Almost three years ago, a few passionate employees banded together because they wanted to make eBay a greener company. And they have. From eliminating Styrofoam cups to supporting much larger projects, like the company’s new Bloom Energy fuel cell installation and the recent waste reduction program in San Jose, the eBay Green Team has demonstrated that small actions can make a big difference. These actions are being applauded outside the company as well.
During the second annual Social Innovation Awards, JustMeans and the Financial Times recognized eBay with the best employee engagement strategy for the Green Team. The awards honor corporations and nonprofits for implementing groundbreaking business strategies. The event also provides a forum for organizations to highlight their latest concepts and practical applications to advance both society and business. Companies and nonprofits were evaluated in categories ranging from best new green product to the best social investment strategy to best stakeholder engagement.
“This award is a terrific testament to the passion and commitment of each of our employee Green Team members,” said Amy Skoczlas Cole, director of the Green Team. “It is a moment to recognize the real impact grassroots innovation can have, not only within our company, but also across our community of users.”
Today, more than 2,400 eBay Inc. employees in 23 countries are Green Team members. That’s roughly 15 percent of eBay’s global workforce, all of whom are supporting environmental causes in their local communities and promoting sustainable business practices within eBay.
The Big Green Idea contest – a company-wide call for ideas to make eBay a greener company – exemplifies how employees are engaged in driving sustainable practices. Launched at the end of 2009, the contest yielded 611 submissions from employees in 32 offices around the world. CEO John Donahoe and eBay’s Sustainability Steering Committee picked the semi-finalists, but employees had the last word on which programs and initiatives they’d like to see eBay implement.
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What’s next for the Green Team? “Breaking down traditional divisions between employees and customers through our new community site – ebaygreenteam.com,” said Amy. “There, we invite everyone to join in with our employees in driving small actions that can add up to a big difference. And the efforts led by our employees serve as inspiration and fodder for great conversation.”
Reporting by ebayinc.com