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects.

The programs detailed above and in the following Useful Links section can calculate GHG or CO2 emissions and provide you with an opportunity to neutralize your impact(s) by purchasing offsets for all or part of your emissions. Please note, however, that offsetting is not a first best solution. Improving energy efficiency, reducing waste generation, and supporting legislation that addresses global climate change are all first best solutions.

A few additional things you can do to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions include:

	Offset your client's CO2 emissions or offer a program like STI's MyClimate™ service whereby clients can contribute voluntarily to the purchase of their offsets.
	Reduce drive time by maximizing the use of bikes and public transportation and encouraging carpooling among friends and colleagues. For more information on carpooling or car sharing as it's also know, visit FlexCar and Zipcar, two of the nation's largest car sharing operations. To learn about car sharing options in your area, visit the Car Sharing Network.
	Post bus and public transportation schedules in a common area within you workplace.
	Consider trading your personal or company vehicles in for hybrid or more fuel-efficient cars. The upfront costs may be higher, but consider the money and resources you'll save over the lifetime of the vehicle. Save at the pump by getting 30-60 mpg in the city. Hybrid vehicles also can reduce smog emissions by 90%. In addition, unlike the original electric-powered vehicles, hybrids can reach speeds of up to 100 mph, and can now go 0-60 mph in eight seconds. Lastly, keep in mind that tax breaks are oftentimes available. For more information, visit www.hybridcars.com and www.fueleconomy.gov.
	Make sure someone is in charge of ensuring that all vehicles utilized in company operations are serviced and emissions are tested to manufacturer's recommendations.
	Encourage all of your employee drivers to exercise good driving habits, particularly with regard to obeying posted speed limits.
	When appropriate, use video conferencing and teleconferencing and other forms of telecommunications that reduce your need to travel. Also, encourage flexible schedules and telecommuting.
	Track your performance by using current greenhouse gas emission levels as a benchmark and compare future emission levels to set targets or to similar businesses.

Useful Links

	MyClimate™
	TerraPass
	Native Energy
	Climate Care

Solid Waste Management, Reduction, Reuse and Recycling

Minimizing the amount of solid waste that goes to landfills and incinerators helps reduce negative environmental impacts. More importantly, minimizing waste reduces the need for virgin materials and limits the amount of greenhouse gases that are released throughout a product's life cycle (i.e., extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal). Integrating solid waste reduction and recycling practices into your management program will also cut purchasing costs, reduce hauling and disposal fees, protecting your business' image from the effects of visual degradation of an area, and limit the risks from waste that's disposed of improperly.

Measuring Your Impact: Weighing your Waste

Determining the volume of your company's solid waste production is fairly straightforward. If your local garbage collector weighs the waste they collect from your business, they should have records of every pick-up collection. Contact your local garbage collector and ask them to supply this information (usually available in a cubic feet measurement) for the last 12 months. The same process applies to the volume of waste you recycle and the volume of waste going to a Material Recovery Facility, thereby being converted from waste into energy.

If this information is not available, you may have to weigh your garbage and recycling. First, determine the weight of your weekly output of waste. Note: 1 pound or 16 ounces = approximately 0.0167 of a cubic foot, depending on the density of the waste. Repeat this as many times as practical throughout the year (we suggest a minimum of four) and average the weekly figure.

It is very important that you collect the data at different periods of the year in order to get an accurate annual average, taking seasonal operations into consideration. Then multiply the average figure by 52 weeks to get an estimate of your total volume of waste for the year.

Determining base line and effectiveness of your recycling program
For a fee, many garbage collection companies will analyze the percentage of recyclables in your facility's waste stream. Establish a base line by measuring the recyclables in the waste 3-4 times before incorporating a recycling program. In order to measure how well the recycling program is working, after the program has been implemented, randomly but periodically (at least once per month) assess the recyclables in the waste stream.

Managing Your Impact

The key to an improved management of your solid waste can be broken down to three elements: reduce, use/reuse, and recycle.

