Going green doesn’t just allow businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, it also saves them a lot of money. Every green step that an office takes, from using natural lighting to recycling, often reduces costs and ultimately impacts the planet positively. You can calculate your ecological footprint here.
Choosing to go green in your office space comes with a number of benefits. Employees tend to have more pride in their work when their employers are environmentally responsible. Going green can also enhance your business’ image. If you want to be an eco-conscious organisation, here are 8 ways to make your office eco-friendly.
1. Reduce waste
Reducing waste in your office isn’t just about ensuring you have recycling bins in place. Try to consider how many single-use items your office disposes of regularly, and how you can reduce the use of them.
Try placing the correct recycling bins next to the workstations of your employees. That way there will be no excuse when it comes to recycling. ♻️
At CMOS, we help offices with supplying separate recycling pods for glass, cardboard, compost material, and general waste. We make sure that you’re putting as little into landfills as possible. Here you can find the bins we use for our clients.
2. Go Digital
There is no need to print every single material at the office. Consider uploading employee manuals and other materials on the cloud rather than distributing. The increasing numbers of digital storage systems for businesses make going digital very easy to do.
3. Buy environmentally friendly paper
As much as we want to go digital, we still need paper right? so try to go with the most environmentally-friendly choice. You can also look for paper that has been made with more sustainable substances like bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton. Remember to recycle paper, print double-sided and avoid colour printing as much as you can.
4. Cut Energy Usage
Energy consumption is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, so aim to reduce your office energy consumption with smarter lighting choices. 💡
Use natural light where possible, try opening the blinds and let daylight in wherever possible. And of course, don’t leave the lights on at night when everybody is gone. Don’t forget to unplug things when they aren’t in use.
5. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk makes environmental sense because when you buy large amounts there’s less packaging involved. Instead of buying individual packets of coffee, sugar, tea, salt, and other consumables, buy these items in bulk instead. Think creatively about using jars or dispensers for these items that make it easy and sanitary for all to use.
6. Use green cleaning products
Environmentally friendly cleaning products protect the health of everyone at the office, by eliminating harmful substances and odours from the office.
At CMOS, we’re always on the lookout for effective new eco products that we can incorporate into our business. We currently use a range of environmentally friendly and non-toxic floor cleaners and spray cleaners for desks, bench-tops, and windows.
7. Travel less, carpool more
Today is easier than ever to collaborate across offices and time zones with programs like Zoom and Google Meet.
Also, consider promoting carpool efforts and supporting public transit, the use of bicycles, and other transportation options.
Our staff regularly car-pool to work and between the sites at night. As well as reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, it has helped to build a supportive culture and a family atmosphere in our business.
8. Go green with indoor plants
Office plants add liveliness to any office environment. As an added benefit, plants can also clean the air we breathe making the work environment that much healthier. Plants contribute to employees’ happiness and productivity levels. Learn more about the best easy-care indoor plants for your office.
If clean air isn’t enough of a reason to add some nature to the office, consider that plants also help reduce stress and sick days, increase productivity and boost creativity.
Going green means contributing to a more secure and sustainable future. This is a team effort and what’s good for the planet is good for all of us, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t think about going green with your office space today.
