Building an eco-friendly office environment is simpler than ever thanks to expanding green business programs, yet many companies still cling to outdated and wasteful operations. From basic utilities usage to food services and equipment buying decisions, sharp owners, managers and sustainability coordinators know even small changes towards more planet-conscious practices ripple into real impact.
Rethink Water Access
Providing unlimited clean drinking water for staff seems fundamental, but traditional setups using plastic water cooler jugs or cases of disposable bottles are far from earth friendly. Investing in freshwater delivery in reusable glass water jugs from a company like Alive Water slashes plastic waste while keeping everyone hydrated. Go a step further by adding on water filtration attachments to chill, add bubbles or infuse flavor minus wasteful single-use cups/pods. Installing advanced sensor-activated bottle refill stations takes tap water sustainability even further.
Energy and Lighting Overhauls
Swap outdated lighting for long-lasting LED bulbs with advanced automation and daylight harvesting to maximize efficiency. Then pair with programmable smart thermostats, occupancy sensors and upgraded HVAC systems to optimize energy use minimizing waste. Or explore solar options or renewable energy credits to slash fossil fuel dependence for significant environmental rewards.
Rethink Food Service Models
Whether providing snacks in the office kitchen or full catering for meetings/events, reevaluate food and beverage programs for greener options. Set up compost bins alongside recycling to cut landfill contributions and shop discount grocers to rescue imperfect but edible “waste” produce. For large campuses or frequent meetings, partner with vendors using local and seasonal sourcing, plant-based offerings, and compostable packaging.
Instill Green Commuting
Try to incentivize staff to walk, bike, carpool or use public transit for their commute instead of driving solo through perks like flexible scheduling for carpoolers, indoor bike storage, discounted transit passes or rewards programs tallying sustainable commute days. Discourage single car commutes further by reducing parking spaces and EV charging access. Where possible, enable partial remote work flexibility to keep cars off the road for enhanced green benefits.
Procure With Purpose
Everything from printing paper and cleaning supplies to company swag, furniture, equipment purchases, and contracted services offers an opportunity to support greener vendors. Research environmental certification standards to look for or pursue B Corporation verified status when comparing vendors. Favor high recycled content, non-toxic materials, durability for longevity, and evidence backing claims of social responsibility. Consider total lifespan impacts and disposal plans; disposable may sometimes emerge less sustainable than durable investments.
Simplify Green Initiatives
While complex corporate initiatives tackling grand sustainability goals generate publicity, simple yet consistent grassroots efforts often catalyze the most tangible change. Things like establishing office plant walls to purify air, enforcing eco-conscious printing defaults, enabling shared transportation options for offsite meetings, setting up used battery recycling stations, offering sustainability eLearning modules or organizing volunteer cleanups breathe incremental greening every day.
Launch Green Teams
Dedicated staff Green Teams provide helpful structure coordinating environmental projects across office locations decentralized. Set regular meetings for ideation and reporting plus benchmarking successes against sustainability targets. Friendly competitions incentivize participation; see which department can cut paper usage or lower their electricity demand the most each quarter. Highlight employee project leaders advancing office greening goals through formal recognition.
Conclusion
With telecommuting trends poised to shrink traditional corporate office footprints long-term, optimizing spaces for maximum sustainability saves money while protecting the planet. Refresh everyday utilities, commuting, food services, equipment buying and engagement initiatives using the latest earth-friendly solutions available for offices wanting to walk their talk. Empower communities hungry for greener workplaces by providing smart green upgrades then stepping back and letting ingenuity blossom organically thanks to fresh inspiration.
