What are your tips for a green office?

[BigDogStudioX]

Might sound petty to some but leaving the computer on stops you having to "cold boot" them every day = extending the life of the hardware = less machines being tossed out the door when they break and saving cost.

 

[bigfork]

I've gone for a "don't print anything out policy". It works out fine apart from other people who refused to read anything on a screen and have to print everything out. Even emails.

 

[Bizantra_Team]

Our tips would be to become a paperless office by storing and saving documents online and also have the ability to work from home which could reduce the number of times one drives to work. It really is all about saving the environment!

 

[OpenSure]

This is interesting. We work from home, so straight off we're avoiding the footprint created by running and travelling to an office, but what we're really proud of is that we manage and arrange our servers (in a data server in London) in such a way that we can use the smallest servers possible (in terms of physical dimension, not drive size) and as few as we can to provide the level of service we want, which reduces the amount of cooling they need and so the electricity they use. We don't shout about it usually but we think it's a Good Thing.

 

[markmax]

These are some tips to keep office green.



Free-Cycle stuff that you don't use
A typical 10 year old water heater is only 50 percent efficient
Recycle existing Polybags
Cycle to work saves environment
Be less greedy
Use alternative wrapping paper
Use Mosquito-proof coolers
Sunlight is free light
Avoid Paper/Plastic Cups

 

[Chris94]

Saving paper (as others have said) is an obvious priority. Invoices and statements can be emailed, and at the end of the month reports can be saved as PDF files (which anyone can later read or print if necessary).

But sadly we often find people ignore or overlook emails, and contact us later to say can we send a paper copy.....

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

A few things we do in our office/warehouse mainly to save money but also helps the environment in a small way too.

Repairing broken pallets

Saving and reusing packing materials (like air bags, packing cases, timber, rope etc) that we receive in from containers that we have unloaded at the warehouse

Reusing paper in our printers so both sides are used

Switching everything electrical off/unplugging when not in use

Recycling paper, plastic bottles, cans etc

E-mailing invoices/statements to clients when possible so that they don't have to go through the post

Trying to backload vehicles when possible or group consignments together that are going to the same area

Glen

 

[AdamJ]

Heating is goes on at 8am and off at 4pm each weekday and is off compeltely over the weekend, (even through December's cold spell!). Heating also goes off at the end of April - if its too cold, tough!

No air conditioning in the office - open a window.

I am one of those who prints documents and long e-mails to read (I find I gloss over stuff when reading on a screen for some reason and just seem to skim-read more) but for the printers:
> We installed duplex units on all printers and default is two-sided printing.
> All errors in printing with blank pages are kept and used as notepaper in the office so we never buy notepads, etc.. They're also used for rough-prints if its just to be read through then binned.
> Printers are turned off at night (as they are also photocopiers they are very power-hungry, even when off)
> Most toner cartridges are recycled

Thermostat on the hot water is set to mid-point. Its only ever for hand washing and washing up so doesn't need to be piping hot.

Computers are not turned off Monday to Friday (same reason as above - to prolong the PSU units, fans, etc.) but are turned off at weekends.

If anyone leaves a light on when the office is locked for the night I personally rip off one of their arms and beat them around the head with it the following morning.

No water cooler at all and no plastic cups anywhere - if they want water there is a tap with perfectly good water in it.

We need to have several 4x4 vehicles for our work but we have got the best ones we could that still did the job, were good for around 800 miles or so of driving a week each, and weren't too thirsty. They are three pickups and two SUVs - all are reasonably frugal considering their size.

All the above are just about cost saving to be honest rather than green-ness, but it achieves the same thing. We don't allow working from home as I'm not a fan of it though and if they want to cycle in they can but if they turn up in Lycra I will point, laugh and hold them up for ridicule.

 

[Warmview]

I know most offices are rented and I am probably being biased considering my company however why don't more offices/shops/businesses replace their windows and shop fronts. Firstly they are more secure but also if you think that nowdays we have 8 months a year where if the heating isn't on atleast one member of staff will whine and moan about it. I know a lot of people will think I am talking cobblers but having double glazing does significantly save money and heat loss. If staff are in a comfortable work environment they will also be more productive.
A few tips we have here for keeping our company green are quite simple and easy to implement.
We use timers on all our exterior showroom lights so we are not illuminating ourselves at 3am where the only people interested in it Will be drunk and try to kick the door in.
We use ceramic cups that are washed up instead of plastics which contribute to landfill.
We reuse all unimportant letters/faxes/junkmail as note paper to jot down rubbish info or give it to our telesales dept to doodle on.
Needless to say all energy efficient lightbulbs etc

 

[PhotonSmith]

Have different recycling bins for different types of waste (ie. paper, cardboards, plastic, food scraps). Although it takes more effort, it makes for easier processing downstream & produces less waste as a result

 

[PrettyCherry1988]

I've no idea. Save paper, use lights that can save energy, use LED instead of CRT, reduce the frequency of using air-condition, are these can help make green office?

