More and more companies across business industries are committing to reducing their impact on the environment by creating an environmentally conscious workplace. This means having policies and programs in place that encourage green behaviors.
Developing an eco-conscious organization begins on the ground level with your workplace, as your people must believe in your vision and practice environmentally-friendly habits in the office for your mission of sustainability to signal out accordingly.
There are various accessible and cost-effective measures your company can take to reduce your carbon footprint and affect your environmental impact. Here are ten sustainable initiatives you can implement to encourage an environmentally conscious workplace for your employees, not just on Earth Day but every day.
1. Implement a recycling program
Establishing a recycling program within your office is one standard way of supporting mindfulness around sustainability. From the kitchen area to your workspaces, provide education on responsible waste disposal through clear signage on designated waste stations to help your people distinguish between what items belong in recycling, compost, and in the trash bin.
You can also look into the safe removal and donation of old computer parts and other items unnecessarily taking up space in your workplace to a local organization supporting the ethical recycling of electronics.
2. Conserve energy within the office
Turning off the lights and switching off electronic equipment around the office during off-hours will help conserve energy resources and save your company a significant amount on your electric bill.
Please make sure that your workplace has communicated your policy around reducing energy consumption at their desks and around the office and give suggestions such as shutting off their computers at the end of the work day and keeping the lights off when a meeting room is not in use.
3. Promote a paperless office
Digital and cloud computing solutions have enabled companies to become more collaborative, streamlined, efficient, and green. From using desktop applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive for coordinating work projects to investing in digital HR and payroll software to manage the workforce, paper, and ink are swapped out for an eco-conservative alternative.
4. Reduce by reusing
Discourage this wasteful habit from your employees by encouraging the use of reusable coffee mugs, along with reusable water bottles. You can promote this initiative in the office by offering company merchandise such as travel mugs and stainless steel water bottles and incentivizing the program by doing a monthly gift card draw for team members who use their reusable cups for an entire week.
5. Support green vendors
Do business with green-friendly brands and companies to create a more environmentally conscious workplace. Research vendors of interest to learn more about their sustainability efforts and see if they align with your company’s vision and values regarding environmental impact.
6. Invest in office plants
Placing plants around the office can help to beautify your workspaces, uplift the overall atmosphere of your workplace, and reduce stress and anxiety for your workforce. Indoor greenery can boost oxygen levels and remove harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and formaldehyde.
In fact, NASA research reveals that indoor plants reduce 87% of indoor air pollutants within 24 hours. If you’re convinced of the health benefits of office greenery, this infographic can help you select the ideal plant for your office environment.
7. Conserve human energy
This may not be an idea that readily comes to mind when considering environmental practices, but your people’s well-being is crucial to your organization’s healthy habits. Mindfulness is just as important.
Sustaining healthy and energetic employees will benefit your company’s productivity. Help to keep your team happy and energized by establishing a safe, non-toxic environment at all times. It can start by providing sustainable and nutritious options, such as organic fruits and vegetables.
8. Encourage sustainable transportation
Support your team members in taking alternative modes of transportation to and from the office—such as walking or carpooling with colleagues—during the work week. Your company can offer transit subsidies to employees who commute to work as a benefit.
Additionally, if your people don’t need to be in the office from Monday to Friday, consider cutting out their commute time during the week by allowing employees to do remote work from home occasionally.
9. Get outside and volunteer
Cause-driven volunteer programs are an excellent way to support something meaningful and significantly impact your communities. Your company can participate in all sorts of green causes and conservation campaigns.
Read also: 10 Tips To Design A Sustainable Office
