As we continue to experience the worldwide push for sustainable living, energy efficiency and waste reduction have been at the forefront of conversation. While much attention has been dedicated to household practices, business owners and office managers have the opportunity to make a significant impact by prioritizing energy efficiency and waste reduction in the workplace. Below we will review specific steps and strategies business owners and office managers can take to create an energy-efficient workplace that prioritizes waste reduction.

Energy Efficiency

Computer Equipment

Computers are an essential tool in modern offices, and they use a significant amount of energy. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your computer equipment is energy-efficient:

• Use laptops instead of desktop computers – Laptops are generally more energy-efficient than desktop computers, using 5-10 times less energy than a desktop computer with a typical monitor.
• Choose the right computer settings – Two ways to reduce energy consumption are to activate "hibernate" or "sleep" modes when not in use for an extended period and reduce the brightness of your screen.
• Upgrade equipment – Regularly upgrading equipment ensures that you have the most energy-efficient models available.

Lighting

Lighting illuminates our workspace, but it also consumes electricity. Follow these simple strategies to reduce your energy consumption on lighting:

• Use natural light – Take advantage of the natural light available in your workspace by positioning desks near windows, and make sure window coverings are opaque enough to reduce glare and heat during periods where direct sunlight is prevalent.
• Use LEDs – Switching to LED bulbs in your lighting fixtures can reduce your energy usage by about 75%.
• Switch off – Encourage all employees to turn off all lights when leaving an office, meeting room, or restroom.

Energy Assessments

Consider conducting an energy assessment of your office equipment to find areas where you can reduce energy usage and improve efficiency. Many companies offer these services for free or a small fee, and an evaluation will help identify areas that may require attention.

Waste Reduction

Paper

Reduce the amount of paper used in your office, paper products account for a significant amount of waste and energy consumption. Here are a few ways to reduce paper usage in your office:

• Printers – Utilize duplex printing, draft settings for printed documents, and print-to-PDF functionalities.
• Recycling – Set up a centralized recycling operation for all used paper.
• Electronic documentation – Use digital solutions like electronic forms, auto-archiving, and cloud storage, reducing the need for printed documentation.

Office Supplies

Reduce other office supply waste and packaging and improve your office’s environmental sustainability by following these tips:

• Reuse and recycle – Encourage reusable cups, plates, and cutlery.
• Buy recycled office supplies – Look for products that are made from recycled materials.
• Purchasing considerations – When ordering office supplies, ask suppliers to provide products in packing with minimal wrapping.

Purchasing Choices

As you strive towards environmental sustainability in your office, it’s essential to pay attention to your purchasing choices. Here is what you can do to reduce your office’s environmental impact:

• Go green – Look for products that are manufactured using sustainable materials and energy-efficient manufacturing methods.
• Prioritize environmental certifications – Make sure you prioritize products that are biodegradable, meet executive orders such as the ENERGY STAR label, and are certified through organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Make a plan – Set up a company policy to guide green purchasing and disposal decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an energy-efficient and waste-reducing office environment can be accomplished through a combination of small habit changes, conscious purchasing decisions, and efficient operational procedures. It’s essential to prioritize social responsibility when making choices as a company, and sustainable office practices are one such way to do that. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, your business can achieve a smaller carbon footprint and a more sustainable future.