Reduce

	Avoid disposable items and goods that utilize excess packaging as much as possible.
	Purchase goods in bulk in reusable, refillable, or returnable containers.
	Utilize email to send information and consider storing information on your computer rather than on paper. Donate obsolete or unwanted equipment, furniture, drapes, and carpeting to charity.
	Donate leftover soaps, toilet paper, tissue, and linens that are no longer suitable for guest use to charity.
	Donate unused food to a community food bank or charity.
	Print double-sided copies on paper.
	Instead of making individual copies for everyone, use a routing slip when circulating information to staff, or post notices on a bulletin board. Better yet, e-mail everyone.
	Do not use cover sheets for faxes.
	Print rough drafts on the unused side of paper that would otherwise be thrown out or recycled.
	Provide daily newspapers to clients on request only.
	Avoid using disposable food service items.
	Have employees use reusable cups or mugs for their drinks.
	Distribute condiments and napkins from behind the counter.
	Retailers, don't automatically give customers a bag - ask if they need one first.
	Streamline your operational systems that utilize paper.
	Consider reducing the size of your brochure mailings, eliminating any customers from your list who haven't purchased in the last three to five years.

Use/Reuse

	Purchase locally produced goods; imported products typically require more packaging and energy to transport.
	Purchase rechargeable batteries.
	Utilize cloth bags for shopping errands, laundry, and the like.
	Reuse envelopes for inter-office mail.
	Set your printers and / or copiers so that they automatically print on both sides of a page.
	Cut up scrap paper to use as notepads.
	Utilize plain paper fax machines or better yet, a fax software program so that you can send and receive faxes through your computer.
	Purchase cloth towels instead of paper towels. If this is not feasible, utilize roll towels instead of folded paper towels; people use less paper with a roll towel system.
	Buy reusable air filters for your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.
	Utilize liquid soap and shampoo dispensers in guest rooms.
	Reuse damaged towels and sheets as cleaning rags.
	Consider crafting torn or worn linens into other usable items (e.g., sheets into pillowcases).
	Reuse newspaper, shredded paper, and incoming packaging materials (bags, boxes, peanuts) to package goods for your customers.
	Donate obsolete or unwanted equipment, furniture, drapes, and carpeting to charity.
	Donate leftover soaps, toilet paper, tissue, and linens that are no longer suitable for guest use to charity.
	Donate unused food to a community food bank or charity.
	Create a trash to treasure program and generate additional revenue.

Recycle

	Determine what your local recycling facility will recycle or if a local program isn't available, consider starting your own recycling program.
	Many recycling centers will accept the following: aluminum and metal cans; newspapers, magazines and old phone books; office and mixed paper; corrugated cardboard; glass; plastics #1-#7; and motor oil.
	Fewer than 1% of cell phones are recycled or reused, meaning there are more than 500 million cell phones in landfills. To recycle or donate your old phone, visit www.ripmobile.com, www.pawsplace.org, www.collectivegood.com, and www.wirelessfoundation.org.
	Recycled toner cartridges can cost up to 75% less than new ones. Consider purchasing recycled cartridges from www.carrotink.com or www.cartridgeworld.org. Donate your cartridges to www.fundingfactory.com or www.recyclefund.com to help fund schools. These businesses will cover all shipping expenses. Or drop your recycled cartridges off at FedEx Kinko's or Stapes, and they will recycle them for you. Stapes will even donate the proceeds to charitable causes.
	Batteries contain toxic heavy metals that poison the environment, so they should be disposed of properly. Find battery recycling locations here: www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=ls&serviceid=126.

How to Set Up a Recycling Program

Perform a Waste Audit

Determine all of the materials you should collect for recycling.

Talk to your local Waste Management Authority

Determine if they have a recycling program and a pick up service, and find out about the specific items that can be recycled.

Contact your city or town hall

Some have laws that require recycling, and most have lists of substances that are banned from trash such as batteries, tires, corrugated cardboard, etc. If there is no recycling program in your area, discuss the idea with your community leaders, invite their input, and encourage them to get involved. This could lead to a citywide initiative.

No recycling services?

If there are no recycling collection services in your area, consider hauling it yourself to your nearest recycling facility. Another option for recyclables with monetary value, such as cans and bottles, is to have community or school groups pick up your recyclables and keep the money as a fundraiser.

Start a Trend

Design a recycling system that is convenient for everyone and does not require any additional labor costs. Let everyone know about your recycling program. By promoting and publicizing your program with posters, signs, and through the local media, it will lead to participation.

Make it Simple

Recycling should be as simple as throwing things away.

	Recycling containers should look distinctly different from trashcans. Be sure to look for containers with some amount of post-consumer recycled plastic.
	Place recycling bins and signs in convenient places to help make recycling quick and easy. Place regular trash cans nearby to avoid unwanted trash getting into the recyclables.
	Integrate recycling collection with existing systems so that it's easy to organize recyclable into different collection bins.

