Greening the Office
| Published: 25th October 2007 13:02 |
RESOURCES - REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Increasing costs of energy, waste and water, combined with environmental legislation are impacting on business. Businesses can save up to 5% of their turnover by reducing wasted resources. By spending a small amount of time on the 3 Rs - Reduce Reuse and Recycle, at little or no extra cost, you will reduce outgoings, maximise profits, whilst most importantly, help protect the environment for future generations. The 3 Rs are simple principles that will help you to do a little and change a lot!
The first step is to carry out an office green audit - this will identify key areas that will benefit from improvement. You can do this yourself or have the help of a professional auditor, such as Ecosys, who will help you implement energy saving actions and provide ongoing support.
Some ideas to get your office started are:
1 Use both sides of paper when photocopying or producing reports, reuse envelopes for internal circulation, and does that email really need to be printed for posterity?
2 Use low energy lighting and appliances, replace tungsten lightbulbs with compact fluorescents, switch your electricity supplier to one that supports renewable energy through a 'green tariff';
3 Use daylight to maximum benefit, turn off monitors, printers and lights when not in use.
4 Be no-toxic should it be non-toxic here, avoid buying disposable products and aerosols, look at solvent-free products, paints and cleaning products.
5 Buy from sustainable sources and choose local products and materials to reduce energy and transporting pollution, avoid over-packaged goods.
6 Use recycled products and recycle yours, place recycle bins in a central and accessible location and easily identify recycle points so all staff are aware.
7 Consider other energy saving measures such as timers and sensors for lighting, fit controls to thermostats and improve insulation & draught proofing.
8 Rethink your travel - is it possible to create a car pool scheme, or encourage health boosting activities such as cycling or walking.
By placing the 3 Rs at the heart of office activities, you will cut costs off your bottom line and help the environment. Pass on the message, encourage your colleagues and boost the commitment to go green! It makes good business sense.
Written by Ecosys, a not-for-profit company specialising in all aspects of environmental management, with a focus on resource conservation and best practice. For further information please contact Ecosys on 01273 245587, or email admin@ecosys.org.uk
