There’s a multitude of ways you can reduce your footprint and improve sustainability practices around the office. Here’s some more items to consider when converting your office to a sustainable one.
Energy
- Use sleep modes not screen savers on computers to save energy.
- Laptops use 90% less energy than PCs.
- Larger monitors use more energy.
- An inkjet printer uses 95% less energy than a laser printer.
- Put up signs with energy-saving tips specific to particular equipment.
- Set air-conditioning to 25–27 degrees Celsius.
- Use portable or personal fans where possible.
- Use warm-toned compact fluorescent bulbs – keep the fixtures and bulbs clean.
- Have electrical equipment serviced regularly to maintain good working order.
- Switch electrical equipment off instead of using standby as still uses 1/4 of full operating energy.
- Buy rechargeable batteries.
- Use stairs rather than a lift.
- Choose office equipment that is designed to last – design features that support upgrade and repair.
- Fix small problems before they become big ones.
- Make use of natural light and breezes where possible.
- Install motion sensors for lights, etc.
Waste Reduction
- Order supplies by phone, e-mail or online.
- Avoid mass mailings – target and connect with audiences in a meaningful and qualitative way.
- Use copy paper with high percentage of post-consumer waste.
- Proofread and spell-check documents on screen.
- Avoid using cover sheets with faxes.
- Use both sides of printer, photocopier and fax paper.
Green Power
- Green Power accredited by the National Green Power Steering Committee is the most comprehensive accreditation and verification process available to all Australian Energy Suppliers.
- Within Australia, Green Power is providing clean energy generated from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water, and organic matter.
- Green Power reduces the need for coal-fired electricity and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Creates a greater corporate citizen/community leader profile with public relations flow-on effects that aid business profitability.
- Easily measured GHGe reductions.
Take the lead in your industry
- Over 60% of Australians have avoided a product or brand for environmental reasons.
- Demonstrate that environmental initiatives lead to better-quality products.
- Become known as a company willing to take a chance on little-known practices – get the ball rolling.
- Price environmentally sound products and services comparably to conventional ones.
- Link environmental innovations to other benefits like quality and durability.
- The move towards sustainable practices represents the largest transformation of the business environment in half a century. There are huge opportunities for smaller companies to grab a piece of the market share made available by the inaction of large, well-established companies which are largely focused on profit generation as opposed to sustainable practices.
- Don’t think that carbon trading is an excuse to keep going “business as usual”.
- Continue to make ecocentric changes within your business.