Promote Employee Participation

Educate your staff about the collection procedure. Focus on the cooperative nature of recycling. Emphasize the benefits to the environment, the company, and the employees. It is important that employees feel ownership of the program. Set goals and keep track of your progress, so that you can publicize your successes.

Purchase Recycled Products

Invest in recycled products whenever feasible. For example, paper products that utilize high content post-consumer recycled content are readily available everywhere and are cost and quality competitive with virgin material products.

Composting Organic Waste

The benefits of composting include: complementing your recycling program and further reducing solid wastes; it will also help to improve the quality of your soil; it will lower your waste disposal-related bills; and less material in waste stream will extend the useful life of existing landfills.

What can be composted? Kitchen food scraps and yard waste including leaves, pine needles, twigs, grass, weeds, and plants. What options do you have for composting?

	Open-air composting - simply building piles of materials in a designated place.
	Compost bins, totally or partially enclosed - may be built or purchased commercially.
	Worm composting or vermiculture - creates a more nutritious soil supplement and is best for large operations since this method tends to be faster than others.
	Composting toilets - toilets or septic systems that compost human waste.

Open Air and Bin Composting Do's and Don'ts

	Do contact local authorities regarding local laws and regulations.
	Do mix grass clippings with other yard waste.
	Do introduce kitchen wastes to the pile immediately to avoid odors.
	Do compost small amounts of sawdust.
	Do add topsoil to layers.
	Do compost manure.
	Do occasionally add crushed eggshells or wood ashes - they help neutralize odors.
	Don't compost diseased plants.
	Don't compost weeds that have a lot of seeds.
	Don't compost meat, fish, fat, bones, grease or dairy products.
	Don't compost newspaper.
	Don't ignore strong odors.

Useful Links

	The Freecycle Network is an online community of 1.5 million people that give and / or receive everything from toys and computers to furniture and other household items. Similar websites that promote reuse and recycling include: www.craigslist.com and www.wastematch.org.
	Conservatree is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the most up-to-date, no-nonsense, in-depth, insider information about environmentally sound paper available in the marketplace. Find out where to buy eco-friendly paper products of all kinds (i.e., envelopes, toilet tissue, coated printing and writing paper, etc.).
	The EPA's WasteWise program helps you to design your own waste reduction program tailored to your unique needs.
	The Energy Saving Trust provides valuable information on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
	King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks has more information on starting and maintaining recycling programs in an office environment.

It's often been stated that water will become the most sought-after natural resource of the 21st century. Indeed, with 1.5 billion people without safe drinking water, the problem of water scarcity already is a reality throughout the world. The prospects of facing a global water crisis in the not-so-distant future underline the urgent need to be more resourceful with this finite resource.

Measuring Your Impact: Determining your Water Consumption Levels

Reducing your level of water consumption will help to reduce your operating costs while conserving this precious resource. Measuring this impact does not require much effort; your water bills are perfect indicators for determining your monthly and annual levels of consumption. However, if your annual levels of consumption are not available, you'll need to estimate your water consumption levels.

For potable water consumption, be sure to take alternate sources of water storage into consideration, such as rainwater, wells, and cisterns. Also, your overall water consumption figures should ideally be communicated in mega gallons as follows: 1 gallon = 0.000001 mega gallon.

Managing Your Impact

To reduce your water consumption levels, consider the following:

	Before managing your water consumption, measure how much water your business is using. Identify the areas where waste is occurring, and address these areas accordingly.
	Set goals for conserving water, develop an action plan for limiting water use. Appoint an employee to monitor and execute scheduled water saving activities as well as review the results.
	Educate your staff and clients about water conservation measures they can take to help achieve your goals. For example, create a system whereby clients can request to use sheets and towels more than once. For meeting and conferences, provide water pitchers to your clients.
	Upgrade your plumbing by installing efficient indoor and outdoor drainage systems. Also, consider installing aerators, sensors, and low flow showerheads, taps, toilets and urinals.
	When replacing major appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines that consume large amounts of water, consider investing in more efficient Energy Star® models that will reduce water and energy consumption. Also, only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full.
	Find and fix leaks. A great way to check for leaks is to turn off your water, check your water meter, and then after several hours re-check your meter to see if it has changed. If it has, then you have a leak or a drip that needs to be fixed.
	Track your performance by using current water consumption levels as a benchmark and compare future consumption levels to set targets or to similar businesses. Check monthly water bills to calculate savings and to ensure that you are not paying too much for the water that your business uses.
	Offset your impact and consider helping to restore wetlands. For additional information, please visit the EPA's web page on River Corridor and Wetland Restoration.

