Going green with your office space makes sense for quite a few reasons. Aside from being the right thing to do for the future of the planet, an eco-friendly building can save you money on energy bills. Your customers and employees will also appreciate your efforts as a socially-responsible business.
From small to big changes, you can make your office more eco-friendly in several ways. Depending on your goals, budget, and strategic plan, you can introduce some of the following strategies.
1. Choose Renewable Energy Sources
If using renewable energy sources is an option for your business, it’s certainly something you should explore. Solar panels can drastically reduce your energy bills and boost your property value. Depending on your location, wind and biofuels are other options to generate power.
2. Reduce the Number of Office Printers
Does every office and hallway need its own printer? Sure, it might be slightly more convenient. But it’s also wasteful and makes it harder for employees to transition to a digital document system. Consider cutting down on the number of printers in your office if possible.
3. Use Green Office Supplies
You can upgrade your office supply selections to ones that are eco-friendly. Choose recycled paper products and compostable cups for your staff break area. Instead of using binders made from dangerous plastic, buy ones that are made from 100% recyclable material.
4. Encourage Green Commuting Options
Carpooling, ebikes, bicycles, walking, and even a few days of telecommuting are all ways you can reduce the number of cars on the road and in your office building’s parking lot. As a business owner, you may wish to encourage and reward employees for choosing these options.
5. Reuse and Recycle Office Waste
Offices tend to produce a ton of waste. Yours can do its part for the planet by reusing and recycling as much as possible. From paperclips to binders, there are probably many items you can reuse. And, those you can’t are good candidates for recycling.
6. Optimize the Use of Natural Light
If you are involved in the design or remodel of your office space, or have several options when searching for the right space, pay close attention to the availability of natural light. When you have ample access to natural light, it reduces your energy use and can improve the well-being of your staff.
7. Turn Things Off or Down at Night
One of the best ways to be more sustainable is to reduce your energy use. Put what items you do use, such as lights and thermostats, on timers, so they don’t run 24/7. These will make your office more eco-friendly and save you some cash.
8. Form a Sustainability Team
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless ways your office can be eco-friendly. Why not involve your workers in the process? You can get more ideas and buy-in from your staff by creating an internal team in charge of choosing initiatives and goals.
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