Well over 50% of the
UK's workforce is now office based. The combined environmental
impact of these office workers is considerable. The introduction
of environmentally friendly practices and products need
not be difficult or expensive; simple changes to current
practices can save time and money and lead to improved
motivation amongst staff.
Our habits, the way the office is run, the equipment we
use and the products we purchase all effect the environment.
Positive action can be grouped in the following areas:
•
Energy Consumption
Make
your work place more energy efficient. Select
a green supplier (sourcing electricity from renewable
sources) where possible.
Lighting
-
switch off lights
in unoccupied or bright rooms
-
use low energy lighting and
position lighting to make maximum use of the minimum
number of light sources
-
use natural light, move desks
closer to windows. Investigate other measures such
as timers, sensors and match lighting levels to
the area in use
Heating
-
improve insulation and draught
proofing
-
don't heat unused areas and
switch heating off over weekends, holidays, etc
-
reduce temperatures by one
or two degrees in work areas as an experiment. Every
degree reduction will save 6% of the energy used
-
service heating systems regularly
Electronic equipment
-
turn off equipment when not
in use
-
use standby and energy saving
modes
-
use timers
-
buy energy efficient equipment
where possible (e.g. energy star rating for computers)
•
Office Consumables
Paper
-
use both sides
of the paper. Use only what you need. Avoid excess
copies
-
make double sided copying
standard
-
send circulars and avoid multiple
copies or better: use a central memo board
-
use recycled paper for copiers,
fax-machines, printers, labels, pads, envelopes,
letterheads, folders, ring-binders, publicity material,
direct marketing, brochures, etc
-
use waste paper for notes
and memos
-
file data on the computer
rather than on paper
-
use electronic mail, but avoid
printing out every single e-mail received!
Other Consumables
-
re-use files, ring-binders,
etc. Purchase new ones made from recycled materials
-
use refillable pens. Purchase
new ones made from recycled material
-
buy remanufactured or refilled
toner and ink-jet cartridges for laser and ink-jet
printers and fax machines
-
use pencils made from unvarnished
waste wood or recycled vending cups
-
use marker pens with water
based inks, avoid the use of xylene and toluene
-
share items that are in occasional
use, e.g. staplers or hole punches
•
Re-use and Recycle
Join a local
waste exchange scheme. Contact Waste Watch (020 7089 2100)
-
introduce an
office recycling scheme for white paper waste, cans,
bottles and where feasible other materials
-
collect and recycle empty
toner cartridges
-
old office furniture and
equipment can be donated to local charities instead
of being thrown away
-
return used computers and
processors to specialist companies for refurbishment
-
re-use waste paper and envelopes
-
re-use packaging and avoid
buying over-packaged products
•
Buy 'Greener'
Select suppliers
that can be assessed for their environmental commitment.
-
use recycled
paper and choose a supplier who can give reliable
advice on the credentials of their products - e.g.
abcd classification, NAPM certification
-
where non recycled paper
fibres are used, make sure they are from FSC sources
-
avoid disposable or non-recyclable
products as much as possible
-
buy ecological cleaning and
hygiene products
-
avoid buying furniture or
fittings made from illegally harvested timber, again
make sure they are manufactured from FSC (Forest
Stewardship Council) certified timber. Contact FSC
UK (01686 413 916)
-
make green credentials part
of the tendering process
•
Beyond Office Practice
Once your
company/organisation is making progress in getting real
environmental benefits from small changes in everyday
office practices, the environment can be built into the
decision making process. This should include:
-
an environmental
policy that becomes part of the induction procedure
and training
-
the undertaking of a green
audit to encompass suppliers, transport and a regular
review of your company/organisation's impact on
the environment
To ensure
the success of any of these measures, it is essential
to gain the support and active co-operation from the staff.
Feedback is vital. Keep staff informed of how well they
are doing and think of incentives to encourage further
action.
Finally, why not publicise the work you are doing inside
and outside your company/organisation. It will enhance
your image and benefit the environment.
