Step Five: Launching the Programme

Now its time to spread the word to ensure the programme doesn’t remain your organisation’s best kept secret.

Beginning Your Programme

When you are ready to launch the programme there should be an announcement or email from the green team – if possible get a “Green Team” email address set up and brand any posters or newsletters so that co-workers or tenants begin to recognise messages from the green team.

The kick-off announcement should include:

• A commitment to the programme from the top level management.
• A description of how the programme will benefit the organisation, the community, and the environment.
• Identification of the Green Team leader, assistants, and members.
• The employees or tenants crucial role in the success of the programme.
• If there are going to be training sessions, include the timetable of when these will be held.

Kick-off Event

• Be creative!
• Create a name, slogan and/or mascot or branding.
• Hold a contest to select the programme’s name.
• Distribute items & information to promote the programme.
• Introduce the programme in conjunction with a National or European event such as Waste Awareness Day or Waste Reduction Week.

Training Sessions

If training sessions are required these should take place as close to the kick-off as possible. They can be conducted independently or as part of regularly scheduled staff meetings or training sessions. Larger offices or buildings may want to hold separate training sessions for personnel by job function. Management and facilities staff should be trained on the programme before the kick-off. You may also want to provide separate training sessions for general office staff, purchasing, landscaping, operations and maintenance personnel.

Posters, displays, videos and PowerPoint presentations can be an effective means to convey these aspects of the programme. Posters and flyers should be displayed several days before the first training session. After the programme is established, training should be incorporated into the new-employee induction programme.