Congratulations on your new commercial space! Before you settle in, consider incorporating some eco-friendly practices to make your space not only stylish, but sustainable too. Here are eight easy ways to get started:
- Maximize natural light and ventilation to save energy. Position desks near windows and ditch the blinds for a sun-drenched workspace. Open windows whenever possible for fresh air and ditch the air conditioning when the weather allows. Bonus points for installing skylights or light tubes in common areas!
- Go digital to reduce paper waste. Encourage paperless workflows, utilize cloud storage, and opt for e-signatures. For those unavoidable print jobs, choose recycled paper and invest in a shredder for secure waste disposal.
- Establish a company culture of unplugging at the end of the day to reduce phantom power, the energy drain from electronics left plugged in. Consider installing smart power strips that automatically cut power to unused devices.
- Install energy-efficient lighting to reduce electricity consumption. Look for LED bulbs that are energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- Set up a compost bin for coffee grounds, fruit peels, and other organic scraps to reduce food waste. This nutrient-rich compost can then be used to nourish office plants or donated to local community gardens.
- Embrace sustainable lunch options to reduce packaging waste. Encourage employees to bring reusable containers and utensils, or support local restaurants with eco-friendly packaging. Bonus points for organizing company picnics or potlucks!
- Encourage carpooling, biking, or walking to work to reduce transportation emissions. Consider offering incentives or subsidized public transportation to make it easier for employees to greenify their commutes.
- Install low-flow toilets and faucets to conserve water. This can help reduce your water bill and save a precious resource.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals released into the environment. Look for products that are biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and artificial fragrances.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances to reduce your energy consumption. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.