Becoming more eco-friendly is of benefit to both you as a business, and the environment. Firstly, it cuts down on costs, and it is good for your brand reputation, because consumers want to engage with green businesses.
Stop Wasting Energy!
You can waste energy in all sorts of ways as a business. From using halogen light bulbs to printing too much, there are a myriad of ways to cut down your energy usage too.
Switch your lighting to energy efficient fluorescent or LED light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. They use up to 75% less energy, and they last longer too, saving you money and energy at the same time.
Reduce the amount of paper you use by communicating via email, and only printing out when you absolutely have to. If you have to print, use recycled paper products.
Install motion sensors in your bathrooms and prevent people leaving the taps on when they’re not being used.
Replace Outdated Appliances with More Efficient Ones
Make sure that all your appliances are as efficient as possible, as well as being compliant. The R22 legislation means that any equipment that uses the R22 refrigerant gas has to be replaced or retrofitted. The R22 gas is the one that causes the Ozone layer, and, because of these new EU regulations, any system using it therefore needs to be changed by the end of the year. This is usually found in air conditioning systems, heat pump systems and refrigeration units. Installing new systems is usually the most reliable, though often most expensive option when it comes to making sure that you’re compliant with this new legislation. There are lots of companies online, like Pure Air Conditioning that can help with this replacement.
Other old systems can often be costing you a lot of money, and you should assess them and have a look at new models to have a look at how much energy (and money) your business could save.
Recycle
Ensuring that you have the option to recycle that is easy to use will mean that your employees are more likely to do it. It is both good for the environment and your business expenses, because it means that the amount that you throw away is reduced too.
Car Sharing and Working from Home
If your employees travel long distances, set up a car sharing system and give those who do benefits, such as petrol vouchers. Alternatively, cut out that carbon emissions completely and allow them to work from home if they can.
Photo credit: Office Now / Flickr