Gray Water Recycling

One of the easiest ways to reduce freshwater consumption is to recycle your business' gray water. In turn, this will decrease both your water and sewage-related costs.

Gray water is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry. Wastewater from toilets is called black water. Recycled gray water is ideal for watering golf courses, lawns, and your landscaping. It is also great for flushing toilets.

The type and size of the system you will need depends on many factors including the types of plants you'll be watering, water requirements, site elevations, seasonal fluctuations, and your budget.

If you rent or lease your facility, if you are building a new facility, or if you use accommodations in your packages, inquire about this issue. Let landlords, developers and lodging managers know that gray water recycling is important to you.

Here are some general tips if your business is considering recycling gray water:

	Check the plumbing codes and with local authorities for any restrictions and guidelines that apply to gray water usage.
	Consult with local plumbers. Try to find a plumber experienced in installing gray water systems. These systems are very complex, so we do not recommend you try to install them yourself.
	Use only natural, biodegradable soaps that do not harm the environment. There are even soaps that turn into fertilizer for your plants that are perfect for gray water systems!
	Use a sink strainer to prevent food scraps from entering your gray water.
	Do not dispose of household chemicals down the sink or toilet.
	Use a lint filter on the outlet from your washing machine.
	Do not apply unpurified gray water to vegetables and food plants. Watering fruit trees is generally acceptable.
	Do not store gray water as it quickly becomes septic, and it can become a health hazard.

Useful Links

	ConserveH2O.org provides some great indoor and outdoor water saving tips.
	Oasis Design and Green Plumbers provide comprehensive information on gray water systems.
	The Nature Conservancy's Sustainable Waters Program covers ecologically sustainable water management.

Wastewater Management

Conserving water not only means reducing consumption, but also maintaining and monitoring the quality of the water we put back into the environment, particularly if you own your own facilities. The purpose of wastewater management is to protect aquatic ecosystems and increase the availability of potable water for human consumption and use.

Measuring Your Impact: Wastewater Management

It's important to have your wastewater composition and quality checked at least once annually by an environmental expert to help limit the dangerous substances you may be putting into sewage systems. You can also purchase kits for wastewater and environmental measurement and testing.

Managing Your Impact

A few things you can do to manage your wastewater include:

	Use only phosphate and bleach free, nontoxic, biodegradable, concentrated liquid or powder laundry detergents and cleaning products.
	Stock up on safe ingredients that can be used in most cleaning situations, including soap, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, borax, and a coarse scrubbing sponge.
	Use only dishwashing detergents that are biodegradable and do not contain nitrilotriacetic acid or chlorine bleach.
	Avoid disposing of chemicals into the sink or toilet. Check with the local health board regarding the correct disposal of cleaning chemicals.
	Unclog your drains using a quarter cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar instead of using a standard drain cleaner.
	If you must use a hazardous product, use as little as possible and dispose of it properly at a hazardous waste recycling or treatment center.

Useful Links

	The EPA website has a section devoted to wastewater management.
	Thermo Electron Corporation has information on kits for wastewater and environmental measurement and testing.
	The Environmental Home Center is an online source for green building supplies, including cleaning supplies, non-toxic paint, natural carpets, sustainable wood products, and energy-efficient insulation.
	Seventh Generation is one of the leading providers of green cleaning products.
	Nancy's Natural Cleaning Services Directory features information about green cleaning services and in general as well as Recipes and Tips for People Friendly Non Toxic Cleaning.

Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Management

The greatest environmental and financial benefits related to business operations are achieved by frequently monitoring utility bills, effectively training and providing incentives for staff to implement energy efficiency programs, and the preventive and routine maintenance of office and other mechanical equipment.

By applying energy efficient practices to your operations and investing in renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar, wind, micro-hydro, and bio-mass), you help conserve natural resources and promote energy independence. Furthermore, you can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs, earn customer loyalty, and enhance your business’ marketability, ensuring a profitable return on investment.

