Think before you Print? do you really need a hard copy of that email?
Published January 28, 2008 at 3:22 pm · Filed under Features
New year, new office by James Goulding
Many will have resolved to make their office a greener place in 2008. For those who have Dave Sag, CEO of carbon emissions reduction company Carbon Planet, offers the following energy-saving and waste reduction tips.
* Set the computer to the sleep function after it is left idle for a fixed amount of time. This simple measure helps to conserve energy and reduce the electricity bill. Setting your computer and the copier to power save throughout the day also helps and shutting down at the end of each day is a must!
Using recycled, refillable pens like Pentel’s Recycology range is a good place to start.
* No one ever thinks of mood lighting being associated with the workplace. However businesses can reduce their electricity bill by simply remembering to turn the lights out. There is no need to have the lights on in the office kitchen for example all day, if there is no one in there all the time. Sensor lights are a simple solution.
* Low energy light bulbs are not only cost effective as they reduce energy costs in the long-term but they also have a longer life, lasting up to eight times longer than ordinary bulbs.
* How many copies do you really need? Avoid misprints and mass printout sessions. Use the double-sided function on the photocopier and the printer to save paper.
* Think before you print? Do you really need a hard copy of that email?
* Use the virtual red pen: most word processing systems include a ‘track changes’ and ‘highlighter’ function. If a document requires multiple drafts use these tools on ‘soft drafts’ rather than printing out and editing multiple copies by hand. Double check and proof read work before you print it off.
* If you have to print, use old prints for scrap paper. Pages can be used in full size or cut down to half size. Staple together to make mini notepads.
* With tools such as instant messenger and video and phone conferencing available, meetings no longer need to be held in person. Transport is a significant contributor to the world’s carbon emissions.
The award-winning USBCELL is a green alternative to single use alkaline batteries. Each USBCELL can be recharged up to 500 times simply by plugging it into a USB port.
* Every one hates it when our letterboxes are stuffed with pamphlets and junk mail. The same thing happens in the office. Taking your name off unnecessary or old mailing lists will reduce the amount of waste materials.
* Reuse and recycle. One of the easiest ways businesses can reduce their environmental footprint is to recycle. Installing an easy-to-use recycling system in the office will help to reduce the environmental impact. Re-use envelopes for internal circulation and buy reusable labels.
* An office notice board is a simple way of circulating non-urgent information to staff, rather than numerous memos.
* Use natural and recyclable products. Office paper can now be bought in 100% recycled grades. Similarly, purchase office goods that can be used more than once, such as refillable pens and highlighters - the savings will become obvious in a short period.
* Sharing is caring. The benefits of sharing also extend to the environment. The sharing of occasional-use items, such as hole punchers and staplers, means less stationery having to be ordered and less money spent.
* The morning coffee break and 3pm tea runs are workplace institutions. However, disposable polystyrene cups take years to break down and be recycled. Instead, encourage staff to bring in their own mugs or purchase a set with the company logo. These can be used over and over again.
* A dishwasher is now commonplace in offices. Make sure you only use it when it is full.
* Positioning desks near windows lets you take advantage of natural light, reducing energy costs and perhaps even providing a little inspiration. Skylights and solar panels can be installed in new offices.
* Plants are good for offices. They decorative and also help to absorb harmful gases.
* We have all heard the saying `think global and act local’. Localism is an easy way to support the environment. Choosing local products and materials will not only reduce energy consumption but also save on transport costs.
* Use suppliers that have C02-free supply chains or are completely C02 free!
* The company car contributes enormously to global warming. If your business needs a company car, purchase a petrol/electric hybrid vehicle: they are cheaper to run and environmentally friendly. Encourage car-pooling for employees who live close together.
Carbon Planet conducts emissions audits aimed at identifying where reductions can be achieved and also retails fully certified carbon credits. For further information visit http://www.carbonplanet.com/
