Energy
LED lamps
2
(0) none at all, (1) older energy-saving lamps, (2) argely LED, (3) complete LED lighting
(0) none at all, (1) older energy-saving lamps, (2) argely LED, (3) complete LED lighting
LED 'light bulbs' are now available for really all lamps, even with pleasantly warm light colors. Also, think about the lights outside - are they LED as well?
0.23
Motion detector
1
(0) none, (1) less than half, (2) more than half, (3) everywhere
(0) none, (1) less than half, (2) more than half, (3) everywhere
Motion detectors make sense in all rooms including outdoor areas, where we potentially let the light burn for too long, for example in the hallway, basement, garage, etc. Of course, it is important that the light does not stay on for too long.
0.16
Avoidance of stand-by times
1
(0) not at all, (1) for some devices, (2) for most, (3) for all
(0) not at all, (1) for some devices, (2) for most, (3) for all
Standby power consumption is often reminded and extrapolated. For example, if a screen consumes 5 watts in standby, that is 120 watt hours (Wh) per day, i.e. about one eighth of a kilowatt hour (35 cents/kWh). Companies can quite easily calculate for themselves what savings potential all their computers, screens, beamers and even routers have if they do not use StandBy.
0.16
Let the light burn unnecessarily
3
(0) happens constantly, (1) happens frequently, (2) happens rarely, (3) never happens
(0) happens constantly, (1) happens frequently, (2) happens rarely, (3) never happens
Modern lamps require little electricity, and yet it is worthwhile not to let them burn unnecessarily, for example when we are not in the room for a long time. Corridors, toilet rooms, cellars often have the light burning unnecessarily. In some indoor and outdoor areas, companies also sometimes have the light on too long or too early.
0.08
Renunciation of extreme power consumers
2
(0) have many, (1) have more than two, (2) have one, two (3) have no
(0) have many, (1) have more than two, (2) have one, two (3) have no
Apart from the fact that every device can have a high power consumption, a refrigerator is not regularly defrosted, the door seal is leaking, the washing machine is driven with too high temperatures and spin numbers, etc., there are still some unnecessary things that consume a lot of electricity:
In the company, these can be exaggerated light installations, electric bollards, and much more.
0.39
Housing, Buildings
Save water (devices)
2
(0) outdated devices, (1) with poor consumption value, (2) with recently current and (3) with the latest best value
(0) outdated devices, (1) with poor consumption value, (2) with recently current and (3) with the latest best value
Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers must specify a value for water consumption when buying new. It is therefore worthwhile to compare water and energy consumption equally and also to research corresponding test reports..
0.35
Lowered living room temperature (without mold)
2
(0) over 20 degrees, (1) 19-20, (2) 18, (3) 17
(0) over 20 degrees, (1) 19-20, (2) 18, (3) 17
In most study rooms it is too warm in winter - we walk around in a T-shirt instead of putting on thick sweaters and a cardigan. The energy-saving potential is considerable. When lowering the temperature, attention must be paid to the indoor climate and the possible risk of mold formation. This depends above all on the humidity.
Companies also have to observe workplace regulations.
0.55
Intelligent ventilation
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the times in the heating season
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the times in the heating season
Intelligent ventilation does not mean too late and not too long. It is too late when we get tired when the air is used up, get a headache and the humidity becomes too high. It is too long when the air has already been replaced and is cool, but we also ventilate the materials (walls, furniture) even longer.
Heat ultimately means that things or air vibrate. When the air is exchanged, but the objects and walls are still vibrating, the fresh air is quickly heated. Even if the walls get cold, mold can form on them and we need expensive heating energy to make everything vibrate again.
By the way, CO2 measuring devices help to ventilate in time and not for too long. However, these should not be a useless gadget, but perhaps used for practice one after the other in the rooms and gladly lent. A nice game is the competition, how good the sense of the people in the room is to ventilate in time and not too long.
Companies in particular have the potential to keep the doors in the entrance area not too far and not too long open.
0.23
Nutrition
Vegetarian days
1
(0) none per week, (1) 1-3, (2) 4-6, (3) 7 days a week
(0) none per week, (1) 1-3, (2) 4-6, (3) 7 days a week
Unlike the vegan diet, a vegetarian diet can also include milk, cheese or eggs. Vegetarian days are healthy, mean less animal husbandry and thus less consumption of land and water.
People in the industrialized world consume more than three times more animal products, which according to the EAT-Lancet Commission would be healthy for us and the planet. We don't have to become vegans or vegetarians right away, but maybe just flexitarians.
