5.3 Implementing a Sustainability Program
Step 1 – Identify the Current Baseline
Let’s say you are thinking about water conservation and possibly adding infrastructure to support a greywater system. Do you know how much water the facility currently uses in a month? What is the cost of water supplied into the building and sewage costs for water removal from the building in a month? The answer to these questions is your current baseline. A baseline will provide a comparison between the current situation and the changes or results after the sustainability program has been implemented in the workplace.
Step 2 – Research Best Practices and Engage Stakeholders
Best practices are sustainability programs implemented by other organizations that have consistently demonstrated positive results. Ask the questions: Have any of my competitors installed a greywater system? Which one did they choose to install in their facility? Do consumer reviews suggest that this greywater system will meet the goals of my project?
Stakeholders are people who have a vested interest in your company. In food services, stakeholders include staff, clients, management, company owners, and residents of the greater community. Ask the questions: How do the staff, clients, and others feel about adopting new processes? How does the change impact them?
Step 3 – Define the Goals of the Project
This is a sustainability project. The goals should align with the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental. Answer the questions: How will this program impact the people who work here, the people we serve, and the larger community? How will this program affect the environment? How will this program change the budget?
Ensure that any goals set are SMART. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Bound.
Step 4 – Develop the Plan
The implementation and operation plan should answer the following questions:
What needs to change? Does the project require new infrastructure? Are permits required? How much will this cost? Will a new or revised policy be required to support new processes? Will staff require training? Who will be responsible for managing the implementation and ongoing operation of the program?
Step 5 – Create a Road Map
A road map will identify the intent to accomplish specific stages of the project by a specific time.
For example:
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Stage 1: Get permits approved by the City for Grey Water Infrastructure. Time: 2 months
Stage 2: Grey Water Infrastructure complete. Time: 6 months
Stage 3: Staff training on new Grey Water policy and procedures. Time: 7 months
Step 6 – Communicate and Gain Approval to Launch Program
Take your plan and the road map to management to get approval to implement the sustainability project.
Step 7 – Monitor and Evaluate the New Sustainability Program
Compare new data, such as the cost of water for the month, with the baseline to confirm that the program is saving the company money. Ask the staff how the program is affecting the work. Learn from the experience. Look for ways to improve the program.
