Choosing an Eco-Friendly Office
An eco friendly office is not a trend but rather an excellent way to preserve the environment. You can save on your heating and cooling bills, paper costs and recycle all while helping to do your part in saving the environment. Even though companies are on the rise for their "green" instincts as if it were a trend, they are still helping to do their part. There are many ways to help recreate your office with green ideas. These ideas will also help your business to save a few dollars as well.
Paper Recycling
The easiest way to start the transition to an eco friendly office is with paper. If your office uses a lot of paper, choose to purchase recycled post consumer waste paper which has already been used previously and can be used again. By using this type of paper, no more trees will have to continue to be cut down. Also, papers that have been made out of unknown fibres should not be used as these papers may not be recyclable. Also a company can cut down on their paper usage by using email.
Energy Saving Computers
Companies who do not fully shut down their computers, continue to waste energy and spend more money. Even if the monitor is left on, you will be wasting energy. At your work station make sure everything is shut down. Also, be sure to shut down the printers or place them on standby. Screen savers actually use more energy than sleep mode, so if you will be away, set your computer to hibernate. If your company is looking into buying new computers, go with laptops as they save much more energy than desktop computers.
Photocopiers
Many offices use photocopiers which use large amounts of energy and use paper. Make sure to photocopy documents using the smallest size possible and print on both sides of the paper to save paper and ink. The ink used should also be refillable with reusable ink cartridges.
Other Options
Changing your light bulbs to energy saving ones can make a huge difference in your energy bill. Also, using the appropriate types of shading in your office building will help to let in the sun to warm the office space or keep out drafts keeping the office space warm. These shading systems will then make quite a difference on your company's next heating bill. Before you even lease an office space, always make sure that there is sufficient window coverings and heating and cooling in your building.
Arriving at Work
These are just a few options that companies have in order to create a more eco friendly office. Employees can also do their part by riding a bike or walking to work. Employees that live farther away can create a carpool. These options will keep the Earth healthy and they will also save everyone a little extra cash which can go a long way in these tough economic times. Ask your employers what more you can all do to work in an eco friendly work environment.
Ralph Garofano in an expert in finding office space and regularly provides tips on securing the bestcommercial real estate industrial real estate, shops and serviced office space for sale or for lease.
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