Businesses are responsible for an enormous amount of waste every year -and this can harm the environment as well as your bottom line. Fortunately, you can implement some simple strategies in your office to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Going green in the office may sound like a tall order, but it’s easier than you think. Whether you want to reduce your company’s impact on the environment or save money on energy costs, these six ways to go green in the office can help you get started down the road to sustainability.
From updating old electronics to installing new appliances, you don’t have to tackle this project alone—talk to your local repairman or contractor about what steps your business can take to become more energy-efficient.
Get Employees Involved
Involving your employees in your sustainability efforts is not only a win for you and your bottom line. It also helps show them that their voices are valued. Make sure you communicate with them regularly about what you’re doing to improve sustainability at work.
And don’t be afraid of asking for their help. Every bit makes a difference, no matter how small. If employees feel like they have some agency over their company’s carbon footprint and energy usage, they’ll have more positive feelings about your business as a whole. The bottom line? Making changes at work will make employees happy—and happy employees are productive ones.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
This one seems obvious, but many people are surprised by how much light they lose due to over-draping. If you have bare windows, try adding sheer shades or curtains for extra privacy without blocking out all of that valuable sunlight.
A window film can also be applied to block heat from seeping into your room or conference room during hot summer months. It might seem like you’re paying a little extra on utility bills at first, but it will pay off in the long run. Plus, if you’re running an environmentally friendly business, being conscious of your carbon footprint is a huge part of that mission.
Repair Your HVAC System
Make sure your HVAC is operating adequately. One of its primary functions is temperature control, but it also serves other purposes—humidifies and manages airflow with fans. If it’s not operating properly, you could end up wasting energy and causing excessive wear on equipment, which can be a substantial financial strain. If the system is already old, you can consider upgrading to something more efficient or hiring an expert to get it fully repaired.
A furnace is an example of a typical HVAC system. They are another major contributor to your company’s energy bill. By hiring a furnace repair service, you can ensure that your facility can maintain comfortable temperatures without wasting resources. If you are unsure which type of furnace is best for your facility, ask a professional HVAC technician for advice.
Use Energy-saving Technology
If you’re looking for a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs, then consider replacing any dumb appliances with more energy-efficient models.
While it may be an inconvenience in some cases, investing in a smart thermostat can shave off 30% or more of your cooling and heating bills. Even if you’re not ready for new appliances, plenty of other green technologies are available. Look for features like timers that can be programmed to turn equipment on and off at peak times or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when no one is present.
Power Down All Electronics When the Doors Close
Reducing your electronics’ power consumption isn’t only about saving energy and money. Electronics, such as copy machines and computers, emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can cause a host of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
All you need to do is simply turn off electronics when they aren’t being used. It’s easier than you think—just set your computer on sleep mode or turn off printers that are not in use. Also, unplug equipment when it is not being used, like televisions and lights, if they have a switch with an on a position that doesn’t require a button push to function.
Use Renewable Materials
Using renewable materials can make your business more sustainable. Switching out old materials for new, eco-friendly ones is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and overall waste. A simple way is to use recycled paper. Paper products like printer paper are high on any environmentalist’s priority list because of how quickly they’re consumed and discarded. By switching over to recycled paper at work, you save trees from being cut down and reduce pollution by preventing non-biodegradable substances from entering landfills.
If you are looking for a way to make your company more environmentally friendly without much hassle, you must employ some of these tips. Not only will you feel good about helping save our environment, but it will also help keep your employees happy and productive.
