The carbon footprint produced by commercial businesses around the world is enormous.
In fact, more than 10% of all greenhouse gases around the world are produced by commercial organisations.
This number becomes even higher when we take into account the electricity used by office based businesses across the globe.
Thankfully, there are plenty of small steps we can take, which add up to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Here are just a few things your office can do to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Technology
First of all, provide your staff with smaller computer monitors and the most energy efficient rated computer hard drives. This will have an immediate effect.
For instance, energy consumption by computer monitors can be reduced by about 30% when cutting 2 inches off a monitor’s size.
Furthermore, ensure items like computers, printers and appliances are off and unplugged when not in use, to avoid the consumption of ‘phantom power’.
‘Phantom power’ is where electronics are turned off but left plugged in to power sockets which are still on. This still drains power, and therefore costs your business.
As well as these steps, invest in good quality tech hardware.
Consistently having to replace broken down or underperforming computers, printers and tablets means more carbon emissions. It also takes a toll on your finances.
Energy
Energy consumption should be monitored and reduced where possible.
One way to completely wipe out emissions due to electricity use is to install solar panels. Whilst installation may be expensive, you’ll be making a saving in the long run.
The Earth and your bank balance will thank you for going solar.
Recycle
We’ve discussed recycling in an office many times, but we’ll touch on it again.
It’s likely that your office produces plenty of paper waste, so it’s imperative that this is recycled responsibly to avoid unnecessary carbon emissions being produced.
Furthermore, recycling e-waste is crucial, as this type of waste can create plenty of greenhouse gases during the manufacturing process.
Lastly, have an office rubbish removal company remove larger items for recycling, such as furniture.
Thermostat
Heating and cooling is one of the biggest users of energy in your office.
Therefore, it’s important you’re not heating or cooling excessively, and as a result, creating unnecessary carbon emissions.
It’s also expensive, so you could be wasting money that is better spent elsewhere.
Employees will have different levels of thermal comfort, so do your best to find a comfortable temperature range, ensuring it’s not needlessly high.
Transportation
Whilst not strictly in the office, you can contribute to reducing emissions from your workers commute by encouraging green modes of transport.
For example, subsidise public transport cards for your workers to entice them to take the train, tram or bus to work, instead of driving.
Furthermore, you could implement a cycle to work scheme whereby your staff can purchase a bike through your company, paying it off over the year.
Even a carpool program can have a great impact on the emissions caused by your staff’s daily commute, and will also save your workers money.
Flexible Working
Less people in the office means less carbon emissions.
Therefore, encourage more flexible working with hot desking or agile working. This will mean more days spent out of the office by your staff.
Not only does this reduce emissions, but it will also have a positive impact on the happiness and satisfaction levels of your employees.
Lighting
Maximise the natural light in your office so that you can reduce the need for artificial light.
This not only means a reduction in emissions, but has excellent health benefits for your workers.
Alternatively, install LED lights in your office. These use up to 40% less energy than fluorescent bulbs and 80% less than incandescent bulbs.
As with most of these steps, changing the lights in your office will not only mean a reduction in carbon emissions, but also a saving for your business.
In conclusion, there are a number of things you can do in your office to reduce your carbon footprint, and these often result in financial benefits to your company.
