Have you been changing your home to be more eco-friendly? If so then we applaud you! If you’re thinking about trying to put those changes in place at work but not sure how to go about it, don’t worry because we have you covered. Here’s 10 easy ways you can help your workplace reduce its carbon footprint:
- Recycle
It goes without saying that in the majority of working environments piles upon piles of paper is printed, used, and then discarded. Simple solution: recycle it. All you have to do is set up a recycling bin in your office (preferably by the printer) for your colleagues to discard their unwanted papers in. This could then be a springboard into recycling other materials such as plastic and hopefully before you know it your office will be in full recycling flow. It’s not just the basic materials that can be recycled, either. Do you work in an office? Old laptops and computers often go to waste and end up in a landfill. Having a plan in place to upcycle old laptops will help to reduce your workplace’s carbon footprint.
- Lights Out
So, it’s the end of the day and you’re ready to leave, but before you do, make sure all the lights and switches are turned off. It may seem small, but it’ll make a huge impact in the grand scheme of things and also will save your company money on the electric bill.If your work is full of computers it’s worth having a discussion with your team to shut down their computers at the end of the day rather than keeping them on standby. Any electrical appliances that are kept on standby, even though not in use, still use energy.
- Your Biggest Fan
When the summer months hit, it can be quite stuffy and humid at work. Instead of investing in a cool-looking and modern air-conditioning system, opt for fans instead. Using fans instead of constantly having the air-conditioning on will help to significantly reduce your work’s carbon footprint and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions.
- Heating
Similar to above, it’s important to take control of the heating systems. No matter your place of work, when it’s winter it can get really cold and no one likes working in the cold, do they? Using heater timers that can be controlled remotely will allow you and your colleagues the opportunity to warm up your workplace before you arrive, instead of leaving the heating on over night. Goodbye carbon emissions, hello controlled cosiness.
- Work Equipment
When on the lookout for new work equipment, whether it be electricals, a new desk, or even a fridge for the kitchen, it’s vital to make sure you purchase efficient products. If it’s furniture you’re after, is there a possibility you could upcycle previously owned furniture sets? Not only will you cut down your footprint and save money, but you’ll also have the excitement of getting to decorate your new workplace additions.
- Commuting
Does your workplace have a cycle-to-work scheme? If not, then it’s something you should think about introducing. Transport such as cars are one of the highest producers of carbon dioxide. Depending on how well you get on with your colleagues (good, we hope) then sharing the idea of carpooling is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. If a number of you drive, then taking it in turns to drive each other to work will not only be eco-friendly, but also will give you a little team bonding time.
- Green Activities
The majority of workplaces have team days out, so why not make some of them sustainable? Volunteering to help out at local gardens or even creating a green garden yourself – permitting you have the outside space to do so – will not only help to make your workplace look green and pretty, but also be supplying the atmosphere with clean air.
- Lunch Time
Now, when we say have a green lunch we don’t mean pile your plate with vegetables – although we encourage that also – we’re talking about reusable materials and utensils. Encourage your workplace to use tupperware and have a kitchen area with all the necessities that the team might need. Think plates, cutlery, and glasses etc. No need for plastic or throwaway utensils because it’s all there.
- Green Education
One of the best ways to succeed in making your workplace more eco-friendly is to have all team members on board. It’s important to educate your colleagues on what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. You don’t need to put together a presentation full of trees, but a weekly newsletter of going green incentives will really help to get everyone in the workplace on board.
- Upgrade
No matter your line of work, every workplace uses energy and will have ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Taking a look at energy suppliers and upgrading to green plans is one of the best ways to put your company at the forefront of businesses going green. Using green energy will also help save your company money, too. If your workplace is quite big and you have the means to do so, then having a think about using renewable energy sources such as solar panels or heat pumps is a huge leap in the direction of cutting down on your carbon footprint.If you have any further questions on how to make your workplace even greener, contact us online or Tweet us @ProjectSolarBE.