April marks Earth Month, a dedicated time to celebrate our planet and take meaningful action to protect it. Businesses play a vital role in shaping a greener and more resilient future for our communities. By integrating sustainability into your office space and business operations, you not only positively impact the local environment but also unlock cost savings, improve efficiencies, and foster a more engaged workplace.
Ready to get started? Dive into these 10 quick-win projects, and kickstart your journey toward becoming a more sustainable and responsible business.
1. Smart Thermostat Use
Adjust the thermostat of your office to optimal temperatures. During the summer, set it between 23°C – 25°C, and 20°C – 22°C in the winter.
2. Energy Efficient Lighting
When light bulbs burn out, replace them with LED lights for reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. LED lights are 75% more efficient than traditional bulbs.
3. Reusable Kitchenware
Ditch single-use plastics and disposable kitchenware and replace them with reusable options. Coffee cups, plates, and cutlery can be found at thrift stores, making it a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
4. Green Transportation
Promote eco-friendly communing by encouraging employees to carpool, use public transportation, or adopt active methods like walking or biking.
5. Office Plants
Introduce greenery into the workspace with indoor plants. Indoor plants improve air quality by filtering out pollutants, contributing to a healthier and more productive work environment.
6. Power Down Electronics
Put up signage to remind employees to turn off monitors and other appliances at the end of the day. When electronics are turned off but are still plugged in, they use ‘standby’ or ‘phantom’ power. Try to eliminate phantom power by using power bars and turning them off at the end of the day.
7. Label Garbage and Recycling
Clearly label recycling and garbage bins throughout the office, providing information on what can and cannot be recycled to ensure proper sorting and prevent materials from going to landfills that could otherwise be recycled or composted.
8. Sustainable Printing
Use recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink cartridges to print more sustainably. Set default printer settings to double-sided printing to reduce paper consumption. Encourage digital documentation and communication to minimize the need for paper.
9. Clean Up Your Digital Footprint
The production, use, and data transfer of digital files and devices contribute to carbon emissions. Go through your digital files on your cloud service (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to delete documents you no longer need.
10. Green Cleaning Products
Make the switch to cleaning products that have the Green Seal certification. This designation assures that the products are environmentally safe, taking into account factors such as toxicity, biodegradability, and sustainable packaging practices.
Elevate Your Office Sustainability
Want to take your sustainability journey to the next step? Green Economy London supports businesses big and small to improve their sustainability practices and lower their environmental impacts. The program offers businesses support and tools to measure their impact and help them set and achieve sustainability goals and targets. Together, we’re demonstrating a more sustainable economy is possible.