The Green Team is a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at VIRCS who provide leadership and support for greening efforts in the office. The Team meets monthly and works to ensure that the VIRCS office culture reflects an environmental ethic.
Greening Initiatives
In December 2008, the Green Team developed and conducted survey of possible greening initiatives in the office that resulted in 95% participation from staff. The Team collated the survey results and used the information to identify greening priorities for the next 12 months.
In March 2009, the Green Team launched office greening initiatives focusing on three key areas:
Energy
Educating staff to turn off lights and computers when not in use*
Participating in an energy assessment from BC Hydro and LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program
Paper
Setting up blue recycling bins at each printer stations and around the office*
Re-using one-sided paper for printing drafts*
Educating staff on double-sided printing*
Purchasing 30% post-consumer recycled paper for the office
Using 100% post-consumer recycled paper for all materials produced for the Multicultural Environmental Education Program
Purchasing a high-efficiency photocopier to minimize paper jams
Food and waste management
Making mugs, plates and cutlery available to facilitate the office going styrofoam-free
Setting up a recycling station in the kitchen
Hosting a zero-waste Open House
*Educational tools such as signage and staff tour were used for these initiatives
Office greening resources are available on the Resources page.
