Green_Action Plan 2024

1. To minimize the carbon emissions, the practices would be maintained, including:

• REDUCE TRAVEL: make use of communication technology such as email, skype, zalo, video conferencing as well as combine several visits or errands in one field trip.
• RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL: Apply the criteria for green flight selection, opt for fuel effeciency as per VVOB policy#procurement, and attendees stay at a hotel or near the meeting venue, share cares/motobike if they are close.
• DAILY: Staffs are encouraged to use public transport.

2. To reduce energy costs and environmental impacts of buildings, the below practices would be kept:

• Purchase energy efficient electrical appliances and light bulbs, as per VVOB policy #procurement and unplug all possible electrical equipment in the evening.
• REDUCE COOLING/HEATING: Closing blinds/curtains to prevent solar gain or heat loss, esp. when rooms are unoccupied, setting air-conditioning/heating to come on only when temperatures exceed 26°C / drop below 19 °C, making sure windows and doors are closed when heating or air-conditioning is on
• REDUCE COOLING/HEATING: Switching off air conditioner and fans at the end of the day, preferably half an hour before leaving. The last person to leave is responsible for this, and When there are fewer people in the office, share fewer rooms and turn off heating and cooling in unoccupied rooms.
• REDUCE LIGHTING: Use natural light wherever possible. We keep windows clean and open the blinds rather than turn on the lights.
• COMPUTER: Make sure computer monitors are switched off when not in use, including when we are away from our desks for meetings or breaks (( ! ) screensavers do not save energy), and activate the « power save » feature for computer.

3. To use paper effectively, the good actions include:

• EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS: All printers are set to double-sided format as default, use thinner paper; paper with a weight of 80gsm is standard and is suitable for routine printing, donate waste cardboard or paper to a local organization that can use it.
• REDUCE: Use electronic communications and online materials/consider hosting online seminar and training where possible to reduce printing and faxing, encourage suppliers to be more sustainable by asking them to supply our office with double-sided documents, Use personal notebooks instead of using paper and pens provided by hotels.
• REUSE: Use a smaller font/print four pages per A4 sheet/use paper that has been printed on one side to print drafts, Re-use envelopes, packaging, folders, file clips, marketing materials … wherever possible, including in office and at events.

4. To avoid to waste water, it can be:

• Dripping or leaking taps are immediately notified and fixed
• Discharge the right mount of water when using, turn off taps when not in us

5. Implementing sustainable waste management policies can greatly reduce our carbon footprint, the practices are:

• RECYCLE: Separate recyclable waste--one basket for plastic waste and one for food and drinks; one box for used batteries, and refurbish and redistribute office furniture and electrical items or make use of re-use schemes.
• RECYCLE: Recycle plastic products to plant small trees, grow hydroponic plants, grow sprouts…, and exchange your personal facilities on Virtual Flea Market
• REDUCE: Do not use plastic bottles, cups, plates, sponges, cutlery (disposable): Use a large 20L water tank and provide enough cups for everyone; Bring your own water bottle, do not use food wrap for sweet parties.
• REDUCE: Do not use plastic briefcases, limit the use of tarpaulins: For VVOB events we use VVOB standee, for partners we will agree with them. For all events, we'll look at which events need a banner.
• REDUCE: Use virtual backdrop, and Sweets, lunches are ordered for the number of people attending the event: Check attendance at the beginning of each day of the event.

6. Green products usually offer better long-term value and have lower external costs on the environment. Try to select local vendors to support your local economy and the strength of your city, it is good when:

• Apply the sustainable procurement checklist, as per VVOB policy, buy remanufactured toner cartridges, and buy local goods whenever possible, so as to reduce transport emissions.
• Refurbish and repair office furniture and equipment – If possible, existing furniture and equipment is reconditioned rather than buying a new replacement, and manage the stock of office supplies carefully so that no more is ordered / purchased than actually required, resulting in materials being disposed of before they are used.

8. For gaining support, we can:

• Discuss the results of our annual CO2 tracking (air travel, car travel, energy use) so as to identify areas for improvement and set ourselves targets and plans for action, and around the office there are clear reminders of best practice – F.ex., signs / stickers next to light switches reminding to switch off; posters near printers reminding to print double-sided; …
• Organize “special events” – F.ex. a special action on World Environment Day; green staff competitions; Free market, and Regularly share new ideas for good practices – F.ex. during staff meetings or digital channels such as zalo, viber, teams…

9. What green initiatives have you seen implemented in other workplaces that you would like to try here?

10. How can we celebrate and reward individual and team efforts towards a greener office?