How to Design a Green Work Environment?

There are many ways on how to arrive at better lifestyle in this contemporary era, and one the best among them is going green to preserve the world from serious harm later on. As signs of global warming have modified the world, we need to act responsibly to save our environment. We begin as individuals at our respective homes, in our neighborhood to our workplaces.

In this article, we will tackle five ideas on how our offices can be transformed and designed into a green work environment.

Paper is one of the most consumed products in any office. We print and write notices, reminders and other important documentations on them. To constitute a green work procedure, instead of printing office notes, send them via email to co-workers, clients and suppliers instead. You can also opt for an online web portal where every stakeholder in your project or team can have access in viewing, creating or modifying notes without the use of the physical paper material.

If using paper is really necessary, suggest the purchasing department to acquire and buy recycled or reusable paper products. If your office receives regular newsletters, professional journals or magazines, ask if you can subscribe online rather than them sending you copies by mail.

Another way to cut back on paper is to take the blank side of the used printed materials (e.g. outdated manuals, forms, letters, drafts) and print internal notes on it. When photocopying, setup the printer in such a way that it prints both sides of the paper.

Place trash bins with a recycle or reuse signage near or next to workstations and other areas where there is a great number of paper spent.

By common sense, turning off computers and lights when they are not in use can save electricity and energy. Other suggestions are:

• Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs which treats the environment better lasts much longer.
• Use natural lighting whenever possible. Arrange workstations to face the windows so that you don’t have to turn on any lights in the daytime.
• Set up time switches for your air conditioners to make the units run more efficiently. Clean and replace air filters regularly to ensure that cold and clean air is well ventilated.
• Use laptops instead of desktop computers. Laptops not only save space, it is also portable and saves lesser energy overall as it helps reduce carbon emissions. They also help save trees by using less packaging. With a PC, every part comes with a guide and in different boxes. A laptop uses only one small package while the manual can be downloaded from the Internet.
• When you’re done in the workplace and everybody has left for the day, instead of just turning electrical appliances off, unplug everything or turn power strips off. By doing so, you will save a hefty amount of energy and bills in the long term.

Instead of buying new fixtures, try searching for appliances at rummage sales, second-hand or resell stores. Or if you have time, just give your old products an experience lift! Get innovative. You can also rent or lease equipment. There are companies/manufacturers now which offer to lease photocopiers and printers for other businesses.

When possible, try getting to work by using public transportation, carpooling, walking (if nearby) or riding a bicycle or a scooter. If work can be done at home, allow telecommuting. Working from home saves you electricity, transportation costs and other utilities; just make sure your employees can be easily be contacted wherever they are.

Arrange web or virtual conferences or phone meetings instead of going on to meeting places physically. If you can utilize the power of the Internet for business presentations, take advantage of it to reduce fuel consumption and use of vehicles that emit greenhouses gases. Moreover, greenhouse gases contribute to peoples’ increase in health-related complications from breathing in the incredible amount of air pollution.

Also, sign up for using online systems such as online banking to make transactions and other business concerns.

Involving all employees to go green is probably the most important action. Teach them the green options and Eco-friendly efforts in the overall implementation of using, supplying and incorporating a path to becoming a green conscious business. One short example is to have them practice green considerations on their own in the office pantry. Have them bring their own dishes, utensils and reusable containers and silverware rather than disposable ones. Avoid using plastic cups and Styrofoam products.

Going green doesn’t only help the environment but also saves us money. By make practicing consistently, it can save the next generation from emissions effected. Essentially, the green program is not hard to do; we just need to realize how important it to save costs, energy and our lives.

Also, going green may help promote the business, as customers would prefer earth-friendly products and they will choose a company applying green systems over others. This thereby increase profits and improve the impression of your company onto the public world.

Author bio:
Alexis Thompson is a former Mountain Backpacker and a 26 year old mother of 2 daughters, Sophie and Rhian. She is into almost all types of Music especially The Fray and Hillsong. She also has a passion in Singing and Scrap Booking. Follow her escapades on her Twitter.