Measuring Your Impact: Determining your levels of Energy Consumption

Your electricity and/or gas bills are perfect indicators for measuring your monthly and annual levels of consumption. Electricity figures should be expressed in Kilowatt-hours on your bills, or you can refer directly to your electricity meter. If this information cannot be derived directly from your electricity and /or gas bills, you will need to either contact your utility or electricity provider or estimate your energy consumption levels.

Alternate energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, small-scale hydro energy, and methane based composting systems, should also be taken into consideration. An aggressive energy management program can drastically reduce your monthly overhead expenses, and small changes will provide great benefits. For example, by converting to energy-efficient lighting, you can reduce energy use by up to two-thirds.

You will also need to calculate your vehicle fuel usage and differentiate between each type of fuel utilized in your operations. Your overall consumption figures should be communicated in gallons separately for liquid petroleum gas, diesel, and bio diesel.

The easiest way to track fuel consumption is to save your receipts. Otherwise, derive the information from your vehicles' fuel-efficiency levels or average miles per gallon.

To calculate your vehicle's average miles per gallon, fill up your tank when it's near empty, then reset your odometer. When your tank is near empty again, record the total miles covered and divide this total by the amount of gallons purchased to determine your average miles per gallon. Also, take note of the amount of time between filling and emptying your tank to average your annual fuel consumption levels. Repeat this process with each of your vehicles.

British Thermal Units (Btu's) are one of the more common units for measuring all forms of energy. Be sure to use Btu's as the units of measurement when recording your data.

	1055 Joules = 1 Btu
	252 Calories= 1 Btu
	1 Kilowatt-hour of electricity = 3413 Btu's
	1 Cubic foot of natural gas = 1030 Btu's
	1 Therm = 100,000 Btu's

Managing Your Impact

To maximize energy conservation and reduce energy consumption, incorporate an energy management system into your operations:

	Begin by measuring how much energy your business is using and identifying the areas where waste is occurring.
	Set quantifiable goals for energy conservation, develop an action plan for increasing energy efficiency, and appoint an employee to monitor and execute scheduled energy saving activities as well as review the results.
	Educate your staff and clients, and increase their awareness of energy conservation measures they can take to help you achieve your goals.
	Track your performance by using current energy consumption levels as a benchmark and compare future consumption levels to set targets or to similar businesses. Check your monthly energy bills to calculate savings and to ensure that you are not paying too much for current electricity use.
	Grants and rebates are often available to small and large businesses for both electric and gas energy applications through local utility providers and energy conservation initiatives.
	There are also numerous products and services available to help businesses conserve energy. Check your phone book, search on-line or review the classifieds in environmental publications for energy management and conservation consultants and products as well as local city programs and non-profits.

Specific measures to reduce your energy consumption levels include taking no to low-cost, energy saving actions and measures and investing in energy-efficient equipment, appliance and building retrofits:

No Cost Energy Saving Actions

	Train yourself and your employees to turn off lights when not in use or where windows provide sufficient daylight. Take advantage of natural light and install new lighting where it will be most effective. Use light or pale colors in your facilities to increase light reflectivity.
	Train yourself and your employees to turn off computers, monitors, printers and photocopiers every night and every weekend. Also, turn off and unplug coffee machines, desk lamps, fans, etc.
	Computer screensavers save your monitor, but they don't save energy; use sleep or hibernate modes when not using your computer. If your computer does not have a low energy mode, turn it off when not in use.
	In the typical office, photocopiers use more energy then any other single piece of equipment. Check to see if your photocopier offers a sleep or standby power mode.
	Use heating and air-conditioning efficiently. Keep doors and windows closed while your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are running. Train your employees to turn off heating and air-conditioning when not in use. Try to avoid using air conditioning by having your employees dress for variable, cooler or warmer temperatures. And regularly check HVAC pumps, fans, coolers, etc. for proper operation and maintenance needs.
	During the cooling season, set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, close your blinds and shades on windows that are exposed to direct sunlight (east-facing in the morning, south-facing mid-day, and west-facing in the afternoon). Maximize natural airflow for cooling whenever possible. And when nighttime temperatures are cool outside, shut off your fans during unoccupied hours and use ventilation to cool your facility.
	Check the temperature on your water heater. A setting of 120 degrees, rather then the pre-set 140 degrees, will reduce energy consumption and the risk of scalds from overheated water.
	During the heating season, set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, open your blinds and shades on your windows during daylight hours. And keep in mind that you should avoid using space heaters. They are horribly inefficient, using as much electricity as 40 fluorescent light fixtures.

