Go green at the office to create a healthy work environment, save money, improve employee rentiontion and have customers feeling good about who they do business with.
Business owners and employees can take small steps toward greening their office space by reducing waste, switching to environment-friendly products and implementing programs the entire company can participate in.
Save Some Trees
According to the American Forest and Paper Association (AFPA) only 56% of paper consumed in the United States in 2007 was recovered for recycling. The AFPA estimates that each ton of paper that is recycled saves over 3.3 cubic yards of space in the landfills.
Offices can start with goals to reduce, reuse and recycle paper consumption with the following tips:
Internal memos can be limited to electronic mail instead of print.
Specific print software can be purchased or printers can be configured to allow for printing on both sides of the sheet of paper.
Adding a recycling program for the office with a focus on educating employees and customers on accepted recyclable materials as well as effective recycling habits.
Office supply purchases can include products with recycled labels that contain high percentages of recycled content, or post-consumer content.
Improve Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can be very expensive for any size business when employees develop environment sensitivities and require sick leave.
A switch to low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints or milk and clay based paints when painting is required will leave the office free of toxic fume pollutants.
New materials can be given adequate ventilation after being installed to reduce exposure to chemical off-gasses. An example would be to leave windows open overnight after carpet installations.
Companies can invest in allergen filters for central air offices, replacing every three months or as directed, or request such quality filters from building management.
Conserve Energy
Rising energy costs may be enough to inspire less energy dependence. Simple steps at the office can lower a business’s energy bills. The more steps an office can take the greater the savings achieved.
Printers, scanners and other infrequently-used electronics can be turned off until needed.
All computers should be shut down at the end of the day.
Energy-saving light bulbs can be purchased and used to replace existing bulbs when they burn out.
Turning off lights in rooms not in use during the day and then turning off all lights at the end of the day can add up in savings.
Feel Good Steps
Taking bigger steps towards a green business is totally dependent on the company’s direction and, often times, what image that company wants to present. The following steps would give a leading green edge and show employees and customers that going green is about more than changing light bulbs.
Support environmental efforts through donation and membership in 1% For The Planet or other non-profit organizations.
Explore options available to include renewable energy sources through the electric company – such as local solar or wind power.
A company can plan annual events to involve employees in community outreach programs to clean up local parks and public spaces.
The copyright of the article Creating a Green Office in Green Business Practices is owned by Amy Kreydin. Permission to republish Creating a Green Office in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
