Reducing at work

All businesses are made up of people, and every person has some power over the energy they use in the workplace, whether you're the owner, manager, employee, contractor or workplace volunteer.

Climate Positive has put together a check list of some of the more effective and simple things you, as an individual, can do to save energy at work.

Saving energy can also save on your bottom line - if you would like to organise a complete energy audit of your office or business, contact Climate Positive directly. More information on business savings can be found in Business Solutions.

Energy

Saving energy at work can be as simple as shutting your computer down at the end of the day, or setting the air conditioning one degree higher.

• Install low-emissions lighting, 'zone' lighting so that only those lights in use are turned on
• Switch to Greenpower for all or a proportion of you electricity bill
• Turn lighting, computers and monitors off when not in use (eg. overnight)
• Set your airconditioning to 26 degrees, and heating to 20 degrees or less (for every 1 degree change you will save about 10% on running costs).

Travel

Car congestion at peak times is a major problem for modern cities. You can help reduce congestion, wasted time in traffic and greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding daily car commuting.

• Use, or encourage staff to use, public transport whenever possible (eg. business to supply tickets for travel to meetings)
• Cycle, or encourage staff to cycle commute, as much as possible. Businesses should supply the necessary facilities like showers and secure parking
• Consider video conferencing instead of flights
• If you must fly, reduce regularity of flights however possible
• Reduce car fleet where possible
• Install efficient or solar hot water

Waste

Recycling stations can go a long way to saving on waste unnecessarily ending up in landfill. Work within your work team to think about how you can save on waste, everyday.

• Implement double-sided printing
• Supply recycling stations in accessible locations
• Recycle carefully, avoid contamination of recycle bins
• Supply washable coffee cups to all staff

By implementing even small changes, you can reduce your workplace greenhouse gas footprint significantly.