There are many simple and sustainable improvements you can make to your office, such as recycling, buying environmentally friendly products, and installing energy efficient lighting and heating systems.
Six easy steps towards sustainability
Businesses are often surprised at how much can be saved through simple, straightforward changes. By incorporating just a few of steps below, you could find that as well as saving money, you’ll discover other ways to improve efficiency.
1. Switch off when not in use
Reduce your energy waste by switching off unnecessary lights and equipment, especially when everyone's gone home for the day. Think about the savings this could make to your energy bill. Visit the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's business website for more ways to manage your energy and reduce your bills.
2. Green your office stationery
Save money and support environmental practices by reducing your paper use and buying stationery products which are kinder on the environment, for example paper that is non-bleached or from sustainable forests. Make a difference by specifying "greener" printing options when ordering your letterhead and business cards - and think carefully about print quantities.
3. Recycle all that you can
Reduce the amount of rubbish you're sending to landfill by recycling. As well as paper, you can recycle plastics, tins, glass, and your food scraps can be composted. Check out the information leaflets Our Office Waste, and A guide to implementing recycling systems in multi-tenanted office buildings, and this website's Recycling directory
4. Choose greener and safer cleaning products
Choose products with ingredients that have less impact on human health and on the environment. Many cleaning products end up in local wastewater systems, and eventually in waterways. Reduce your rubbish by choosing products with minimal and/or recyclable packaging. Check out the Environmental Choice website to get you started.
5. Choose energy efficient equipment and appliances
Buy energy efficient equipment and appliances. Check out the energy label - the more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance. Many appliances and office equipment now have powersave features too. Visit the EnergyStar website www.energystar.govt.nz to compare appliance ratings.
6. Office fit-outs
Ideally, you should consider developing a green office before the office has been established or when an office refit is being carried out. For more information on this check out A guide to sustainable office fit-outs.