"The Greening of HR Survey," conducted by Buck Consultants, a human resources and benefits consulting firm, finds that 54 percent of respondents incorporate environmental management into their business operations.

The survey analysed responses from 93 organisations in the United States, representing a wide range of industries. The research was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2008, and examines the types of "green" initiatives employers are using in work-force management and human-resources practices.

Whether they are part of a strategic business plan or a one-off practice, some common green human-resources initiatives include:

- Using web- or tele-conferencing to reduce travel (78 percent)
- Promoting the reduction of paper use (76 percent)
- Implementing wellness programs to foster employees' proper nutrition, fitness, and healthy living (68 percent).

"Many employers now recognize that green programs in the workplace can promote social responsibility among workers and help retain top talent," said Don Sanford, managing director of Buck's Communication practice, who directed the survey. "More than 60 percent of survey respondents have made environmental responsibility part of their organization's mission statement."

The survey found employee involvement in green programs dramatically increases when organizations appoint an individual to lead the efforts.

For companies with at least three-quarters of their employees actively involved in green programs, 71 percent have appointed individual leaders, while only 29 percent do not have such a leader.

Among companies that provide rewards to encourage green behaviours, 77 percent provide special employee recognition, 36 percent give prize incentives, and 14 percent provide a monetary reward.

Travel Plans are actively being encouraged in the UK, US and Netherlands, observing how companies and organisations operate green policy in different countries can provide a useful insight into different forms of best practise. The survey indicates that involving employees from an early stage in the Travel Planning process goes a long way to delivering a successful Travel Plan. Furthermore incentivising green activity within the office is likely to generate greater involvement from employees.