Building A Better Future – 5 Ways To Make Your Office More Sustainable
Today, we live in a world where no longer are we ignorant to environmental issues and sustainability.
I am sure that all of us do our part in contributing towards a sustainable lifestyle and existence, whether it be through recycling, upcycling or trying to cut down on our carbon footprints.
Whilst many of us do this at home and in our personal lives, all too often we can forget about bringing these very same practices into the office.
After all, most of us spend up to 50% of our day in the office.
In this article, we will look at 5 ways in which you can make your office more sustainable, so read on to find out more.
1. Cut Down On Energy Consumption
The office is a place where heaps of energy and electricity is consumed, simply because we need to use our computers, fax machines, printers, lights and so much more.
One of the ways in which you can reduce on energy consumption is to have a look at working with solar power providers.
By installing solar power panels, you can make use of the power from natural sunlight to substitute some of the electricity you are using at the office.
Some other ways to cut down on energy consumption would be to switch off gadgets and equipment when not in use, keep an eye on the office temperature and use laptops instead of desktop computers as they consume less energy.
2. Ditch The Paper
Quite a number of companies and organisations are now working towards going entirely paperless, but we are aware that this is not an option for certain businesses.
If you can’t go entirely paperless, start with cutting down on usage and make sure you recycle all the paper that is being used in the office. You can also take small steps such as using both sides to a sheet of paper before getting rid of it.
Ensure that you are buying paper from sustainable suppliers and always use toner-saving or draft modes for internal printing that does not require high quality. With these small yet impactful steps, you’re making a huge impact on the sustainability of your office.
3. Start Recycling
Recycling is one of the best and easiest way to ensure that your office is as sustainable as it could possibly be. Set up recycling bins in the pantry area, so that your staff can dispose of their plastic bottles or drink cans in appropriate recycle bins, rather than dumping it into a general waste bin.
Empty ink cartridges can be collected by a company called Planet Ark, whilst electronic waste such as monitors, printers, computers and accessories can be dropped off at your nearest Tech Collect.
Always look for ways to reuse items, and avoid using plastic cutlery or plates/cups in the pantry.
4. Bring The Outdoors Indoors
Just because you are in an office doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some of the lush greenery from outside into your space. Aside from looking fantastic, the addition of plants to your office can purify the air in your office since plants breathe in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen.
Plants can also reduce noise pollution, which is something that is very important and beneficial to an office space. Try to incorporate pot plants into the office, and watch your employee productivity increase.
5. Lastly, Choose Sustainable Suppliers
There is no point in trying to make your office more sustainable if your suppliers are not sustainable. Whether it be bathroom or kitchen products, stationery or furniture, alway source from a sustainable supplier.
Think about how far your products have to travel in order to reach you and see if there are local businesses offering similar products in a bid to reduce your carbon footprint. Before procuring services, always enquire as to whether they have an environmental policy in place or relevant ISO certifications.
And there you have it, 5 relatively simple steps that will make a big change in the sustainability levels of your office. What are you waiting for? It’s time to become an eco office warrior!
About the Author Staff Writer
Our writers come from all over the world, but one thing unites them - their passion for sustainability.