Perhaps it’s not surprising that more and more companies are prioritizing energy efficiency in recent years. Not only is reducing your carbon footprint good for the health of the planet, but it can help your company save money and create a more sustainable office setup. Best of all, you may not have to make huge changes around the office to create a more energy-efficient workspace. To that end, here are five quick things you can do to lessen your business’s carbon footprint ASAP:
Re-Think Your Lighting
One of the most effective ways to create a more eco-friendly workspace is to rethink your lighting system. Many organizations light entire workspaces for 10-plus hours every day. Not only is this very expensive and wasteful, but it’s also detrimental to the environment. Thankfully, there are now lighting systems with automated-control features and motion-sensor technology that can help your business drastically reduce its energy consumption. You can also switch fairly easily to LED or other energy-saving light bulbs in your office.
In addition, introducing more natural lighting into your office can significantly improve employee morale and productivity. Turning off the lights and opening up a few windows on sunny days can be a small, but meaningful way to make your office more environmentally friendly.
Replace Non-Recyclable Disposables
Many breakrooms are full of non-recyclable disposables like paper or plastic straws, plates, utensils, and cups. Consider replacing these items with re-usable items. Yes, it’s more work to clean plates and cups after use, but eliminating non-recyclable disposables will have a positive impact on the environment and lessen the amount of trash your office produces.
Adjust the Thermostat
Even if you can’t afford to purchase a self-regulating thermostat, business leaders can still cut down on energy costs by managing their thermostat closely. For example, it’s perfectly acceptable to change your thermostat at the end of each work day. There’s no reason to run the air-conditioning on full blast in an empty office! Be sure to inspect and seal any leaks in your windows and doors as well.
Utilize Remote Capabilities
Just because more and more employees are returning to traditional office environments, it doesn’t mean that businesses should abandon their remote strategies completely. Companies that enable their employees to work from home –– even a fraction of the time –– can lower their energy costs in the office. Savvy business leaders should take note of the workplace trend toward remote employment.
Of course, people who work from home don’t have to commute either, which also acts to protect the environment from pollution caused by vehicles. Note also that sharing items and files virtually –– and avoiding wasting paper –– is a smart green initiative worth reviewing.
Encourage Sustainable Choices
Forward-thinking business leaders can implement a number of policies to encourage sustainable behavior in the office. Simply investing in more recycling bins can make it easier for your team members to recycle plastics and papers in the office. Additionally, you can set up carpool programs to cut down on emissions, or even reward your employees for participating in recycling drives. Lastly, you may also decide to partner with local organizations that are working to protect the environment.
Contact Us
These are just a few ways you can make your office more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. At Key Interiors, we can help you create an energy-efficient workplace that saves your company money and boosts employee morale and productivity at the same time. Contact us here to learn more about our unique process or to speak with a representative today.
