Today, we see more organisations and companies performing sustainable practices into their workspaces to help with the environment. Creating an environmentally conscious workplace can come in many forms, from enforcing eco-friendly habits to transforming the space into a sustainable one. Nevertheless, remember that it is vital for your staff to understand and believe in such a vision for your initiatives to be successful.
Here, we’ll give you some examples of sustainable initiatives that can help you have an eco-conscious workplace for your staff every day forward.
1. Go paperless
One study found out that 90% of office waste in the US comes from revisions, updates, and corrections on printed documents and 10% of storage facilities. Don’t contribute to such waste anymore and take advantage of the digital world. From writing, editing to sharing documents, everything can be done using mobile devices or computers. You don’t also have to keep numerous file cabinets as you can already store and access your data using cloud solutions or online storage drives. With the use of our current technology, you can gradually reduce paperwork and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Be energy efficient
Powering an entire building can greatly contribute to our cities’ carbon pollution. At the same time, most of that energy is put to waste through outdated technology or drafty windows. If you want to promote health and wellness in your workplace while being environmentally conscious, improve your energy efficiency. Switch to energy-saving appliances, lighting, as well as healing and cooling systems. Incorporating all this also encourages your employees to be more aware and inspire them to get involved. This also allows you to boost workers’ health and reduce costs in the long-term.
3. Establish a recycling program
Creating a recycling program at workspaces can be done in so many ways. For large workspaces, it’s best to assign a recycling program manager or coordinator first. Depending on your workplace’s nature and size, decide what materials must be recycled. Do you have too much plastic, paper, or cardboard in your office? What about used cartridges, electronic waste, or scrap metals? After that, start by having designated bins at the office for all of them and find a credible waste removal company that can properly dispose of or recycle the materials. Whatever plan or process you come up with, make sure all your staff is involved.
4. Perform sustainable renovations
Another eco-conscious practice to perform in your workplace is doing projects like sustainable and efficient renovations. This could include getting proper window treatments and insulation to keep the space warm during winter and cool during summer without a high emission rate. Moreover, think of ways to encourage your employees to perform tasks beneficial to their health and well being.
For instance, having shower facilities can encourage them to jog or cycle to work and leave their car at home. Installing different storage solutions such as lockable cabinets, functional shadow boards, and other modern open shelving can promote a more organised and cleaner workplace. You can also get plumbing fixtures with minimal water usage for water conservation, and so you can save money in the long run. Stimulate happiness and creativity among your employees by giving them a quality working environment.
5. Discourage plastic use or disposables
Businesses can now reduce the environmental impact of waste by minimising the use of plastics or disposables. For instance, in your communal workplace areas, replace single-use coffee cups and water bottles with reusable ones. These reusable cups and bottles require fewer natural resources to manufacture, reduce waste that fills our oceans and landfills, and minimise carbon footprint. You can also switch to eco-friendly and minimal packaging or reusable bags instead of plastic ones.
6. Bring plants indoors
Investing in plants is a smart and natural way to enhance not just your workspace’s aesthetics but also air quality. You and your employees are spending most of your day indoors, so by boosting the air quality inside, you are safeguarding your health as well. Some indoor plants that can filter air, release clean oxygen, and require little maintenance are spider plants, Chinese evergreens, English ivy, and Peace lilies. They can also absorb chemicals in the air, such as trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene.
Creating a healthy office environment and promoting workplace wellness might seem a lot of work, but it can drive your company towards a better purpose. That is, establishing eco-conscious practices that can make your staff feel more satisfied and healthier in your organisation. And above all, even these tiniest changes you make can have a huge and long-lasting impact on our environment.