3.01
Food from the region
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of food
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of food
Food from the region, from the weekly market and from the farm shop have not been transported far (there are of course also exceptions there) and strengthen the local economy.
However, there are also inefficient short transport routes when vehicles with little load drive to the points of sale. E-mobility and cargo bikes can help here.
Unfortunately, the regional is often also played out against the organic offer: regional, sprayed with pesticides food is not as good as regional organic food, and regional meat is not as good for the environment as the renunciation of meat.
0.23
Organic food
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic
Organic is extremely important for biodiversity. We have the greatest species extinction since the extinction of the dinosaurs and the consequences are greater than those of climate change. Pesticides and mineral fertilizers endanger our future. In addition, soils from organic farming usually store more carbon and thus help against the climate catastrophe. The counter-argument is often that the yields in organic farming are lower than in industrial agriculture and therefore more forests have to be cut down. This is true, for example, with cereals that are not unrestrictedly healthy. But if we eat less meat, waste less food and eat more healthy legumes, we have plenty of additional space available and can feed the entire world organically and even plant a little more forest.
Organic in the canteen or at the kiosk or at company events is of course more expensive - but if it is not exemplified somewhere, what do we expect in the private sector.
1.61
Organic from the region
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic from the region
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic from the region
Which is better - the organic apple from New Zealand or the sprayed apple from the region? Answer: both wrong. Organic food from the region means less transport and is therefore even better than organic food with wide transport.
Organic in the canteen or at the kiosk or at events is of course more expensive - but if it is not exemplified somewhere, what do we expect in the private sector. Sometimes a direct delivery from providers from the region is a way to save costs.
2.00
Organic from the region seasonal
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the seasonal products also available as organic
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the seasonal products also available as organic
Seasonal organic products in addition to regional organic products also have less energy expenditure for storage.
In the respective months, other products are available seasonally, so that we can eat healthy and tasty all year round with little transport and storage effort with regard to a seasonal calendar.
2.16
Legumes
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the otherwise mostly cereal products
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the otherwise mostly cereal products
Legumes are not only an alternative source of vegetable proter to animal products, but also extremely important for world nutrition. They bind nitrogen from the air in the soil and can achieve just as high yields in organic farming as in industrial agriculture. So we have to cut down fewer forests.
In addition, legumes are healthier than cereals. Harari describes in Sapiens how we could probably get much older if we didn't eat so much cereal products.
After all, legumes are important for bees and biodiversity. Lupine, for example, also grows in northern Germany and can be used for meat substitutes, yogurt, coffee substitutes, ice cream or even noodles.
0.42
Tap water
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% instead of purchased mineral water or soft drinks
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% instead of purchased mineral water or soft drinks
Fortunately, tap water has long been a trend. There are drinking water dispensers in schools and the students have their drinking bottles with them, and managers also bring their drinking bottles to workshops. Many children do not even get used to the unhealthy sugar drinks.
Tap water is more strictly controlled than bottled drinks and saves a lot of energy and packaging.
Companies can set up water dispensers - if necessary also work with filters, for example to remove chlorine odors.
1.30
Avoidance of food waste
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) I save or avoid 100% of the food to be thrown away
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) I save or avoid 100% of the food to be thrown away
Food is wasted from the field to the factories and transport routes to the throw away by us, the restaurants and the supermarkets. This ultimately means that more areas are needed for cultivation and thus forests are cut down and biodiversity is endangered with sprays and fertilizers.
We can shop more specifically, throw away goods not only because of the best before date, save food in the household (e.g. freeze bananas or make durable spreads and soups from leftover vegetables yourself), save specifically rescued food (e.g. too small or wrinkled goods) and also donate leftover food in many places, e.g. to the food banks.
Canteens and kiosks and also events can query the demand in advance and thus prevent food from being thrown away. A dish can also be deliberately offered the next day, which advertises the utilization of the leftovers from the previous day.
0.83
Mobility
Renunciation of own car/motorcycle
3
(0) none, (1) less than half, (2) at least half, (3) all those who have a driver's license waive
(0) none, (1) less than half, (2) at least half, (3) all those who have a driver's license waive
Despite the claim to do without your own company car or to share cars in the pool with others, allows you to save a lot of money and is good for a better world.
2.33
Car-Sharing
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the distances that can only be covered by car.
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the distances that can only be covered by car.
Car sharing can be organized with your own fleet - also across areas and, if necessary, also for private use after working hours or on weekends.
