When you think of eco-friendly offices, images of wooden desks and natural lighting probably come to mind. While those things are great, there’s much more you can do as an office manager to make your workplace greener. If you work in an office, you know how much electricity and water that space can use. In fact, the energy usage of offices is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Luckily, there are simple ways to help reduce your business’ carbon footprint with simple changes that don’t take up much time or money. Here is some advice on making your office greener without breaking the bank!
Install motion-sensor lighting
The first and easiest way to go greener in the office is to install motion-sensor lighting. It’s a small investment that can significantly impact energy savings. It’s a great way to reduce wasted energy use—particularly in areas where you don’t need lights all the time, like conference rooms and stairwells. There are some things you should keep in mind when installing these lights. First, ensure the correct wattage for the space you need to light up. You don’t want to over-light your area and waste even more energy. You should also take into account the type of bulbs you use. LED lights use far less energy and last much longer than standard bulbs. If you’ve never tried them before, it’s a good idea to try them out to see if they’re suitable for your space.
Use eco-friendly products
Another simple change you can make to your office is to use eco-friendly products. Cleaning supplies, paper, and coffee mugs are just a few items you can switch to go greener. When shopping for office supplies, it’s a good idea to look for things made with recycled materials. You can also get items that come in reusable containers or that let you write on them with a dry-erase marker so you can reuse them. For residents in Essex, prioritizing a greener and eco-friendly approach to pest management is not just a choice but a responsibility. With Essex Pest Control, embrace a solution that aligns with your commitment to both a pest-free home and a healthier planet.
Measure the water you use and pay attention to what causes most waste
You can do your part to go greener in the office by measuring the water you use and paying attention to what causes the most waste. You can install water meters and track your water use over time. For example, if you notice that your kitchen uses the most water, you can try switching to a more eco-friendly option for cleaning dishes, like a dishwasher. You can also try putting a bucket in the sink to catch water, so you don’t have to leave the water running when doing dishes by hand.
Set the thermostat
Finally, you can go greener in the office by setting the thermostat. Studies show that lowering your thermostat by just two degrees can save significant energy! It’s a good idea to check your building’s energy usage to know the average temperature. Then, you can either set your thermostat at the average temperature or lower it a couple of degrees. You can also try to open windows whenever possible to let in fresh air and sunlight. This can help keep your office from getting too stuffy in the summer months.
Conclusion
There are many ways to make your office greener. Going greener in your office doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive! You can make small changes to your space that will significantly impact the environment. By making minor changes to your office, you can help lower greenhouse gas emissions worldwide while saving money on electricity and water!
