Being environmentally friendly has never been more crucial for businesses. The impact of climate change cannot be denied, and everyone, from individuals to multinational business giants, has a role to play in helping to mitigate and reverse the harm done.
Showing commitment to being eco-friendly can boost your image, save you money and contribute to essential work globally.
The office is one element of a business that can contribute significantly to its overall emissions. By focusing on creating a green, sustainable office environment, you can show your dedication to the overarching cause – and create a happier, more enjoyable place to work. It can feel like a daunting task at first since many SME offices weren’t built with sustainability in mind. Tackling the changes in manageable chunks can help to make the transition feel less overwhelming.
Upgrade The Office Insulation
The right insulation will help keep your office warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the dependence on central heating and air conditioner. Not only is this better for the environment, but it can also save you significant money in utility bills over the years. It is best to choose high-quality insulation that can be installed throughout the office in places like under flooring, above the ceiling and in wall cavities. Some of the best sustainable insulating materials to look for include:
- Sheep’s wool
- Straw
- Hemp
- Cotton
- Insulation made from recycled materials
Switch To Led Lights
LED lights are so much more energy efficient compared with traditional incandescent bulbs. They can last for up to a decade and use a fraction of the energy of other bulbs during that time. You should choose LEDs throughout your office space to see the best savings and environmental benefits.
Encourage Alternative Commuting
Commuting emissions can be sizeable for businesses with a large workforce. Cutting back on these emissions can be tough since you cannot control how an employee chooses to travel to and from work. What you can do, however, is give them incentives and advice on how to cut back on their car usage. Encouraging walking or cycling can be the best in terms of emissions, and there are schemes you could use that will help an employee buy a bike for their commute.
You could also run competitions and green initiatives to get employees thinking about how they commute. For instance, you could offer a prize to any employee who doesn’t drive their car for a full month. You could also offer to subsidise fuel costs for employees who carpool to work or offer discounted public transport passes.
Use Sustainable Office Supplies
There are sustainable alternatives for almost any office supply you can think of, from furniture to kitchen appliances to electronics. Stationary, including paper, pens, staplers and more, can also be sourced using sustainable materials. You’ll need to sit down and do some homework to decide on the best materials and sustainable suppliers to use, but generally, you can look out for materials including:
- Bamboo
- Coconut
- Recycled plastics
- Metals
Look For Sustainable Utility Providers
A business’s utility usage is another common source of emissions. Managing how often you need to use things like heating and electricity can go a long way to minimising the impact your office has on the environment. If you want to make a longer-lasting impact, then switching your providers could be the best choice. There are utility providers out there who specialise in sustainable and renewable sources of energy. You can also find water suppliers who work to minimise and reuse wastewater. Use a quality business to help you compare utility rates, like the experts at The Business Water Shop, who can help you find and switch to eco-friendly water suppliers.
Host Office Vegan Lunches
Going vegan can be another excellent way to help mitigate climate change on an individual level. The emissions caused by the raising of animals for meat and other associated emissions can be significant. While you can’t enforce any changes to your team’s behaviours outside of work, you can help demonstrate the benefits of a vegan diet. Hosting a vegan company lunch can be a fun and effective way to show that a vegan diet can be a delicious and fulfilling lifestyle choice. It’s best not to get too preachy – no one likes to feel like they’re being lectured – so showing more than telling could be an excellent way to introduce your whole team to veganism.
Nurture Greenery Indoors And Out
Green spaces in and out of your office can be an excellent way to help grow your green credentials. Bringing plants and flowers indoors will help improve air quality, create an environment where employees can feel relaxed and energised, and help improve productivity. Tending to the greenery outside of your office can also help you mitigate your environmental impact on the planet. You can plant trees, grow plants and create ideal habitats for local wildlife. This could be done outside your office, or you could sponsor a local green area.
Research The Energy Efficiency Of Your Equipment
Before you invest in any new energy-using equipment for your office, checking its energy-efficiency status can be an excellent idea. You should always choose the equipment and appliances that have the best energy ratings. The more energy efficient your appliances are, the lower your consumption and energy bills will be. You may find that the more energy-efficient equipment comes with a higher price tag, but this will usually pay itself back with savings and benefits for the environment.
Hire A Green Cleaning Company
All business premises need regular cleaning to keep them safe, pleasant and hygienic for their employees. Unfortunately, a lot of domestic and commercial cleaning supplies are less than ideal for the environment. Harsh chemicals like bleach can enter into water sources, which can be incredibly harmful to the local and broader ecosystem. By hiring a specialist green commercial cleaning service, you can ensure that the essential cleaning of your office doesn’t cause unnecessary harm to the environment – all while maintaining a sparkling clean office space.
Install A Skylight
Natural light is not only better for the environment, but it is also better for our mental and physical health. Maximising the amount of natural light in your office will help reduce your usage of electricity, and help relieve stress and increase productivity. A skylight is one of the most effective ways to maximise natural light throughout the day, no matter the time of year. Though installation can be pricy and may not be suitable for all offices, it is certainly an interesting option for businesses to explore in the future.
Conclusion
An environmentally friendly office can be a pleasure to work in and can have myriad benefits for your SME. You’ll need a comprehensive plan in place to help you manage the changes and ensure they don’t disrupt your employees’ working environment. With sustainability, such a crucial concern for individuals and businesses alike, asking employees to help with suggestions and implementation could be an excellent option. Taking the time to assess and consult with your team can be an ideal way to ensure that the changes are effective and beneficial to the business as a whole.
