Whilst some employees continue to work from home, it is safe to say that across the country we are returning in flocks back to the office. The COVID-19 pandemic presented several challenges relative to our working norms, but also gave us time to reflect on our environmental impact and the importance of looking after our planet. At home, most of us try to recycle, use a reusable cup, and reduce purchases of single use plastic, but since the average person typically spends 2080 hours per year in the workplace, it might be time to start looking at what eco-friendly changes we can make to our office lifestyles too.
The future is tech. Most companies now operate on a paperless system and if you don’t, you are behind the times. Not only is a paperless office more sustainable, but also removes the stress of having to rifle through endless printouts before presentations and meetings.
This is perhaps an obvious switch to make, but sometimes recycling becomes a low priority within work spaces. As of 2021, the UK government’s tax on landfill increased to £94.15 per tonne, so recycling within your office will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but also save money for the business. Offices are filled with recyclable materials, paper, card, packaging materials and of course cans and other waste used over lunch breaks.
Think snacks, tea, coffee, sugar… there has never been a better time to start using refillable packaging in the office rather than continuing to buy single- use plastics or countless jars. Most supermarkets now offer refillable options where you can take your own packaging and measure out the bits that you’re likely to need for your office. Not only will you be more environmentally friendly, but you’ll also be saving money on the cost of packaging.
Plants are a fantastic addition to the office environment not only because they look pretty and give a more comforting aura to the room, but also because of their air purifying qualities. Plants offer benefits to the physical wellbeing of staff, absorbing toxins and carbon dioxide from the room.
Cycling to work is a terrific way to for staff to reduce their carbon footprint. Find ways to encourage staff to be mindful of their own carbon footprint, for example; why not offer a cycle to work scheme, or benefits that encourage staff to ditch their cars and take up a bike? If a bike isn’t possible, consider using benefits to encourage the use of public transport or car sharing.
Introduce energy monitoring solutions. At Invisible Systems, we help our customers to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in order to reduce costs across the business. Our smart monitoring solutions can help you to track environmental factors within your space, analyse the trends and use the data provided in order to create happier, healthier, more efficient environments within the workspace.
Learn more about how our systems can increase energy efficiency in your office, reduce your carbon footprint and monitor the air quality and dangers to your staff health and wellbeing.