In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses are increasingly expected to play their part in reducing their carbon footprint. Sustainable office practices not only benefit the environment but can also enhance your company’s reputation. But where to begin? There are simple ways your business can address these concerns to promote environmental friendliness and, in doing so, attract potential employees, partners, clients, and other like-minded suppliers.
In this guide, we will offer our top tips on sustainable office working and easy solutions to implement in your business.
Click on the relevant link to jump to that section:
1) Look at sustainable office equipment
Investing in sustainable office equipment can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Consider purchasing energy-efficient appliances, such as printers, computers, and lighting fixtures. Make sure to conduct regular energy audits to identify areas for improvement and invest in renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines where feasible.
Energy audits are a great way to help address any concerns in the office regarding sustainability. Looking at the different greenhouse gas emissions is a great way to determine areas of improvement, particularly the often-overlooked Scope 3 emissions. These include the indirect emissions caused by the company’s activities, such as purchased goods and services like office equipment.
Are you interested in providing a locally sourced resource for your office?
Our recommended power distribution product:
Shop the Betatrak Powertrack here.
The Betatrak system offers maximum safety and ensures safe on-site installation. Locally sourced, this power distribution product is ideal for addressing carbon emissions concerns, whilst maintaining solid power and connectivity throughout the office, no matter the layout.
Browse through our entire power distribution range.
2) Consider obtaining environmental certification
Obtaining environmental certification can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability to clients, stakeholders, and employees. These certifications provide guidelines for sustainable practices in building design, construction, and operation.
An ISO 14001, the world’s most recognised environmental management system, helps businesses reduce their environmental impact and demonstrates commitment to sustainability; providing a framework to future-proof their net-zero objectives.
By holding this environmental management standard, CMD monitors performance and maintains a commitment to becoming net zero by 2050.
For more information, read our expert guide on becoming a net zero business here.
3) Promote Sustainable Transportation Options
Encouraging employees to use sustainable transportation options can significantly reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Provide incentives for carpooling, cycling, walking, or using public transportation. Install bike racks and showers to support active commuting, and consider offering subsidies for public transit passes or electric vehicle charging stations.
4) Educate employees on the best environmental practices
Educating your employees on sustainable practices is crucial for implementing green initiatives effectively. Why not consider providing training sessions or workshops on topics such as recycling, energy conservation, and eco-friendly commuting options? This can help encourage staff to adopt sustainable habits both in the office and at home.
It is also important to make sure that your employees are aware of the steps you are taking to lower the office’s carbon footprint. This can encourage your employees if they know you are actively addressing sustainable concerns, and whether they can contribute in any way.
For more information, read our original research looking into providing the best sustainable practices for your workplace here.
5) Consider ergonomics in office design
Ergonomic office design not only promotes employee well-being but can also contribute to sustainability. Choose furniture and ergonomic office equipment made from sustainable materials, and that are specifically designed for comfort and durability. Incorporate natural lighting and ventilation to reduce energy consumption and create a healthier work environment.
A great way to incorporate ergonomics in your office is to create breakout spaces. This relaxed way of working can provide both flexible seating options in a hot-desking environment while adding ergonomic features throughout the layout. Fitting integrated power modules can also help address energy consumption issues by fitting integrated power modules, avoiding the misuse of sockets.
Our recommended power system:
Shop the Rotasoc power system here.
6) Work with like-minded suppliers
When conducting energy audits, you should also focus on who you are working with, including your partners, fellow companies, and suppliers. No matter the steps you take internally to address business sustainability, working with companies that emit large amounts of greenhouse gases can affect your overall carbon footprint. Therefore, thought and action should be taken regarding your business partnerships.
Collaborating with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability can help further reduce your carbon footprint. This may include any purchased goods and services, transportation and distribution, and even handling waste.
Consider sourcing office supplies, furniture, and services from eco-friendly vendors who prioritise environmental responsibility in their operations. By building these strong partnerships with like-minded suppliers, your company can work to becoming net-zero, sharing key values and mutual support in achieving sustainability goals. This, in turn, can help attract future customers, employees, partners and suppliers who will want to work with you.
How can CMD help?
CMD creates and supplies ergonomic solutions to meet the challenges of power and data access in offices. Our office equipment is purposely designed to enhance the offices of the future, including power distribution systems and ergonomic products such as monitor arms and sit-stand desks.
Browse our range of ergonomic products here.
For more information, or to see how we can help your company, contact CMD today.
Frequently asked questions
How can you encourage your employees to work sustainably in the office?
To encourage sustainable practices, educate employees on green initiatives, lead by example, offer incentives for eco-friendly behaviour, create a green team for collaboration, and communicate successes regularly.