1.30
Waiver of SUV or similar as a company car
2
(0) large SUV, bus, (1) extremely economical large-capacity vehicles, (2) middle class, (3) small and Compact car
(0) large SUV, bus, (1) extremely economical large-capacity vehicles, (2) middle class, (3) small and Compact car
A premium SUV can weigh well over 2.5 tons and consumes more than twice as economical vehicles. Van, buses are similar - but sometimes have an authorization, for example as then actually used 7-seaters or for regular transports. For rare transports, there should be rental cars nearby or trailers. There is a global trend towards SUVs. These unconsciously give us the feeling of robustness, of getting through. They reinforce the so-called attribution or distinction need. We think we are the great car.
0.42
Waiver of air travel
1
(0) more than one per year, (1) one per year, (2) one every few years, (3) none or less often than every 5 years
(0) more than one per year, (1) one per year, (2) one every few years, (3) none or less often than every 5 years
Flying is a great experience for most people like experiencing distant places. Flying short distances should rightly lead to 'flight shame' - some countries are planning to ban domestic flights completely.
The problem with flying is, on the one hand, that we travel a lot of kilometers, even if the energy requirement per kilometer and person is not so high. On the other hand, greenhouse gases are transported directly to the heights where they harm us.
So we should only use the plane for rare long-distance trips and then rather stay longer in the places. Many, on the other hand, fly several times a year, partly within Europe - some even to sustainability conferences or just to spontaneously escape the harsh weather in Germany. Unfortunately, flying is even subsidized and is often cheaper than train or car.
0.83
Bicycle shelters
3
(0) not at all, (1) for less than 50%, (2) for more than 50%, (3) all can store their bicycles
(0) not at all, (1) for less than 50%, (2) for more than 50%, (3) all can store their bicycles
What has recently been a successful model in some countries and cities is still a problem in Germany: to give cyclists priority over car traffic. The willingness to ride a bike, even in bad weather, is higher than ever. E-cargo bicycles make it possible to at least do without the second car. A company can do a lot from the bicycle shelter with charging possibility via the company bicycle.
0.41
Bicycle instead of car
2
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
No question - leaving the car and taking the bike is a proud feeling and healthy. If you don't want to exhaust yourself - for example on the way to work, you can consider an e-bike. If you have a lot to transport, a cargo bike. Often we can also share a cargo bike with others. And if you shy away from bad weather, you will find great cycling clothing today, which completely refutes the argument. Here, companies can promote their employees.
0.55
Carpooling
1
(0) always drive individually, (1) every now and then, (2) mostly, (3) basically, if possible, driving with others
(0) always drive individually, (1) every now and then, (2) mostly, (3) basically, if possible, driving with others
Many routes and times are not served by public transport. It is often worthwhile to drive in the car together with others. Even if the car is left at home and the times have to be adjusted, it can make us proud to do the right thing with a view to a better world.
In addition to carpooling in the circle of acquaintances, there are also portals that organize carpooling - often also for longer trips. As an employer, the municipalities can organize something for their employees here.
0.39
Garbage
Buy unpacked or refills
1
(0) never, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) never, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
We are used to the fact that everything is packed and we don't care much about the packaging. For some foods, the packaging is more expensive in the production than the content. Paying attention to the packaging sends a signal to manufacturers and retailers. Refills are an option as well.
For food, there are so-called unpackaged shops or at least the possibility of using deposit containers (own step) or cotton bags brought along for loose vegetables and fruit. To fill up the pantry or to cater for events, attention should therefore be paid to the packaging.
Office supplies can be delivered unpacked in deposit boxes (e.g. from Memo).
0.65
Separate garbage consistently
3
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always, even on the go
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always, even on the go
Consistently separating waste, including green waste, glass and paper, is not as self-evident as can be assumed. Many make little effort here and don't really know what belongs in which bin. The residual waste bin also costs the public sector a lot of money, while the recyclable and green waste bin are free of charge. But also special waste, such as batteries, incandescent lamps, electrical appliances, etc. must be disposed of properly.
0.65
Recycling-Paper
1
(0) never, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) never, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
Non-recycled paper is often cheaper, but means cutting of forests, contamination of water during production and a high energy requirement.
Recycled paper for toilet paper, writing paper, packaging, envelopes, wrapping paper, etc. should be a matter of course today. But we have to pay attention to it and choose it.
Recycled paper is also snow-white, but it should then not be bleached with chlorine but oxygen.
1.23
Paperless office/media
2
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) most, (3) all only digital.
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) most, (3) all only digital.
