Steps Towards a Greener Office

There have been a huge number of "Green Office" guides developed in the past few years, all of which make a good attempt to cover the most important steps everyone can take to reduce the impact business activities on the environment. Here is a list of the 7 most obvious but often ignored simple, cost-free actions which can form part of every office's routine:

1. Turn off your PC.
Approximately £35 per year is spent and 1,000lbs of carbon dioxide is created for each PC left turned on continuously. Imagine the savings overnight and at weekends - switch off.

2. Turn off the printer, the scanner, the fax machine
Wherever there is a glowing red light, electricity is being used even if machines are on standby. For all communal machines, printers, scanners, etc, you should ensure everyone knows how to turn them on and off - create a rota of responsibility so that everyone knows who is turning off the systems each day.

3. Put used paper back in the printer
If you have printed something and then no longer need it, turn the sheet of paper over and put it back in the printer. If this is a regular practice, individuals can check if they need the paper to be fresh - which is not the case if a document is just for their own use. This also helps to prolong the life of your office supplies.

4. Get rid of your bin
Although 70% of office waste can be recycled only 8% ever makes it to a recycling bin. Remove that convenient waste-bin by the desk to encourage people to use the recycling bin.

5. Open the blinds
Open the blinds on sunny day, and fewer lights will need to be kept on during daylight.

6. Move your plants and furniture
Having pot plants in the office is great - but put them where they do not block the natural light. Badly-placed furniture, for example in front of radiators, is a bad idea.

7. Encourage thermostat adjustment
Even if you don't have access or the authority to alter the thermostat settings in your office or building, there is no harm in reminding those who can that a reduction of 1 degree in the temperature can save up to 10% per year in heating costs.

By implementing these 7 easy steps, your office can make a valuable contribution to our environmental responsibility.