Sustainability is big news at the moment – but unlike most items in your feed, it isn’t going to go away when people get bored.
The time for action against climate change is now, – and reducing waste and inefficiency at work is a start.
And when we talk about creating a sustainable office, we don’t mean an expensive overhaul – just a few tips and habits that can make a difference.
Get the light right
One of the biggest contributors to office energy expenditure is lighting, with LED options proving far more cost-effective and efficient.
But an even more environmentally-friendly way to cut down on costs is by maximising the use of natural light.
Office design options like glass partitioning allow for less use of the light switch during the day and lower energy consumption.
Print less
It’s estimated that up to 60 percent of the sheets printed by UK office workers are wasted or unnecessary.
Like your email signature says, by considering whether you really need to print something, you can reduce this.
But by adopting digital-first methods and specialist applications for things like reporting or proofreading, you can permanently change the culture.
Assess suppliers
Of course pricing is a major factor to consider when selecting any supplier for your office, from tables to tablets.
But if you can get a good price for renewable energy, or deforestation-free paper, then why not make the switch?
In the long-term, conserving resources will prove more cost effective, while sending a clear message about your values to future suppliers and your customers.
Go green
If you don’t already, get some plants in the office – they’ll help oxygenate the space and absorb carbon dioxide and other toxins.
According to a study conducted by NASA, up to 87 percent of air pollutants in an office can be removed by plants in a 24 hour period.
Want to work in an office that promotes sustainability?
There are so many more choices you can make as an office-based business, to be more sustainable and contribute to slowing climate change.
But whether it’s ensuring waste is recycled correctly or keeping bees on the office roof, no effort of any size is wasted.
While a total design overhaul may not be practical, by adopting office habits that encourage a culture of sustainability, you can make a difference.
And when it does come time to refurbish or even relocate the office, then you can make the bigger changes that reflect your aims.
If you’d like to speak to an office design professional about your sustainability options, please get in touch.