Your office produces almost as much greenhouse gas emissions as your home. You can easily implement the same resource-saving strategies at work as you can at home, such as installing light controls and sensors and compact fluorescent bulbs, using shading and blinds, adjusting the thermostat, and using water and energy-efficient appliances.

 

You don't have to be a manager, builder, or owner to change the way offices are run. Present your economical green solutions to your office and clients, and show others that green is good for business.

 

Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption:
almost half the energy can be easily reduced through lighting and equipment decisions

 

Create a sustainability action plan with a timeline and green office initiatives over the next few years

 

Lease green office space
Support green building initiatives by leasing office space in buildings which have LEED certification, and ask the owners for environmental reports Find a LEED building near you (by country and state)

 

Use energy and water-efficient appliances
-Use energy-efficient and low standby power copiers, printers, fax machines, computers, lighting and refrigerators. They can all be found on the ENERGY STAR website
-Replace your desktop computers with energy-efficient laptops (and keep your screens off when idle)
-Make sure your building facilities use low-flow and aerated taps and low-flush toilets
-Search for commercial rebates for small equipment like toilets as well as large plant systems here. Los Angeles offices can find rebates on toilets and other equipment here

 

Maximize natural lighting - it's good for productivity, health, and budget

 

Adjust the thermostat controls
Adjust shading, blinds and clothing level before you turn on the air: set the thermostat to heat at 65 degrees and cool at 75 degrees Some sources say that just removing neckties can reduce energy needs 5%

 

Print thoughtfully
-Use energy efficient printers and set them to automatically print duplex (double-sided) or multiple pages per sheet
-Buy 100% post-consumer recycled paper: it's the same price as virgin paper
-Consider harvest paper, made from agricultural waste products
-Use vegetable/soy-based and low-VOC ink
-Shrink text, widen margins, and cut unnecessary pages
-Use the back of old paper for notepads
-Of course, recycle 100% of used printer paper
Audit and track your office waste

 

Use energy controls and timers to turn off all equipment at night

 

Choose second-hand, low embodied energy and low-VOC office furniture and carpeting

 

Buy green office equipment through the greenpages