Did you read the Spring/Summer 2008 Roots & Shoots newsletter?

If you did, you know that Roots & Shoots members in Shanghai, China have designed and are implementing an Eco-Office Evaluation Program. Through this dynamic program, members perform audits of offices' environmental conditions and advise office staff on how to green their offices.

Well, Roots & Shoots-Shanghai decided to put their own office to the test¿and came out on top. Of 30 offices that participated in the most recent round of audits, Roots & Shoots-Shanghai ranked number one!

To perform the audits, Roots & Shoots members inspect all parts of the offices, from the printer rooms to the kitchens to the restrooms. Their process includes walk-through observations, energy usage documentation and staff surveys and interviews. Then, they score the offices based on how well their resources are being utilized. The scores of their most recent audits ranged from 44 to 94 on a 100-point scale.

Roots & Shoots-Shanghai achieved its high score by diligently following the recommendations of the Eco-Office Evaluation Program, such as developing an environmental office policy, getting all staff members involved and focusing on details, such as printing double-sided and turning off the lights.

"With everyone pulling their own weight, the office was able to achieve a high level of success in using energy efficiently," said Zee Zee Zhong, Executive Director of JGI-China (Shanghai).

Here are some quick stats about the Roots & Shoots-Shanghai office's environmental impact in 2008:

• Total carbon emissions: 36,896 kilograms (approximately 37 tons)
• Money budgeted to offset carbon: 10,000 RMB (approximately $1,500 USD)
• Trees planted to offset carbon: 450 (as part of their Inner Mongolia reforestation project)

"The Shanghai Roots & Shoots office is looking forward to continuing the Eco-Office Evaluation Program," Zee Zee said. "We truly hope that our office can serve as an example of how office spaces can take a big step in reducing their daily environmental impact and contribute to a 'greener' world."

Feeling inspired by Roots & Shoots-Shanghai? Someone in Seattle, Washington was too! Read the news story.