[OKRA] Free green operations training online

[Hershey, Ilda]

OKRA is pleased to share a free online training opportunity with you.  The focus of this federally-funded training, a joint project between Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and the SouthWestern Association, is to help businesses save money, become more efficient and raise awareness about how working together we can help preserve the environment, conserve resources, and remain compliant with state and federal regulations.  Although these courses are designed for a particular industry (heavy equipment dealerships), the course material may be applied to any operation.

Participants who access the 10-15 minute online video-based training courses will learn about topics such as:

·         Waste handling & recycling

·         Energy conservation

·         Alternative energy ideas (wind, bio fuels, etc.)

·         Regulatory compliance (EPA, OSHA and DNR)

·         Procedure suggestions, both proactive and reactive, on various issues (an example might be spill containment, etc.).

If you are interested for yourself or other employees within your organization, please follow these steps:


·         Email Cory Hayes (chayes at swassn.com<mailto:chayes at swassn.com>), with the names of the persons who will utilize the training.  Provide each person's first name, last name, and position.

·         Cory will then provide you with active passwords; each participant will then:

1.       Sign in to the training at their leisure

2.       Provide the required registration information

3.       View at least one course title and take the short assessment exam.  Ideally, a score over 80% is suggested; retakes are acceptable.

You are not limited in course views, there is no charge and participants can access the pre-recorded videos 24/7 from any Internet connection.  Courses are on-demand and there are a variety of courses for all types of participants.

For a complete course listing, see below.  These course will be available for a limited time so be sure to take advantage of this free opportunity for professional development today!  Cory's full contact information is listed below as well should you have any questions.

OSUIT Workforce Development Green Training Curriculum

 *   Introduction to Green Dealerships
    *   Introduction to Green: BTI Greensburg Case Study (11:34)
Welcome to our three part Introduction to Green. In this series we'll look at how you can save energy and costs in your dealership. The first class is a case study of a dealership. You'll what practices they have implemented and how they are cutting expenses by being more sustainable.

    *   Introduction to Green: Your Dealership (8:33)
Welcome to our three part Introduction to Green. In this series we'll look at how you can save energy and costs in your dealership. This class transfers the BTI Greensburg processes to your facility, and highlights ways you can become more sustainable.

    *   Introduction to Green: The ROI of Green (7:46)
Welcome to our three part Introduction to Green. In this series we'll look at how you can save energy and costs in your dealership. The final class is this series is dedicated to the returns - the benefits of becoming a greener dealership.

 *   Going Green
    *   Developing A Sustainability Plan (7:48)
Welcome to our course on developing and implementing a sustainability plan. I think everyone is familiar with the term sustainability. But how does it really apply to you and your workplace? What's the significance in our community? And how does it benefit you? That's what we'll talk about in this class.

    *   Risk Management
       *   Risk Management (8:03)
Risk management is an important part of running a successful business. There are many kinds of risk associated with having a service business, some internal, some external. You have more control over internal risks than you do external. External risks like fuels costs, interest rates, and weather are beyond your control, but you can prepare for them to minimize the impact. The overall objective of managing risk is to prevent fatalities and injuries, reduce damage to buildings and equipment, and to accelerate resumption of normal operations if a disaster does happen.

       *   Environmental Transparency (7:26)
One of the major challenges in green business practices is the reporting of the intangibles, such as Indoor air quality, and energy efficiency or waste management statistics. These things are often ignored in business accounting. But it's time to start making them a priority. In this course we're going to discuss business transparency, and why it's important. We'll learn about environmental accounting and carbon reporting and why they need to become a component in your businesses accounting and reporting procedures.

       *   Green Cleaning Concepts (7:48)
Institutional cleaning uses 6 billion pounds of formulated chemicals a year. Commercial buildings also use 4.5 billion pounds of hand towels and toilet tissue, much of it is chlorine-bleached and from virgin pulp, and then discard in some 35 billion plastic trash bags a year. In this course we'll discuss green cleaning concepts.

       *   Green Purchasing Guidelines (8:09)
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, often referred to as "green purchasing," is the election of products and services that minimize negative environmental impact over their life cycle of manufacturing, transportation, use, and recycling or disposal. To reduce the impact on the environment they are often using less energy, less water, and less electricity, which for you means, less costs.

       *   Green Software (7:52)
Making your facility more sustainable and more energy efficient requires that you closely manage your energy use. In recent years several software programs have been developed to help you track and optimize on your energy use. I'm sure some of you have been approached by software companies wanting to sell you their software. In this class we'll talk about what you should be tracking and what you should look for if you're considering purchasing software.

    *   Managing Waste
       *   A Plan to Begin Managing Your Waste (9:17)
Since the beginning of time, proper waste management has been vital to human existence. Waste management protocol is an essential step to a business's success in developing sustainability. Watch this course to learn more about managing waste.

