Sustainability Practices

Products, Services, and Purchasing

25% of Products from Local Markets

The business sells products of which at least 25% are made in local markets (defined as within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a 150-mile radius from the business).

A. Yes

Uses Locally-produced Materials

The business uses locally-produced materials when possible, if it manufactures or produces goods (excluding food).

A. Yes

25% of Supplies from Local Suppliers

The business chooses to purchase at least 25% of its operating supplies from locally-owned suppliers.

A. Yes

30% Post-Consumer Recycled Material Paper Products

The business buys paper products (e.g., printing paper, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.) made with at least 30% post-consumer recycled content.

A. Yes

Paper Products Free of Bleach/Chlorine

The business buys paper products that are free of bleach and/or chlorine.

A. Yes

Innovation

Innovation Bonus 1

Tell us about a sustainable initiative not listed in the questionnaire. List sustainable practice:

A. Yes

Use newspapers for packing/shipping. use styrofoam sheets (from shipped items) for insulation,use old towels & launder rather than paper towels. No plastic/paper cups-use glass or mugs. donate whatever you can that is of no use to you rather than throw away.

Energy Conservation and Management

Computer Power Settings

The business has adjusted the power settings on its computers to save energy.

A. Yes

ENERGY STAR Product

The business uses at least one ENERGY STAR approved product, such as an HVAC unit, refrigerator, dishwasher, or computer (look for a blue ENERGY STAR logo on the product.)

A. Yes

Phantom Load

The business unplugs little-used appliances, electronic equipment, and lighting fixtures to avoid “phantom load.”

A. Yes

Programmable Thermostat

The business uses a programmable thermostat and sets it lower in the winter and higher in the summer.

A. Yes

HVAC System Cleaning

The business replaces filters and or cleans its HVAC system.

A. Yes

Weatherization

The business has sealed leaks around doors, windows, outlets, corners, and other joints ("weatherization").

A. Yes

Business Operations and Practices

Sustainable Practices Training

The business includes sustainable practices in the training of new and existing employees.

A. Yes

Employee Health Encouragement

The business encourages its employees to exercise or stay healthy and fit.

A. Yes

Guards Against Corruption

The business has policies or code of ethics that guard against corruption.

A. Yes

Up-to-date Housekeeping Items

The business is up-to-date with its bookkeeping and accounting, cash flow, workplace health and safety, licenses and permits, and insurance policies.

A. Yes

Laws and Regulations Compliance

The business is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations (e.g., taxes, health code, etc.).

A. Yes

Marketing Plan

The business has a marketing plan.

A. Yes

Customer Service Policy

The business has a written customer service policy/philosophy and follows it (such as a return or refund policy).

A. Yes

Stategic Business Plan

The business has a strategic, future-oriented business plan in place.

A. Yes

Sustainability Initiative Staff

The business has a designated staff member or team responsible for the oversight and implementation of sustainability initiatives (may include business owner).

A. Yes

Pursuing Sustainability Grants

The business has pursued grants for energy efficiency or other sustainability projects, façade improvements, and/or anything else that seeks to improve the business’s performance.

A. Yes

Local Bank Account

The business has chosen an independent, small community bank or credit union to maintain at least one of its business-related checking or savings accounts.

A. Yes

Sponsors Community/School Events

The business sponsors community or school events.

A. Yes

Encourages Employee Community Service

The business encourages its employees to engage in community service, or has designated "volunteer days" or activities for employees (may include business owner).

A. Yes

Owner Participates as Local Leader

The business owner participates in/is a member of a community-oriented committee, board or local business association.

A. Yes

Prohibits Discrimination

The business prohibits discrimination in both hiring and customer service, and values inclusion and diversity.

A. Yes

Interviews Wide Range of Candidates

The business ensures that a wide range of candidates are interviewed for job openings.

A. Yes

Pays Living Wages

The business pays living wages to all of its employees.

A. Yes

Minority, LGBT, or Woman-owned Business

The business is a minority, LGBTQ+, or woman-owned business.

A. Yes

Water Conservation and Management

Water Use Reduction Policy

The business has a water use reduction policy and has informed its employees about proper water conservation techniques (e.g., not leaving the faucet running when water is not being used, ensuring that faucets are completely off and not dripping, etc.).

A. Yes

Stormwater Awareness

The business is aware of what happens to the stormwater leaving its property.

A. Yes

Tracks Water Usage

The business is aware of its water use and tracks its monthly progress on water usage.

A. Yes

Occupancy

Eliminated Harmful Chemicals for Pest Control

The business has eliminated the use of harmful chemicals for pest control, both inside and outside its building.

A. Yes

Low Use of VOCs

The business only uses or has only used paints, finishes, coatings, stains, primers, adhesives, and sealants that are low-emitting (i.e., low in volatile organic chemicals [VOCs]).

A. Yes

Cool/White Roof

The business has a cool/white roof.

A. Yes

Transportation

Employees Ride Share

The business has employees who share car or van rides to commute to and from work.

A. Yes

Owner Lives Within 5 Miles

The business is owned by a proprietor who lives within 5 miles of his or her business.

A. Yes

Employees Use Public/Alternative Transport

The business has employees who use public transit or hybrid, electric, or alternative fuel vehicles to commute to and from work.

A. Yes

Bike Rack

The business has a bike rack outside its building for customer and employee use, or covered/indoor bike storage space.

A. Yes

Waste Management

Print Preview

The business uses "print preview" on their word processor to reduce wasteful printing.

A. Yes

Waste Tracking

The business is aware of the amount of waste it produces and disposes of and tracks its progress on waste reduction.

A. Yes

Waste Reduction/Recycling Policy

The business has a waste reduction and recycling policy and has informed its employees about waste reduction and proper recycling practices.

A. Yes

Donates Usable Items

The business donates usable items, such as furniture, shelving, etc. to organizations such as Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Construction Junction, Goodwill, or others.

A. Yes