Tips for a Green Office
Image by Joshua Kulpa
Lighting and Energy
- Use natural light as much as possible in the office. This will not only save electricity and reduce the environmental impact but studies have also shown that it helps employees to function better.
- When not using a room turn off the lights as artificial lights in office buildings account for over 40% of the electricity used in the building.
- Use energy efficient lighting and motion sensors to save energy and money.
- Use energy providers that provide renewable energy
- Find out more information about making your building more energy efficient and any grants that apply to your business from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Computers and other Machines
- If computers don’t need to be left on all night, then turn them and the power adapters off completely.
- Check your settings on your computer to make sure it is set to automatic ‘sleep’ when not being used for a time.
- Turn off your monitor if you are going for a break.
Paper
- Aim for a paperless office.
- Print on both sides of the paper and avoid colour printing when not necessary.
- Print in draft mode to save ink and paper.
- To change setting on Windows; go to Start > Printers and Faxes > Right Click on your printer and choose Properties > Printing Preferences Tab > Draft Mode option should be in your ‘General’ or ‘Main’ tabs > Select and Click OK. To change back for printing professional documents etc just uncheck the Draft Mode.
- Buy paper that has a high percentage of recycled content and look for chlorine-free paper.
- Remember that there are alternative papers made from organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and kenaf.Always recycle toner and ink cartridges.
- Think about what needs to be printed or not. It’s easier and more efficient to update documents and emails on file than to print and then reprint.
Recycling and Reducing Waste
- Buy remanufactured toner and ink cartridges which save metals and plastics for reuse.
- All office supplies can be bought in recycled materials including furniture.
- Make sure there are adequate recycling stations clearly labelled around the office for anything and everything that can be recycled.
- Encourage people to bring in their own mugs instead of using plastic cups.
Getting everyone involved
- Encourage car pooling amongst employees
- Suggest the use of videoconferencing and teleconferencing facilities in order to cut down on travel to meetings.
- Register for the Irish Governments Bike Scheme to give employees another transport option that’s good for their health and fitness.
- Use non toxic cleaning products and reduce air pollution in the office by keeping various plants around to absorb any toxins.
- Encourage the use of stairs, as lifts use a lot of energy and this can also help with fitness and health.
- Place reminders around the kettle to advice employees on saving water and energy in the kitchen area.
- Organise specific days or weeks that promote ways of becoming more environmentally friendly and energy efficient e.g. Green Office Week
