As news of climate change continues to circulate, you may be wondering what you can do not only on a personal level, but as a business. There are many ways to make your office greener while also saving money. In the long term, these small changes can make a big difference for your carbon footprint and your bottom line. Keep reading to see our recommendations for an eco-friendly office.
Unplug & reduce energy usage. Turn off electronics, lights, and AC/heating every evening when employees are not in the office. Reducing your electricity bill is not only good for your wallet, but also for the environment! If switching things off around your office is too much for you or your employees to remember to do, there are plenty of home automation systems.
Go paperless. Digitize everything you can, and encourage employees to only print what is vital. Digital documents reduce clutter in the workplace, are affordable, and can be accessed anywhere. Use sustainable paper if possible. As for restrooms, opt for hand dryers which are cheaper and more hygienic than paper towels.
Get desk plants. Desk plants bring a sense of nature to the indoors. They reduce air pollution and produce oxygen, leading to a healthier and happier office staff — in fact, studies have shown that adding living plants to your office causes a 15% increase in productivity and significant improvements in memory retention and other basic tests. They even decrease noise pollution, which can be distracting in an open-plan workplace. Placing potted plants around the office allows everyone to reap the benefits of nature including a cleaner, more energized space.
Do your part in the circular economy. A circular economy means that what we consume we must either reuse, recycle, or stop consuming, with the ultimate goal of eliminating waste. This also means choosing better products that don’t harm the Earth, and using them mindfully. A healthier planet starts with your office! Choose sustainable office materials as much as possible.
Get a green roof. Plants and greenery on the roof of a building can reduce the amount of stormwater run-off and lower your cooling costs by providing shade and extra insulation. Not to mention, they make for a beautiful outdoor space for your building. Green roofs are especially effective in areas experiencing an island-heat index, as they reduce temperatures of the surrounding area. Another benefit is a reduced need for air conditioning in the summer and a longer lasting roof surface.
Take baby steps if you need to, and remember — every little bit helps! We hope we’ve offered you some useful ideas on where to start in growing your business more sustainably. We are help you along this journey and are happy to provide guidance. If you would like to hear more about our interior plant service, green roof service, or any of our other services, contact us today for a free consultation.