Saving paper helps to protect forests - recycling paper also ultimately means more demand for fresh pulp from trees.
We don't even need to print many things in the first place, but can save them on devices that we already have. For internal processes but also for dialogue with customers, digital forms should continue to prevail.
0.61
Flea markets, repair cafes, classified ads instead of throwing away
1
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
Many things are actually thrown away, although others could still do something with it. It is more convenient for us not to repair it than to have a stand at the flea market or to have to send it for little money. But the good feeling of doing the right thing motivates. A company can avoid garbage here - even if throwing it away probably meant little effort.
0.24
Land use
Renunciation of road salt
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
Road salt is convenient and safe, but a considerable burden for pets, the trees and the surface water. Replacing this with split means more effort, but it's worth it.
0.24
Waiver of weed killers
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
Sidewalks can be kept mechanically or by flames weed-free or the herb can also grow sometimes. The beds can be kept mechanically herb-free or laid out from the outset in such a way that herb does not matter. Pesticides are one of the main causes of species extinction and water pollution.
0.24
Social
Crafts from the region
2
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
This is about living and working in the region, about strengthening the community. The birdhouse from a social workshop or the PV system from the electrician on site (if he has further training). The award criteria of the municipalities must of course be legally secure.
If the work is good, a discreet advertising sign can also draw attention to the craft business in return.
1.06
Volunteering
1
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) much, (3) maximum
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) much, (3) maximum
Volunteering, whether at the fire brigade, in the sports club or the help in the neighborhood, is enormously important for togetherness and society. Companies can help here to honor volunteering and accompany it through donations.
0.74
Citizens' meeting (clubs, fire brigade, squares)
1
(0) not at all, (1) promote a lot, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
(0) not at all, (1) promote a lot, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
Support of clubs, squares and halls for the gathering of citizens
0.12
Cultural promotion
1
(0) not at all, (1) promote a lot, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
(0) not at all, (1) promote a lot, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
Cultural promotion can take place in all facets - from young people who make music to exhibitions to the care of traditional festivals.
0.07
Nature experience opportunities
1
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
Educational trails, information boards, exhibitions, excursions, etc., if necessary also together with schools and nature conservation organizations.
0.07
Clothes
Renunciation of leather
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
This is about workwear or, for example, in the tourism sector clothing with advertising. Vegan shoes and belts are no longer distinguishable from their leather variants. And who pays attention to the fact that the tanning processes do not allow heavy metals to enter the environment or that the leather is certified accordingly?
We should be careful with some plastics, such as PVC with plasticizers, which are also not good for the environment.
0.59
Body Care
Natural cosmetics
1
(0) not at all, (1) in many places, (2) mostly, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) in many places, (2) mostly, (3) basically
All major drugstore discounters now have natural cosmetics in all areas - from deodont to lipstick to sunscreen (although sustainable sunscreens are a real challenge, as tests prove again and again).
On the one hand, natural cosmetics are usually healthier, and on the other hand, no non-degradable substances enter the environment. In the tourism sector, it is accordingly about the soaps in the toilet facilities and on the rooms including shower gels.
0.44
Other Consumption
Used or long-lived furniture
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Many furniture cannot stand being moved or even disassembled and reassembled. They are primarily cheap and the business model is that after a few years we want to buy new furniture. Looking at how valuable the furniture is and then being able to repair it takes us a whole lot further on the way to a better world. It is also amazing what good pieces there are on the used market.
1.30
Ecological furniture
1
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Ecological furniture is made of natural materials without questionable chemical additives or varnishes. They are usually very expensive, but also last many decades and can usually be easily repaired and renovated.
0.26
Waiver of leaf vacuum cleaners and blowers
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Leaf vacuums and blowsers are even worse than the idea of mowing small lawns with a large lawn mowing tractor at all and then for hours. Boys with toys. The leaf vacuums and blowers emit noise and ultrafine particles and harm the soil organisms more than rakes or brooms.
0.11
Used, long-used devices
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Many devices from vacuum cleaners to cordless screwdrivers to TVs are amazingly inexpensive today. Relying on valuable devices that last a long time, or even buying used devices, helps to save raw materials and energy.
1.30
Repairing instead of buying new
2
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Unfortunately, many devices can no longer be repaired at all, for example if the control unit breaks down from the washing machine and costs more than a new washing machine. And yet there are workshops that also repair mobile phones, washing machines, lawn mowers, etc. - and even if it is as expensive as a new device, it is the good feeling of having done something for a better world again.
0.65