How to make your workplace more environmentally friendly

There are several small changes you can make to your lifestyle at work that will make a substantial difference in terms of saving energy, reducing waste, and conserving water. We've rated them in order of 'green-ness', so you can see how green you are!

Light green

• Make sure that leaky taps are repaired as soon as possible.

• Electronics that consume a lot of energy should be avoided.

• Whenever you turn up the heat inside, leave your doors and windows close to prevent heating the outdoors.

• Empty rooms and rooms that you will not be using should have their lights and heating turned off.

• Remind colleagues to switch off computer monitors when they're away from the desk and that they switch off all unneeded appliances at the end of the work day.

• A smaller flush may still be effective in some larger toilet cisterns. Water displacement devices can be used to reduce the amount of water released each time you flush. The flush volume can be reduced by placing a brick or a full plastic water bottle below the toilet. It may also be possible to obtain a water-saving device from your water company.

• Establish a system for collecting used paper, aluminum and other recyclable materials from offices and transferring them to the main recycling bin on a daily or weekly basis. Depending on your local authority, you may be able to obtain recycling bins and advice from the recycling officer.

Green

• Ensure that the toilet cisterns are not leaking.

• Make the most of daylight by keeping windows and skylights clean and clear.

• It is recommended that you switch to energy-saving light bulbs. It is recommended that you purchase bulbs bearing the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo (a blue triangle) to receive the best quality.

• Ensure the thermostat is set to 19°C - if the staff are too warm, lower it.

• Reduce the water volume in existing faucets and showers without affecting their performance by installing devices that reduce water volume.

• Be sure to install draught proofing on all windows and doors, including letter boxes and keyholes.

• Make sure radiators are kept clean. Furniture should not be placed in front of radiators - this reduces their efficiency and output.

• As the saying goes, "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it". Maintain a regular record of your electricity, gas, and oil consumption and ensure that your bills reflect what you consume rather than an estimate.

• Monitoring the amount of water used in your workplace will also assist in determining ways to reduce it.

• Discuss with your colleagues how energy could be saved and where they believe energy is being wasted.

• Make the switch to renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind power, and landfill gas instead of polluting coal-fired power plants. You can find more information on switching energy providers by following the link on the right of this page.

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  To save energy, turn off appliances that are drawing power while they are in 'standby' mode at the wall socket.

• Whenever it is time to replace appliances, look for electrical appliances that have the highest energy efficiency rating - that is, appliances that receive an A on a scale of A to G or use the blue triangle energy efficiency logo as your guide. 

• Replace water-consuming appliances, such as toilets and showerheads, with water-saving ones when they wear out. 

• Establish a greening committee, with the approval of your employer, and commit to implementing it.

• It is recommended that you use both sides of the paper when you are writing, drawing, or photocopying. Provide a collection tray for a paper that has been used only once in each room.

• Buy rulers, pencils, and pens made from recycled plastic if you are unable to reuse paper. You can find them in RSPB shops and many other places.

• Compost everything from grass clippings to tea bags through a composting program. Check with your local authority regarding the availability of composting bins at a reduced price.

Dark green

• By installing a rainwater recycling system, you can reuse/recycle water for non-potable purposes, such as flushing toilets and watering plants.

• Try some of the tips on our 'green living in the garden' page if you have a garden or landscaping at your office or workplace. 

• Have a foam injection injected into the cavity of your cavity walls if you have them. Compared with attic insulation, this method is more costly but pays for itself in efficiency and savings over the long run.

• Double-glazing old windows or secondary glazing should be installed. The curtains should be heavy and drawn in winter to prevent the heat from escaping.

How did you do?

Light green

The first step toward a green lifestyle has been taken, so why not take the next step to preserve our environment?

Green

Your lifestyle is already more environmentally friendly than most people in the United Kingdom. Wouldn't it be great if you found out what else you can do to make a positive impact on the environment?

Dark green

You are successful! There is no doubt that you are committed to green living. Don't forget to involve your friends, family, and colleagues!