ECOffice - Champion Sustainability in Your Workplace.

Sep 5

In recent years, sustainability in offices has become an increasingly important topic for companies around the world. As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our actions, many companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future. Here are 20 changes you can consider making in your offices to promote a greater sustainability focus, along with real-life examples of companies who’ve made these decisions and the value it created for their businesses.

1. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. For example, AT&T implemented a lighting upgrade program that replaced traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs across 11 million square feet of office space, reducing energy consumption by 25% and saving $1.8 million annually.

2. Implement a Recycling Program

Providing recycling bins throughout the office and educating employees on what can and cannot be recycled can significantly reduce waste. Bee’ah, a waste management company in Sharjah, has implemented a zero-waste policy in its offices, including a comprehensive recycling program and the use of eco-friendly cleaning products.

3. Switch to Electronic Communications

Encourage the use of email, instant messaging, and video conferencing instead of printing documents and traveling for meetings. Google promotes telecommuting and digital communication, reducing the need for travel and paper-based communication.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Office Supplies

Choose office supplies made from recycled or sustainable materials. Staples offers a wide range of eco-friendly office supplies, including recycled and plantable paper, compostable cups, and eco-friendly cleaners.

5. Install Motion Sensor Lights

Installing motion sensor lights in areas that are not frequently used can help reduce energy consumption. Emirates NBD has implemented sustainability-focused measures, including motion sensor lighting.

6. Reduce Paper Usage

Encourage employees to go paperless by using digital documents. Adobe has implemented a paper-reduction policy with double-sided printing and online collaboration tools.

7. Use Reusable Cups and Bottles

Provide employees with reusable cups and bottles to reduce waste. Starbucks encourages reusable cups and offers discounts to customers who bring their own.

8. Implement a Green Commuting Program

Encourage employees to carpool, bike, or use public transportation. Microsoft offers subsidies for public transportation, bike commuting, and carpooling.

9. Use Natural Light

Utilize natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Chanel uses natural light in its stores and offices to reduce energy consumption.

10. Implement a Composting Program

Composting food waste reduces waste sent to landfills and contributes to soil health. General Mills has implemented a composting program in its offices.

11. Install Low-Flow Toilets and Faucets

Low-flow toilets and faucets can significantly reduce water usage. Herman Miller installed these in its offices, reducing water usage and waste.

12. Encourage Telecommuting

Allowing employees to work from home can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commuting. SAP offers remote work and flexible working arrangements.

13. Use Renewable Energy

Switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Masdar City buildings use renewable energy sources.

14. Install Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats regulate heating and cooling and reduce energy usage. Kaiser Permanente has installed these in its offices.

15. Use Sustainable Cleaning Products

Eco-friendly cleaning products reduce the environmental impact of cleaning activities. Marriott uses eco-friendly cleaning products in its operations.

16. Implement a Green Purchasing Policy

A green purchasing policy ensures that the products and services bought are sustainable. Dell prioritizes suppliers who meet sustainability criteria.

17. Provide Sustainable Transportation Options

Bike racks, electric car charging stations, and shuttle buses encourage sustainable transportation. Intel provides these options for employees.

18. Use Double-Sided Printing

Encourage double-sided printing to reduce paper usage. WWF has implemented a paper reduction policy, including double-sided printing and digital communication.

19. Use Green Roofing

Green roofing provides insulation, reduces energy usage, and improves air quality. Ford installed green roofs on its buildings.

20. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. Walmart has installed solar panels on many of its stores and distribution centers.

By implementing these changes, companies can promote sustainability, save money on energy costs, reduce waste, and improve the overall workplace environment. It is important for companies to prioritize sustainability and create a better future for all.

At Do Good Pack, we work with companies to identify changes they can make to their offices to promote sustainability. From small changes to long-term projects like sustainable sourcing, we provide services catered to your needs and budget. Contact us to learn more about our ECOffice solution for businesses in the Middle East.

Natasha Mahajan