The six principle steps of the GP methodology are:
- Getting started is an easy task. Identifying the people who are going to be involved and forming a Green Productivity team marks the beginning. These people, led by a champion, walk through and survey the site or facility and record first impressions. This allows the team to gather baseline data and identify areas where there may be a problem. This data gathering activity is made even easier through the use of Eco-mapping�2, a simple, visual and practical tool for gathering, analysing and managing the environmental performance, which is especially suited to smaller enterprises. It is vital to have senior management�s buy-in to ensure that adequate resources are available for successful implementation.
- Planning allows an organization to leverage the information gained in the first step to analyse the potential for improvement, along with analytical tools such as material balance, benchmarking, Eco-mapping and fishbone diagrams. Objectives and targets can be established and performance indicators identified to help guide the improvement process, allowing the company to manage and measure progress.
- Generation and Evaluation of Green Productivity Options involves the development of options to meet the objectives and targets formulated in planning. It involves a review of prevention of pollution and application of existing or new control procedures to support the development of the options to enhance productivity. Options are screened against performance indicators. Those most likely to net the economic and technical results desired are given first priority; the company is now ready for action.
- Implementation of Green Productivity Options involves two actions, preparation and execution. Preparatory work includes awareness building, training and the development of competencies. If new equipment or systems are required, these are installed along with the operator instruction and handson training to ensure success.
- Monitoring and Review of the new Green Productivity options is vital to check to see that they are producing or exceeding the anticipated results. This includes monitoring the whole system to ensure that it is on track and performing as designed. Findings are reported for review by management.
- Sustaining Green Productivity requires action to correct where necessary or to build on existing success. Having a feedback loop is essential to keep progress on track and to respond to the changing circumstances imposed by internal and external drivers including customer expectations, the environment and other innovations that may accelerate the greening of productivity.
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