GREEN BUSINESS

A greener way to work

Going green has many obvious advantages, such as reducing waste and cutting costs, but it can also positively affect employee health and productivity. For businesses thinking about transforming their office into an environmentally-friendly place of work, Business Network explores some of the ways companies can create a work culture of sustainability.

WASTE NOT

Reducing the amount of paper your business gets through can be an easy first step to creating a sustainable culture. As well as encouraging people to think twice before printing emails and setting up a waste paper recycling point, you can also set up default double-sided printing, aiming to save half the use of paper by eliminating single page print-outs.

You can also set up a printer-friendly email signature for each employee. This isn’t just sustainable, it is a clever way to let other businesses know you are doing your bit for the environment and encourages them to do the same.

Finally, go one step further and install timers on printers so they automatically shut down during out of office hours.

This is more reliable than assigning an employee the role of turning off the printer (they might forget or be off work) and it has the additional advantage of reducing your electricity bill – and your environmental footprint.

FIND A GREEN HOST

Businesses looking to create a work culture of sustainability could benefit from switching web hosting to green hosting. Green web hosting uses renewable energy to power their data servers and reduces indirect emissions from your carbon footprint.

When looking for green web hosting companies, the most reliable will have proof of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). This is so they can use energy off the grid to power their data servers, and then purchase 100% renewable energy to put back onto the grid.

WAYS TO RECYCLE

New equipment and furniture can be costly, so consider recycled or second-hand furniture.

It won’t necessarily be in poor condition – in fact there are many furniture firms that specialise in selling high quality, second-hand items at a reduced cost.

And why stop there? Provide your staff with recycled, sustainable stationary, such as notepads, paper, pens and pencils, and recyclable or reusable drinks bottles.

A GREEN MAKEOVER

A few small changes around the office can really make a difference. To start, remove all individual bins at desks and replacing them with a communal recycling system.

Encourage employees to decorate their desks with houseplants to help improve air quality and create a happier environment.

Maximising natural light sources will help save on energy bills and also boost the mood of your staff.

If you don’t a lot of natural light, consider installing LED lighting – ideally with sensors and timers.

TEAMWORK

In order to implement a green policy, there needs to be teamwork, so get employees on board and enthusiastic about a sustainable workplace.

Encourage your employees to share their ideas on how they, as a team, can make the office more environmentally friendly.

You could offer an incentive for the best ideas or set a monthly challenge, such as for staff to go 30 days without using single-use plastic, and offer a reward to all those who stick to it.