GreenLight GuideLines ­ Public Draft 1
The GreenLight GuideLines (GLGL) are a framework that describes the GreenLight Solutions (GLS) client engagement process and serves as a roadmap for GLS members and clients to understand our process. GLGL Intro Paragraph We would like to help you define what sustainability means to your organization and realize the value that can be created when every person on your team understands the importance of sustainability as a driving motivation for success. Many organizations find that attacking the most important and attainable sustainability challenges can prove to be very cost effective. The importance of identifying your sphere of influence in sustainability cannot be underestimated, and engaging every stakeholder is critical for creating innovative solutions to potentially complex challenges. A sustainable organization is one that is able to leverage and engage its people, connect with its place, and have a deep understanding and devotion to its purpose. Sustainability is a journey, and one that cannot be traveled alone, without direction or destination. Let us help you envision a better future.
Stage 0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MoU) Prior to beginning the GreenLight GuideLines engagement process, a client must sign an MoU to commit to the project concept (link to MoU template) and agree to the scope of capability outlined in the GLS Service Offering. The MoU is an agreement between GLS and the Client that states that GLS will apply the 5x5x5 Student Consultant Scope (Create this document) and the GLGL to help the organization to become more sustainable and that the client will provide the time, information and resources necessary to accomplish the project. Stage 1 ENVISION (communicate with client and key stakeholders to clarify sustainability objectives) Stage 1 of the GreenLight GuideLines approach to applying sustainability begins with a conversation between you and the GLS team about sustainability in the context of what you do. This is an inclusive dialog about what sustainability means to you, your organization, stakeholders, and communities. This is not to replace or alter your organization's Vision or Mission. Rather, it is to compliment it and align sustainability goals with your Vision and Mission. From that dialog, if given the opportunity, GLS will help the you to draft or improve Sustainability Mission and Vision statements that will develop or improve the foundation you can firmly stand on to develop a robust strategy to embed sustainability within your organization and find solutions to complex challenges. GLS helps you to develop your people, place, and purpose in sustainability and embrace business model evolution. Stage 2 RESEARCH + ANALYSIS (Assess current state, design future sustainable state, and conduct gap analysis for planning and action items) Once the vision and mission have been defined, Stage 2 is to conduct baseline analysis and 1
research industry best­practices. Whatever stage in the process of embracing sustainability you may be in currently, GLS can help you to advance toward your vision and mission. Stage 3 EVALUATE (recognize and prioritize opportunities for sustainability improvement) Stage 3 is to determine the best opportunities for your organization to become more sustainable. The best practices in sustainability often lead to measurable positive improvements in the Triple Bottom Line, especially from a long­term perspective. Stage 4 STRATEGIZE (determine project to achieve one or more of those opportunities) At Stage 4 we dig deep with your team to determine the most important and material sustainability objective(s) for your organization to achieve. Strategizing is about identifying what the target areas are within the organization, and developing feasible solutions that align with GLS’ 5x5x5 Student Consultant Scope = approximately 5 Students x 5 Hours/Week x 5 Weeks. We are committed to finding solutions that maximize the positive impact we can create with the combined resources of GLS and your organization. Stage 5 DESIGN (develop project details, timeframe, and KPIs)
After recognizing opportunities for sustainability improvement and identifying target areas, In Stage 5 we develop a mutually agreeable timeline. We will include expected metrics and milestones. We will stay flexible and able to pivot in order to capitalize on possible opportunities recognized during the process. If opportunities for greater sustainability improvement do arise, we adjust as necessary or note them for future potential projects. Stage 6 EXECUTE and TRACK (The GLS team executes the project with the previously designed amount of cooperation from you.) In Stage 6 we will choose champions from the GLS project team and from your team to take ownership of the project and provide primary communication. Each team will also need a backup contact in case of unforeseen circumstances. There will be as few in­person meetings as possible, likely 3­4 total. Stage 7 PRESENT (The GLS team will present the final project results to the you) A final meeting will be held in Stage 7, ideally 1­2 weeks before finals at ASU. A Powerpoint or Prezi, including any comprehensive reports or deliverables, shall be presented to your team at this meeting. We will also discuss any potential future projects, and any details of the case study or other prior arrangements in this final meeting. Stage 8 FEEDBACK (Whenever possible GLS will develop sustainability indicators and benchmarks for your post­project internal progress tracking.) 2
Stage 8 is GLS’ opportunity to re­engage with you in an honest and open conversation about the project’s successes and failures, because learning can be achieved from both. We will evaluate all possible relevant metrics, including: time, cost, scope, quality, learning, and benefit. Stage 9 OUTREACH (GLS will publicly report project results through the Case Study format)
The Case Study produced in Stage 9 will be derived from feedback generated by stage 8, and will be reviewed by you before publication. The Case Study will be published on www.GLSolutions.org and will be given to you to publish through your own outreach methods you choose. We will also send you a brief Post­Project Survey to be used for improvement of our process. Stage 10 CONCLUSION and FUTURE (Thanks, wrap up, and reevaluate sustainability objectives to progress toward a new future state)
Stage 10 is time for GLS to THANK the you for your time and cooperation in a successful GreenLight Solutions project. If a donation to GreenLight Solutions were previously arranged, this would be the appropriate time to confirm its value. GreenLight Solutions’ student consultants are greatly appreciative of the support of our clients, both for the opportunity to learn through doing, and for any financial appreciation given. At this point, your organization would benefit from reevaluating itself to determine if its sustainability mission and vision are in alignment and once confirmed or updated, what is the next piece of low­hanging fruit to attack. Then move to Stage 1 again. Thank you for your time! Lasting Relationships with Projects (ongoing goals that need completion every year) great for new people, great to establish a foundation of knowledge. But be sure that they are not in place of the organization ● Better reporting
● carbon footprinting
● waste mitigation ● food/water systems
● energy efficiency/renewables
● etc.
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