eco practices

BRING PLANTS TO THE OFFICE

Bringing plants to the workplace can help alleviate these symptoms due to their natural air purification and stress-reducing properties. They also help absorb toxins, reduce indoor air pollution and are a great visual reminder of the importance of sustainable living. That’s not all: plants also boost productivity and help save energy. According to the University of Exeter, workers are 15 percent more productive when there are houseplants in the office. And the evaporation of a large tree can lead to the cooling effect of 10 air conditioners the size of a room, working 20 hours a day!

REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

NRDC.org estimates that building power could account for 75 of the city’s carbon pollution. However, much of this energy is often lost through leaking windows and outdated technology. References to the IGS study conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which suggests that improving the insulation of buildings, implementing efficient heating and cooling systems and switching to efficient lighting and appliances creates a more comfortable environment for employees. Best of all, companies can incorporate environmental practices to save energy and money while raising office morale. When employees see companies working to improve their energy efficiency, they pay attention and inspire them to get involved as well. Learning how to reduce energy in your building can not only increase employee appreciation, but can also help reduce costs and improve employee health in the long run.

CREATE A RECYCLING PROGRAM

Another way companies can help maintain a healthier environment is by implementing a recycling program throughout the building. Recycling helps save resources, reduce waste sent to landfills, save energy and minimize emissions from transporting waste to landfills. What’s more, most employees, especially Millennials, want businesses to help them recycle. A recent study found that 75 percent of Millennials would reduce their pay to work for a socially responsible company. Be sure to talk to internal stakeholders about implementing recycling streams based on the types of materials your business generates most often, whether it’s cardboard, paper, plastic, compost, or e-waste. Focusing on waste reduction and recycling can inspire employees to make consciously better choices when it comes to reducing their impact inside and outside the office.

cost saving

Many business owners believe that prioritization of sustainability translates to increased operational costs, but that’s simply not the case! Adopting eco-friendly business practices can, in actuality, reduce business expenses and help increase profits. Businesses can also achieve cost savings by optimizing building operations, improving efficiencies, and reducing energy consumption. One example of this is recycling, which can help divert materials from your trash and help reduce overall waste bills. Using less energy, water, and waste equals less money going towards recurring bills. Don’t just take it from us: A 2014 study by Indiana University found that one firm saved $7 billion through sustainable manufacturing, while another was able to save $80 million a year by reducing its energy use. Gaining insight into your business practices, and making incremental improvements when necessary, is critical for making a positive impact as a facilities manager or business leader, maintaining company-wide sustainability, and cutting costs for a business.

Travel by bike or scooter to work

1. The transport sector is one of the largest players in greenhouse gas emissions. EPA that in 2017, transport activities from cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, railways and other sources accounted for 29% of total greenhouse gases emitted into the environment. As a way to direct Green Travel to the workplace, try starting a shared travel system or giving your employees public transport cards. The American Public Transportation Association said that in 2011, public transportation „saved 865 hours of travel time and 450 million gallons of fuel in 498 urban areas.“ Encouraging employees to ride a bike or walk to work is also a great way to improve the overall health of your workplace. A great way to increase participation is to include employees who walk or bike to work at certain times of the month, raffle to win a gift card or a free lunch.

People produce over 300 million tons of plastic every year. By focusing on reducing plastics, offering alternatives to disposable products and recycling, where possible, businesses can reduce waste, save money and minimize their impact on the environment. A great place to start is by reducing disposable water bottles and coffee cups, especially in common areas of the workplace. Each year, the average office worker uses approximately 156 plastic water bottles and throws away 500 cups of coffee. Using reusable water bottles and cups requires fewer natural resources to create, reduces the carbon footprint of your business, and reduces the amount of waste that fills landfills, oceans, and the environment.

Finish working with the plastic

People produce over 300 million tons of plastic every year. By focusing on reducing plastics, offering alternatives to disposable products and recycling, where possible, businesses can reduce waste, save money and minimize their impact on the environment. A great place to start is by reducing disposable water bottles and coffee cups, especially in common areas of the workplace. Each year, the average office worker uses approximately 156 plastic water bottles and throws away 500 cups of coffee. Using reusable water bottles and cups requires fewer natural resources to create, reduces the carbon footprint of your business, and reduces the amount of waste that fills landfills, oceans, and the environment.