Climate change, the ozone layer, carbon footprints, recycling, sustainability, we hear so many buzz words which are all related to the environment, and it can be hard to keep up. We all want to do our bit, but knowing where to start can be difficult if you have no prior knowledge. In a workplace however, being environmentally friendly and sustainable is more important than you might think, and it has far-reaching benefits for everyone within the office, and those beyond.
Firstly, what does it mean to be environmentally sustainable? It’s about running a sleek office which doesn’t damage the environment in any way, which saves on running costs, but also allows those within it to work in a safe and comfortable environment. Sustainability also isn’t just about the here and now, it’s about thoughts into the future too.
You might not have the funds to build a huge, shiny sustainable office building, but that’s fine; there are many ways your existing office can become more sustainable, and it’s simply a case of working with what you already have. For instance, if you already have high quality CEO office furniture, you don’t have to go replacing it, you simply need to ensure that it fits the bill, it is comfortable for your staff, and you need to check the materials it is made of, to ensure that it isn’t send out emissions that you may not be aware of. Did you know that many manmade materials actually do this?
Your Sustainability Checklist
It’s a good idea to sit down and write a list of what you can change, and then tackle one problem at a time. For instance, do you currently recycle within your building? If not, that is the first thing you need to introduce. You can encourage staff to encourage most things, including plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, even food waste. Having recycling bins around the workspace will encourage this to happen and you can rest happily in the knowledge that you’re doing a lot for the environment with this one single step.
Secondly, are you guilty of using too much electricity, gas, and water? Look at what you use and figure out whether you can cut this down. If you regularly leave printers and computer monitors on stand by, that’s the first thing you need to stop! You should also look into whether there are any current drips or leaks in your water system, and the temperature within your workspace.
Having an office which is too hot will not make for a productive workforce, and will probably have people falling asleep at their desks! In addition, you’re also using heating when you don’t need it. The same can be said for air conditioning for a cooler office.
Check out this infographic for a visual take on...
Source: www.zerocater.com/blog/2018/03/26/how-to-make-your-entire-office-greener
With your overheads slashed due to small changes here and there, you then need to turn your attention to the products you have within your space. We mentioned earlier that certain fittings can give out emissions, which harm the environment and can also affect your staff over the long-term. This can be things like door fittings and the types of furniture you have in place. Don’t forget that sustainability also encompasses a comfortable environment for your staff, and that means supportive too, such as an ergonomic chair.
Your canteen could also make a move towards organic produce, to help the health of your staff but also do its bit for the planet.
Becoming more sustainable isn’t about going all out and rebuilding for scratch, it’s about making minor changes one by one in order to reach the sustainability aims over time. Not every business has the budget to make sweeping changes all at once, but with every slight change that you make, you will save cash and you’ll be doing your bit for the planet. All of this adds up to a greater sense of morale for your employees, more productivity, and of course, greater profits too.
Here at Calibre Office Furniture, we’re committed to doing our bit to save the planet, what will you do first?