Ways to Go Green As a Corporation

Recycling

• Within the workplace, corporations make use of a variety of resources, some of which include paper, electronics, printer cartridges, cans, bottles and plastic. By implementing different recycling programs, each resource-type represents an area where corporations can go green, according to EarthShare, an eco-friendly reference site. Paper products in particular make up a vital resource within corporate processes even as corporations attempt to transition to paperless office environments. Paper recycling programs help to reduce usage rates, recycle existing resources and use paper made from environmentally friendly materials. Corporations can also encourage employee participation in recycling practices by implementing employee-based "green team" projects that raise awareness and develop everyday workplace practices.

Carbon Credit Offsets

• Corporations within the manufacturing industry can help to offset the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the atmosphere by participating in carbon sequestration programs. Carbon sequestration is a process that uses biological, physical or chemical processes to store CO2, which reduces accumulations within the atmosphere, based on information on the EarthShare site. An example of this would be growing large areas of vegetation, plants and trees that naturally ingest CO2 from the atmosphere. Carbon credits are purchased from organizations that arrange contracts with farming enterprises that meet certain eligibility requirements for carbon sequestration, according to the Integrated Crop Management resource site. Corporations can contribute to the "green movement" by offsetting their contribution to carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits.

Energy Usage Management

• Corporations can take additional steps to go green by implementing an energy usage management system using computer and software systems programs, according to Lockheed Martin. By tying systems programs in with building lighting, heating and cooling systems, corporations can better regulate energy usage levels. Corporations that rely on continuous computer or systems operations can reduce usage costs by installing intelligent software management programs that make the most of IT system capacities. The use of Energy Star-rated light bulbs and appliances can also help to cut back on energy usage rates. Renewable energy sources, such as wind power, geothermal and biomass energy provide a means for reducing overall infrastructure costs as well as reduce a corporation's reliance on fossil fuel energy sources.