ecoAPNIC
In 2007, APNIC introduced a staff forum called EcoAPNIC as a means to discuss and promote environmentally responsible and energy-efficient business practices.
Initially, the ecoAPNIC workgroup examined APNICs day-to-day work operations and identified a number of ways in which staff could be more environmentally aware without compromising the services we provide to our Members and the Internet community. We hope to set an example and encourage other organizations to follow.
The EcoAPNIC forum led to an education program, which promotes awareness of environmental issues.
APNIC accredited as an ecoBiz Partner
ecoBiz accepts applications for accreditation from businesses wishing to reduce their impact on the environment.
Participating in the ecoBiz program required APNIC to track eco-efficiency improvements against a baseline measurement.
After making changes in its work environment, APNIC was able to demonstrate a reduced environmental footprint.
APNIC earned accreditation as an ecoBiz Partner in March 2010.
Some aspects of the EcoAPNIC initiative include:
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It is estimated that these policies contribute to the following reduction in our annual environmental footprint:
Which amounts to following savings:
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Some simple steps
- Invite ideas from everyone and form a workgroup of willing enthusiasts
- Provide individual bins at workstations specifically for recycling (ours are coloured green!)
- Provide large recycle bins in common areas and particularly in kitchen areas
- Use only recycled paper and toners
- Discontinue the use of plastic crockery and cutlery
- Have environmentally-focused lunchtime talks for staff
- Encourage car pooling
- Provide bicycle racks and encourage cycling and walking to work
- Investigate carbon offsetting programs
- Print or copy on both sides of paper
- Use scrap paper for notepads
- Refill printer cartridges or find a service that recycles empty cartridges. They are usually happy to provide a bin or box to place them in
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Reduce water waste
- Turn off electronic equipment when not in use, including computers and monitors
- Collect food scraps for anyone who has farm animals (e.g. chickens)
- Collect used teabags for use in garden fertilization
- Remove one light bulb/tube from light fittings that have double tubes/bulbs, checking that lighting is still adequate
- Find alternative ways of providing information to your customers; for example, use email and storage media such as USB drives or CDs instead of paper handouts and brochures
- Provide recycle bins at conferences and meetings
- Publish meeting minutes and agenda electronically instead of printing multiple copies
- Donate outdated computers and other equipment to a worthy cause
- Turn lights and air conditioning off when not using a meeting room or hotel room
- Subscribe to newsletters and forums about eco-friendly practices
- Obtain accreditation if possible for eco friendly workplace practices and ensure annual audits keep the program on track
- Get everyone involved!
What is ecoAPNIC?
ecoAPNIC is an organizational environmental awareness program that was launched in 2007. The aim of the program is to reduce APNIC's ecological footprint or environmental impact, both by addressing APNIC work practices and wider environmental issues wherever possible.
