Greening your workplace
We are constantly being told that we should reduce our carbon footprint. Many of us are now doing what we can at home, but what can we do at work to make a difference? The Business Environment Partnership through the Envirowise Small Business Support Programme shares with us a few hints and tips:
Small steps, big changes
There’s no reason why many of the same small steps taken at home can’t also be applied at work – such as switching off equipment (computers, printers, lights, etc.) when not in use, using energy saving measures such as timers and motion/daylight sensors, and reducing and recycling waste.
Companies can easily adopt a double-sided printing policy and send and receive documents electronically. Also, good practice habits, such as reusing one-sided paper and only printing the pages required can make surprising impacts.
Temperature
Make sure heating complies with recommended levels (19-20oC for an office environment) and that it is set to come on and turn off at appropriate times. It is estimated that for every 1oC reduction in temperature, a business can save 10% of their heating bills.
Water
There are many water saving devices, for use in toilet cisterns, for example that can significantly cut water use. A tap dripping at the rate of 2 drops per second could be costing you the equivalent of 10,000 litres per year or £18 per year.
Sourcing green suppliers
There’s no harm if you are buying regularly from the same supplier to do a bit of research their policies and practices relating to the environment. If every business did this, all companies would have to green their practices in order to remain competitive.
What next?
If you are a small business and would like to receive a FREE environmental review, contact smallbusiness@envirowise.gov.uk for more information.