Low Cost, Energy Saving Actions

	Purchase or replace your existing light bulbs and / or incandescent lighting with energy efficient or compact florescent bulbs. They cost a little more, but they'll save up to 70-90% of the energy used by the bulbs you replace, which translates to savings on your electric bill. They also last longer and use less energy than standard bulbs.
	Invest in automatic or Energy Star®-labeled thermostats with temperature ranges, and consider installing locking covers on them to prevent tampering.
	Perform scheduled maintenance on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including replacing and cleaning air filters, cleaning burners and air conditioner coils, and checking duct and pipe insulation for damage.
	Weatherize your facilities by ensuring that your doors and windows have tight seals and remain closed, and seal unused windows and doors.
	If you have an older water heater, buying a water heater insulation blanket can save energy and money. The water in the tank will stay hot longer, and the blanket will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the water. Also, when properly installed, it will usually pay for itself in energy saved within 1 year.

Investing in Energy-efficiency

	Purchase renewable energy and use active and passive solar energy and heating wherever possible. An alternate to purchasing renewable energy, either from your utility or other service providers, is to invest in tradable renewable certificates. If your business does not have easy access to renewable energy sources, oftentimes you can buy tradable renewable certificates, which have the same positive effects as purchasing renewable electricity. For more information, visit Green-E.
	Achieve your energy conservation goals by utilizing new technologies, including timers and motion sensors that automatically control lighting fixtures and key activated electrical control devices that offer considerable savings, especially for accommodations. Also, consider retrofitting your T12 florescent lamps and ballasts with T8 lamps and electronic ballasts.
	Consider purchasing or replacing existing equipment with energy efficient or Energy Star®-labeled computers, appliances, and heating and cooling equipment. A complete listing is available at www.energystar.gov. Also, look for indoor weather products which use Puron® as a refrigerant.
	Maximize the use of recyclable, renewable, and energy efficient materials when constructing or renovating facilities. For example, when re-roofing your facilities, install energy efficient or Energy Star®-labeled roofing materials which come in earth tones and are highly reflective.
	Insulate your facilities, including your pipes, interior and exterior walls, ceilings and wall cavities. And consider shading sun-exposed windows on the outside of your facility using deciduous trees, awnings, etc.

Useful Links

	Energy Star® is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that offers information on energy conservation to businesses of all sizes.
	The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.
	The Electric Power Research Institute conducts scientific research and develops technology for virtually every aspect of power generation, delivery, and usage.

Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation

Ecosystem and biodiversity conservation help to maintain the delicate ecological balance of the planet. Biodiversity provides us with life-sustaining systems such as clean air, productive ecosystems, fresh water and fertile soil. We also depend on healthy, diverse gene pools for medicine, science and for the survival of threatened and endangered species.

Measuring Your Impact: Your Contribution to Conservation

Business activities undoubtedly affect our ecosystems and biodiversity. Since individual business impacts vary considerably, you will need to consider the specific ecosystems and habitats where your business operates in order to measure and manage your related impacts.

In terms of measurable variables, you will need to determine the following:

	Annual value of charitable donations allocated toward environmental, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation.
	Total number of hours of in kind and / or volunteer contributions allocated toward conservation annually.
	You may also want to measure your performance based on the number of acres preserved from development annually.

Managing Your Impact

To help conserve ecosystems and biodiversity, consider the following:

	Utilize your business' influence to make environmental improvements by contributing to or sponsoring local or regional conservation projects. Sponsorship is ideal if you aren't in a position to volunteer your time, and monetary contributions are always welcomed. However, volunteering your time, or that of your employees, is oftentimes the best way to contribute.
	Plant or replant native and endemic species to provide a natural habitat and rehabilitate damaged areas. A local nursery or landscape designer will be able to help you choose plants that are appropriate to your specific needs. There are also numerous books and websites that thoroughly address the subject.
	Rehabilitate or improve an existing waterway on your property or in the region(s) in which you operate by putting up fencing or re-vegetating the banks along the waterway. Benefits include improved habitat for native plants and animals, reduced erosion and nutrient inputs, decreased sediment loads and turbidity, and improved aesthetics.
	Ensure that your impacts are minimal by following the seven Leave No Trace® principles of low impact travel: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.
	Help to preserve the habitats of threatened and endangered species. When species' habitats are preserved, entire ecosystems may benefit. The preserved ecosystem may harbor other flora and fauna that are valuable to agriculture or medicine or that perform functions essential to the health of the ecosystem as a whole.
	Check with relevant parks and public land agencies where you operate to get involved and to learn more about their management plans and how your business might support ecosystem and biodiversity conservation.