       *   What is Hazardous Waste (10:25)
Does your business generate hazardous waste? The simple answer - yes it does. This course will help you understand what wastes you're generating, how to handle that waste, and how to comply with federal hazardous waste management regulations.

       *   Steps for Successful Recycling (8:41)
We all know what recycling is. But do we really know how recycling can impact our business? In this class we'll discuss what items can be recycled, review the benefits of recycling, and we'll look at how to set up a recycling program in your facility.

       *   Vendors and Contracts (5:56)
Part of waste management includes proper transportation and processing of the waste. To do that you'll probably have to hire a collection vendor. This class will help screen vendors, organize contracts, and amend Bills of Lading.

    *   Lower Energy Bills
       *   Doing Your Part at Work (13:46)
Lowering utility bills is not only a matter of expense reduction, it is an environmental responsibility. For example, a single CFL light bulb can save $30 over its life and eliminate 450 pounds of power plant emissions. This program shows what individuals can do at work to dramatically lower the over energy and water bills at work.

       *   Water Conservation (8:45)
We face a growing challenge - to meet the increasing demand for water in an expanding population. Water supplies are affected by more and more industrialization, mechanization, and urbanization. In this course we'll cover the three basic goals of water conservation efforts.

       *   Creating a Comprehensive Energy Savings Plan (18:10)
While individuals can make a big difference in overall energy and water usage, it requires a total organizational effort to generate the most benefits. This program shows how to set up an energy savings PIT (process improvement team), details a seven-step organizational action plan, and lists over 30 ideas for reducing usage and costs.

    *   Building Basics
       *   Green Building Basics (6:56)
Welcome to our basic introduction to green buildings. In this course we'll look at green building techniques that will save costs and improve health.

       *   LEED (8:32)
You can apply for LEED certifications if you have designed a facility to meet sustainability standards. Watch this course to find out what elements the USGBC looks for in green buildings.

    *   Renewable Resources
       *   Renewable Resources (9:00)
Some businesses are moving toward renewable resources. It's an opportunity to use local resources to power needs, and become less dependent on outside fuels. Watch this course to review what types of renewable energy are available.

       *   Considering Wind Energy (6:56)
Wind energy is becoming more common and more affordable. Is it an option for your dealership? Watch this course to learn more about it.

 *   Transportation
    *   Green Fleets (7:02)
If you're looking to cut costs, greening your fleet can help. Green fleets offer significant public health and economic benefits, as well as reduce dependence on foreign oil and improve the environment. This program will review some processes you can change to cut costs, and make equipment last longer. We'll also look at how dealerships can adopt a variety of conservation measures; retrofit technologies, and what alternative fuels and vehicles are available.

    *   Alternative Fuels (8:56)
You've probably heard a lot about alternative fuels, and hybrid or electric vehicles. But with all the new technology and possible options, it's hard to know what to consider for your dealership. In this class, we'll look at the various options and how they might impact your business, and what you should consider implementing.

    *   Vehicle Waste Disposal (10:39)
With increasing population and industrialization, waste management is becoming a severe problem in our country and around the world. Utilizing the proper means of waste disposal is crucial to public health and the environment. In this class we're talking about waste specific to equipment maintenance your dealership; you'll learn about Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells, how to recycling tires, what to do with used motor oils and filters, and how to properly dispose of solvents, batteries, and mercury switches.

    *   Saving Fuel Costs (17:10)
Improving fuel economy just five percent can each year save over $1,200 in fuel and 8 metric tons of greenhouse gases per vehicle. This program details simple techniques that all driver can use to reduce fuel usage. For example, should you turn off the air-conditioner and open the windows to save gas? In this program, learn the answer to this and many other driving questions.

    *   Driving School (2:20)
Welcome to the Driving School. This course will give you some basic tips on how to drive more safely and efficiently, whether it's in your personal car or a company car.

    *   Idle Time (3:27)
Every hour a vehicle spends idling it burns up to ¾ of a gallon of gas. This course will help to explain how long a vehicle should be left at idle and other helpful tips to improve your fuel economy.

    *   Oil, Tune, and Tires (4:01)
The right oil can help improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency substantially. You will learn the importance of proper vehicle maintenance in order to improve your vehicles fuel consumption.

    *   Order Accuracy (2:32)
Order accuracy is key to conserving fuel. Properly stocked accounts mean fewer delivers. Fewer deliveries mean less miles, and that means we save fuel.

    *   Power Curve (2:59)
Speed has a direct correlation with fuel consumption. This course will explain the relationship between speed and fuel.

    *   Take Home Vehicles (2:21)
In this course you will learn about Business Only vehicles and fuel efficiency.

Cory Hayes
Director of Education
SouthWestern Association
638 W 39th Street (64111) | P.O. Box 419264 | Kansas City, MO 64141
P: 816-561-5323 | Toll Free: 800-762-5616 | F: 816-561-1249
chayes at swassn.com<mailto:skscroggins at swassn.com>




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