 

[Stef27]

Working in an office in London, it can be grey and dreary sometimes. My suggestion to make a greener office is to do exactly what is it says on the tin, get some green in the office.
I have found that peace lilies (http://www.plant-care.com/peace-lily-spathiphyllum.html) are very easy to maintain, and do not require a lot of sun light. The peace lily also has one of the highest air filtration / cleansing properties of all plants.

Give it a try, it definitely made our office brighter

 

[Santia Training]

I find that peace lillies like quite a lot of water when it gets warmer, so wtch out for them starting to droop.

 

[lee248]

By recycling your office waste like used toner cartridges, papers and old electronics, you can achieve the status of green office. I also suggest you to use compatible or remanufactured cartridges, not only to be green but to save money on your printing supplies.

 

[Penny Haywood]

Some great ideas. One I haven't seen here is popping a closed ziplock bag with some water in it into each toilet cistern to save on water costs. Using a ziplock bag allows you to vary the amount to ensure flush efficiency.

Another is subjecting the urge to purchase to some simple tests:
Do we really need it?
Can we do without it?
Can we get it second-hand or free on Freegle/Freecycle?

 

[commercialtransfer1]

The company I work for (Commercial Transfer Ltd) provides commercial only removals & storage services.
As well as Business Development, part of my role is environmental issues connected with our business.
As part of an office, factory, or hospital move, we are often asked to arrange disposal of redundant or surplus furniture & equipment.

Over the past 6-7 years we have developed managed waste streams and successfully saved hundreds of tonnes of office furniture & equipment from going to landfil.

As has been pointed out a good place to start reducing your carbon footprint is indeed your own office.

These are some of the ideas we have actioned:

Automatic corridor lighting (only comes on when someone walks through)
low energy lighting
Only light rooms which are being used.
Electronic faxes
Set PCs,printers etc to enter 'sleep mode' when not in use.
Not printing emails. (this has saved a great deal of paper)
Printing default set to B & W
We use desk top hubs linked to server which uses less energy than P.C not
Any misprinted copy paper is re-used as notepads.
Encourage car sharing, cycling where possible.
Optimised journey plans, satelite tracking to avoid jams.
Don't overfill the kettle!

There are of course a good many things which can be done and indeed which can save the company money, however its vital that you get everyone 'on side' and taking part.
Hope this helps.
PS DONT PUT YOUR OLD DESK IN THE SKIP -CALL US!

 

[markmax]

Hi,
These are some tips for a green office.
1. Eliminate paper coffee cups
2. Purchase a dishwasher
3. Switch to green cleaning products
4. Implement motion-detector lights in all conference rooms
5. Utilize recycle boxes to place excess paper throughout the company
6. Place recycle boxes for all bottles and cans in the cafeteria

 

[markmax]

Hi,
There are various ways to keep green your office. You can keep your office green by following these tips.
1. Be bright about light
2. Maximize computer efficiency
3. Print smarter
4. Go paperless when possible
5. Ramp up your recycling
6. Close the loop
7. Watch what (and how) you eat
8. Create a healthy office environment

 

[AdamJ]

Hi,
6. Close the loop

What loop? And who left it open?

 

[td2011]

Hello there,
Yes the most effective things we can do are the most obvious, turning off computers at the end of the day, lights etc in rooms that aren't used.

 

[designer12]

When buying printer paper, look for recycled paper with a high percentage of post-consumer content.Use recycled paper and envelopes that have been processed and colored using eco-friendly methods.

 

[Miley Tipton]

keep thing clean and use biodegradable things and one more use CFC free AC and electronic Items

 

[Gint]

Computer and other devices should be turned off. Don't let them in stand by function. Many people don't understand that not only small green or red bulb requires energy, but all micros also use energy to save all processes. This helps not only to save few bucks, but also helps to save planet. I know that companies use automatic light - it means that motion sensors turn on light.

 

[Lord of the Teapot]

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Ltd offer a great service within the Leicester (England) area. So 'green' they do not use vehicles! Cycles and trailers (One trailer is over 8 foot long) to carry ALL the cleaning equipment, plus there very competative on price(s).

