Changing Behaviors in the Workplace - Tennessee Green Star Partnership Overview

Robin HerigesOffice of Sustainable PracticesLeadership and Excellence [email protected](615) 532-8738

Tennessee Green Star Partnership

mailto:[email protected]


Tennessee’s premier environmental leadership program for businesses of all sizes.This program celebrates the excellent sustainability initiatives of our members, as well as the economic benefits gained from these initiatives.


• EMS Track• Sustainable Business

Track


Three advancement levels – One, Two and Three StarTraditional pollution prevention goals, plus requirements in materials management, purchasing and mentoring/community outreach areas


Two track system – EMS Track and Sustainable Business TrackCompanies can enter at any level, as long as requirements and prerequisites are met Online applications and (future) reporting options


EMS Track• There is a “menu” design for

greater choice under each category• Goals for materials management

that go far beyond recycling and include such options as becoming a “Zero Waste” facility.


EMS Track• Component for Supply Chain and/or

Environmentally Preferred Purchasing• Specific definitions for Good

Compliance• Greater emphasis on sustainability at

all levels


EMS Track• At the highest levels, purchase from

another Tennessee Green Star Partner• Annual reporting requirements in a

specific format-EPA’s GHG Calculator and Cost Savings Calculator


Sustainable Business Track• Exciting area of expansion to include

businesses previously untapped by leadership programs, including such ventures as hospitality companies, grocers, small offices of all types, agricultural concerns—any business that is interested in meeting the requirements


Sustainable Business Track• “Checklist” formatted in order for

businesses to earn points for environmental activities, much like the LEED or Green Globes certification models

• Several areas of measurement, featuring recycling, energy conservation, water conservation and community outreach


Sustainable Business Track• Required specific activities and a

total of a point score for each of the ten components

• Certain required activities can be “not applicable”, especially for companies that are renters and cannot affect certain building policies


Sustainable Business Track Example

Implement the seven (7) required measures (in bold) below and at least four (4) additional measures from this section

Yes N/A

There is equipment, a policy, and/or signage in place to ensure: (please provide supporting documentation to TGSP)

Lighting fixtures, diffusers, and lamps are cleaned and burnt out bulbs replaced at six month intervals, if not more often

Blinds/curtains are closed when sun is striking to reduce A/C load

Lighting control devices such as timers and sensors are checked and adjusted at six month intervals

Equipment is turned off when not in use

Lights are turned off when not in use, if motion sensors are not used

A/C thermostat(s) are set to 76 degrees (or higher) and heating thermostat(s) are set to 68 degrees (or lower)

Date Implemented

Refrigerator(s) are set to 38 degrees (or higher) and freezer(s) to 10 degrees (or higher)

Benefits for both tracks• Inclusion in our Green Directory, which

will be prominently featured on our website Increased recognition through TGSP website and more proactive PR from our staff

• Greater networking and education opportunities through workshops and webinars


Benefits for both tracks• Use of the TGSP logo on your

website, materials and storefront• Business between TGSP members• There are more benefits that we are

working towards and will be announcing as soon as they are finalized


Reach us at [email protected]