Useful Links

	The World Conservation Union is an invaluable resource for information on ecosystem management.
	The University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Resources' provides in depth information on ecosystem management in general.
	The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources provides an overview of the ways in which you can help conserve coastal environments.

Land Use Planning and Management

Exercising your influence to protect the environment and enhance the well being of local communities through land use planning and management will help to ensure your business positively impacts both. Establishing land use planning strategies and management plans in conjunction with stakeholders will help to reshape and guide community land use decisions toward sustainability and quality of life, benefiting everyone.

Measuring Your Impact: Land Use Planning and Management

Quantifiable variables used to measure land use planning and management include the following:

	The amount of time spent by the business in meeting with stakeholders such as neighborhoods, developers, planning boards, and environmental groups to develop land use planning strategies and / or management plans.
	Annual value of resources allocated to developing land use planning strategies and / or management plans.
	Annual value of resources allocated to environmental and socio-cultural impact studies and assessments.
	Annual value of resources allocated to signage and educational materials related to proper land use on public and / or private lands.

Managing Your Impact

This section is broken down into three subjects - land use planning, soil and water management, and xeriscaping and alternative turf strategies:

Land Use Planning

There is a new movement toward smart growth that addresses sustainable development and land use planning and management issues. Consider the following when evaluating development and growth opportunities:

	Set up and lead an inclusive collaborative process between communities and other stakeholders, and ensure that local communities have control over how they want to grow.
	Set standards for development and construction that address community values, distinctiveness, and sense of place.
	Direct development towards existing local communities that are already served by infrastructure and utilize the resources that they already have to offer.
	Help to support and strengthen local communities economies and quality of life and guide new growth by conserving and preserving open space and irreplaceable natural resources, including farmlands, wetlands and other sensitive environmental areas.
	Support the integration of mixed land uses and provide local people with more choices in housing, shopping, communities, and transportation.
	Take advantage of green building design as an alternative to conventional, consumptive development.

Soil and Water Management

Begin by developing a soil and water management plan that addresses land use impacts such as erosion, run-off, and sediment control. If you don't own the land you use, be sure to learn about the related management plans of relevant parks and public land agencies and support appropriate planning.

Consider the following when developing a plan of action for soil and water management:

	Prepare and implement a soil and water management plan focused on controlling sediment and minimizing point-source pollution as well as runoff and erosion.
	Ensure that your operations do not cause any soil loss, soil contamination, or negative impacts, such as erosion and sediment pollution, to lands and waterways that are downstream or slope on your property, adjacent property or leased land.
	Consider having your soil and water management plan approved and / or certified by a recognized environmental consultant and / or the local governing body every two years.
	Reduce the water necessary to maintain your exterior grounds through the implementation of xeriscaping and alternative turf strategies as detailed below.

Xeriscaping and Alternative Turf Strategies

	Use only naturally occurring and / or native species that are tolerant of local climates, soils and natural water availability in your landscaping.
	Use only organic insecticides, fertilizers and biocides, and / or integrated pest management techniques in maintaining your landscaping.
	Water landscaping as necessary in the early morning or at night to minimize evaporation.
	Water plants using soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems, and mulch them to retain water.
	Limit grasses that require irrigation to high priority, client activity areas.
	Take advantage of natural composting in landscaping.

Useful Links

	Smart Growth Online addresses anti-sprawl development that is environmentally, fiscally, and economically smart and involves innovative land-use planning techniques and neighborhood conservation initiatives.
	The Sustainable Communities Network provides the resources you need to implement innovative processes and programs to restore the economic, environmental, and social health and vitality of your community.
	The Smarter Land Use Project details how land use planning and management can be used to reduce environmental impacts and enhance existing neighborhoods. A free guidebook for achieving effective collaboration among conflicted neighbors, developers, environmentalists, and boards is also available.
	Scorecard - The Pollution Information Site provides in-depth reports on community, including air pollution, water quality and chemical emissions.
	The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Communities site provides tools and resources for those who want to help "green" their communities.