Going green: easy ways to make your office more eco-friendly

With the increased global focus on climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, companies are developing ever more comprehensive corporate social responsibility policies, and more and more businesses are starting to prioritise applying environmental strategies in the workplace.

This can include everything from installing excellent recycling facilities through to choosing an office in a building with great green credentials. From start-ups to large organisations, firms are beginning to understand that greener offices and organisational environments are the key to long-term sustainable success.

However, it’s not always easy trying to ‘go green’, especially in rented office spaces. Here are five ideas for effective eco-friendly measures that be implemented easily in any kind of workplace.

1. Reduce paper usage. This is usually the easiest place to start. Try to only print if absolutely necessary, and make sure to print on both sides of the paper as much as you can.

2. Recycle. Place clearly labelled recycling bins at regular intervals throughout the office. This will serve as a visual, and convenient, prompt to recycle responsibly rather than simply throwing all rubbish in the nearest bin. You can also extend this further, and make sure to recycle office equipment, furniture and even electronics when you replace or upgrade them.

3. Upgrade your office fittings. This can be as easy or as in-depth as you want it to be — from switching to LED and other energy-saving lighting options to replacing your office windows and old appliances such as fridges and microwaves with energy efficient upgrades.

4. Facilitate alternative transportation options. When looking for a new office, it’s a good idea to try and find somewhere close to public transport links, but this is not the only solution. Installing secure bike racks and implementing cycling programmes is a great way of encouraging your employees to cut down on their carbon emissions and cycle to work. You can also suggest carpool schemes and subsidise some public transport costs to really minimise the use of cars.

5. Switch off. Finally, leaving computers and equipment on overnight is one of the biggest culprits of energy — and money — waste. Consider implementing a company-wide policy that states employees must switch off lights, appliances and computers when not in use — you will notice the effects immediately.

This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.