 

[td2011]

I've gone for a "don't print anything out policy". It works out fine apart from other people who refused to read anything on a screen and have to print everything out. Even emails.

I suppose is where we run into problems.

 

[td2011]

I've gone for a "don't print anything out policy". It works out fine apart from other people who refused to read anything on a screen and have to print everything out. Even emails.

I suppose this where we run into problems.

 

[PHS Datashred]

We look for the most environmentally responsible disposal routes for all waste streams from offices. It may not be the cheapest, but the new waste regulations coming into play in September 2011, will revolutionise the way businesses deal with waste.

All businesses will need to look to minimise waste production, recover energy from the waste and look at reusing waste materials where possible.

 

[PHS Datashred]

Look at the new waste hierarchy regulations due out in September which are set to revolutionise the way in which businesses deal with their waste streams

 

[GortonBorn]

Install Solar PV on the Roof and use the free energy from the SUn to power your needs! It doesnt have to cost you anything -

 

[Business Minds]

Yeah, the most important thing is to switch off the PC's during lunch or coffee breaks.

One can also use glass as partitions, so that it can be used as a board and you can use Eco-friendly markers on it, it will help in saving paper.

One more thing that you can do is, LED def. helps but you can make sure to use reflectors while installing LED's, that will help in reducing the usage of lights and will save on cost.

This has to be done with your whole team, or it would not be effective.

All the best.

 

[BowlerHat]

I agree utilitiessavings. Whatever the benefit to the environment is (and there's no denying that recycling paper saves trees) it doesn't make sense to use more when less will do the job. It saves money as well. It's win-win!

Couldn't agree more with you two.

I care about the planet but when people - from either side of the argument-spectrum - talk about environmental factors I always think, 'yeh, but why waste stuff in the first place?'

You've got people in third-world countries collecting plastic bags from rubbish-tips because they're valuable and here we down a can of Coke and toss the aluminium into a bin to be buried in landfill.

It blows my mind, when I think about it.

 

[lightfootled]

Light Foot LED specialise in LED equivalents (i.e. replacement bulbs/tubes/floodlights etc) helping companies save huge amounts on their ever increasing energy bills. Our LED lights have considerably lower yearly running costs compared to conventional lights, and the power consumption (wattage) is much lower. Furthermore our LED lights also have a much longer life (50,000 hours on average, or 14 years on average at a use of 70 hours/pw) which means less expense on both the unit cost of replacement and any maintenance costs.

Why Choose LED Lighting?

Energy Saving – LED light could save up to 70% energy than normal lighting
Low Heat
Low Power Consumption
Green – all our products are made from recyclable materials
Long Life – 50,000 hours
Less Maintenance
Easy Installation
CE/ROHS/FCC/UL approved and certified

 

[Deleted member 99939]

You could always have a workplace audit carried out by an eco-consultant which would look at your energy usage, water usage, waste management practices, etc., and put forward recommendations for improvements? This can also include staff awareness training, new policies and procedures,........
LisaP

 

[SynergyCleaning]

Make sure you are "green cleaning" your office! You can do that by the following:

• Ensure that the cleaning solutions are "green"
• Use microfibre cloths as they can be washed and used again
• If using a cleaning contractor, make sure their staff are based locally to reduce carbon emissions
• Recycle waste wherever possible - separate bins for recyclable items
• Clean your premises in the correct frequency, lots clean daily when it's not necessary

You might just find that following the above helps to reduce Sick Building Syndrome (yes that is a recognised condition, just check the NHS website!)

 

[biovorm-ltd]

Use environmentally friendly cleaning products like the one's I sell

 

[biovorm-ltd]

SynergyCleaning bet me to it ^^

 

[Vanny]

My main concern in any business is the amount of paper used, so I suggest a paper bin. If privacy is an issue, shred it and then recycle it in the paper bin.

 

[CMBUK]

I agree with the notion of creating an energy saving culture.

I think that this is best achieved by letting the staff be the champions of energy saving & environmental matters rather than having manage dictate what will happen.

 

[The Lively Crew]

I agree that the best way is to offer incentives to energy savings rather than imposing rules and regulations. Competition is a great way to inspire staff to come up with new ideas, products and plans.

 

[DMIB]

Having your office in a garden I think would be a great idea to start. And using ecologic stuff as furnishing and decoration.

Then saving energy and paper and as most resources as you can.

Have a look at some companies building the Garden Offices, that's a great idea!

Gardenliving.org.uk is one of them!