Spacio Talks: Top tips to make your office environmentally friendly

Protecting the future of the planet and the environment is a conscious decision that a lot of businesses are making when thinking about their workplace. Going ‘green’ is no longer just a trend, it is a way of helping the environment, together with contributing to a happier workplace.

The UK Government Statistical Service have estimated that we produced 27.1 million tonnes of waste in the commercial sector alone in 2018 in the UK.  It is imperative that all businesses look at ways to improve and help save the environment.

We have outlined just some of the ways you can adapt your workplace to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Sustainable Office Decor

Materials such as granorte cork are not only used for its beautiful aesthetic, but also for its sustainability and acoustic properties. The cork is stripped from the trunk of a tree in a sustainable manner every nine years and causes no harm to the tree. After harvesting, a new layer of cork starts generating.

Recyclable plastics can be used to create desks, office tables and a variety of products.  The Good Plastic Company are a company leading by example that produce environmentally friendly recycled plastic sheets. They are high quality and have the lowest ecological footprint possible. Each panel is made from a single type of plastic so it can be easily recycled, extending its use indefinitely.

Go Digital

No paper is the greenest paper! Many workplaces are adapting where possible to a more paper-lite office. Making these changes will not only help the environment, but will also cut costs printing, photocopier purchases, maintenance, and file storage costs.

Office Products

Opting for recycled paper, refillable ink cartridges, non-toxic inks for pens and highlighters are simple and easy ways to change your office products.

Washrooms

Ditch the paper towels and opt for hand dryers and cloth towels, they are cheaper and better for the environment. Buy eco-friendly products, both for hygiene and for cleaning.  Fix any leaking taps, having a leaking tap for one drop per second can waste up to 5.5 gallons of water a day.

Lighting and Energy

Save energy and be more sustainable by investing in LED lighting and using natural light where possible. Installing an occupancy sensor and having automatic turn on and off lighting and equipment can help reduce energy and costs by up to 80%.  Asking your employees to ensure their monitors and laptops are switched off when leaving for the day will help save on energy and reduce electric costs.

Plants

Improving indoor air quality can be done by adding plants to your office, as well as the quality, they also produce oxygen and create a happier workplace for your employees.

Recycle

Take a look at what can be re-used within the office, ditch the plastic throw away cups and buy re-usable mugs and glasses.  Set up recycling stations within the office or ensure your office waste gets recycled.

Spread the word!