WHAT CAN I DO: IN THE OFFICE

Energy Saving

Climate Change Levy:
Businesses are already being encouraged to reduce their energy consumption, with the climate change levy. This is a tax that all but the smallest businesses have to pay - new forms of renewable energy are exempt from the levy

• Turn off lights in empty rooms, especially at the end of the day this can save up to 15% of your energy bill.
• Set thermostat to 19oc - costs rise by 8% for every 1oC increase
• Turn off monitors and computers when not in use.

There are companies and organisations who can audit a businesses energy use and suggest ways to reduce the energy used for substantial cost savings.

Useful Link:
http://www.thecarbontrust.co.uk/carbontrust/
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/eie/quickenergy.htm

Transport

• Consider email and conferencing technology to reduce the amount of traveling required.
• Encourage lift sharing - for both daily commutes to work and for meetings.
• Consider public transport, eg time spent on train can still be productive compared to time on the road.
• Offer financial incentives for staff to use public transport
• Provide changing rooms and showers for staff cycling to work, also offer intrest free loans to purchase bikes.
• Consider green fuels, see transport section

Waste Reduction/Recycling

Conduct a waste audit of standard business practices, within your company, this can have significant cost savings, both in the cost of purchasing, and the reduction in amount of waste.

For example:

• Encourage material to be referenced on line rather than as paper copies
• Configure printers to print duplex ( on both sides of the paper)
• Waste disposal costs can be 5% of your annual turnover, reducing waste will increase profit.
• Setup recycling bins for paper, contact your normal waste company as many now also offer recycling services
• Many charities recycle common office products, from mobile phones, computers to old printer and toner cartridges.
  

Useful Link::
http://www.wastecare.co.uk/
http://www.recyclingappeal.com/
http://www.saveacup.co.uk

Green procurement

If you buy recycled products, eg recycled paper it closes the loop, creating a demand for the recycling collections.
Recycled products, encourage local economic activity, thus providing a more buoyant economy.

producing recycled paper involves up to 70% less energy than virgin paper.