Step Five: Launching the Program

Now it’s time to announce the effort to the world (or at least to your employees/coworkers/ tenants). A high level of awareness and cooperation is necessary to make your program a success.

Beginning Your Program

When you are ready to launch your program, distribute an announcement or email from the office or building management introducing the program, hold employee training sessions, display posters and flyers, and distribute newsletters (on recycled paper and/or by email). In short, get the word out.

The kick-off announcement should include:

• A commitment to the program from the top level management
• A description of how the program will benefit the office building, the community, and the environment
• Identification of the Green Team leader, assistants, and members
• The schedule of the training sessions
• The employees’ crucial role in the success of the program

Kick-off Event

Hold a kick-off event to introduce your new program. You may want to have the kick-off be a stand-alone event, or hold it in conjunction with a related state or national environmental event (e.g., Earth Day or America Recycles Day).

Hold the event in the morning or at lunch since food seems to raise participation rates. Make it convenient for people’s schedules (e.g., consider a drop-in event throughout the day). Avoid holiday periods or other times when a large number of people may be absent. Choose a location that will be convenient to a majority of people. Follow other successful models your building or company has used to distribute educational information. If you need help, ask an office manager how benefits or safety information is distributed. You could also host an environmental fair — invite representatives from state and local environmental groups and agencies to set up information booths.

Training Sessions

The training sessions should take place in conjunction with the kickoff. They can be conducted independently or as part of regularly scheduled staff meetings (e.g., as part of a safety or benefits meeting). Larger offices or buildings may want to hold separate training sessions for personnel by job function. Management and janitorial staff should be trained on the program before the kick-off. You may also want to provide separate training sessions for general office staff, purchasing, landscaping, and operations and maintenance personnel.

Each session should be no longer than 20 minutes, and should include both a formal presentation and time for questions. During the sessions, provide written, how-to directions that the employees/ tenants can take back to their offices; a one-page flyer is optimal. Any other publicity or educational materials should be in place prior to the training sessions. Other elements to include in the training are:

• Concise description of the program
• Reasons for starting the program
• Overview of its benefits
• Program do’s and don’ts
• Explanation of why everyone’s participation is vital
• Names and contact information for the program coordinator and assistants

Posters, displays, videos and PowerPoint presentations can be effective means to convey these aspects of the program. Posters and flyers should be displayed several days before the first training session. If your program includes recycling, desk-side containers and centrallylocated bins should be distributed during or immediately following the training session. After the program is established, training should be incorporated into the new-employee orientation program.