In 2008, Disney rolled out The Green Standard, a global employee program encouraging every Cast Member and employee to reduce Disney's operational impact on the environment by adopting specific environmentally friendly behaviors at work, in meetings, while planning events, during travel, and while dining during work hours. This is the latest commitment by Disney to address our Company's environmental footprint.
The Green Standard is divided into five phases, each of which introduces a set of Company Standards, or required actions, that Disney expects every Cast Member and employee to uphold. The phases will cover the following topics:
The first phase, Green Workspace, launched in April 2008, reflects a commitment by the Company to further green all workspaces through steps that are easy to implement, have low or no cost implications for business units, and can have a profound impact on emissions, energy use, and waste.
These Standards include the following:
Standard 1: Don't Talk Trash: Recycle!
Recycle cans, bottles, paper, cardboard, cell phones, electronics, e-media, (such as DVDs), landscape waste, and construction debris.
Standard 2: Reduce and Refill!
Eliminate individual plastic water bottles from backstage operations and offices
Standard 3: Double Up!
Print and make copies using the duplex or double-sided function.
Standard 4: Branch Out!
Use a minimum of 30 percent, recycled-content paper for every day printing and copying.
Standard 5: Take a Power Break!
Turn off unnecessary lights.
Standard 6: Be a Low-Rider!
Minimize driving alone during work hours by using environmentally friendly options such as teleconference, videoconference, carpools, and public transit.
The Green Standard strongly encourages Cast Members and employees to go "Above and Beyond" the Standards by adopting some of the following actions:
To ensure maximum effectiveness, Disney has produced numerous resources to enable each employee to meet the standards and take "Above and Beyond" actions. These include an extensive, online resource center and comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQs) for each Standard. Implementation of the Standards began immediately after roll-out and should be in place by the end of calendar year 2008.
While The Green Standard is intended to inspire employees and Cast Members to take action, Disney recognizes a responsibility to support the program by making operational changes. The Company has been reviewing recycling and waste contracts Companywide, ensuring we utilize the most efficient and cost-effective systems. Additionally, Disney is partnering with Hewlett-Packard® (HP) to launch the HP Document Output Management program, replacing printers, copies, and fax machines with multi-functional units that automatically default to duplex printing, resulting in potential paper savings. The new devices are also energy efficient, with the potential to save the Company nearly $800,000 annually. In addition, business units have access to bulk water dispensers and water filtration systems, are installing light sensor technology in buildings, and are able to use 30 percent post-consumer recycled content paper at a comparable price to virgin. These and other initiatives should bolster the results of this program, showing that every little bit does make a big difference!
