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A greener workplace can mean a lighter ecological footprint, a healthier and more productive place to work. ACTION 1: REDESIGN FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY- Use recycled products and materials that have low levels of embodied energy
- Capture natural light
- Employ good ventilation, insulation and shading (Installing screens and shutters on windows)
- Utilize renewable sources of energy such as solar power
- Use energy –efficient appliances and equipment
- Installing water-saving taps and dual flush toilets
- Installing sensors that turn on lights only when people are in the office and use CFL bulbs
- Investing in furniture and fittings made from natural or recycled materials
- Use non toxic painting and adhesives (low voc)
- Setting up an easy-to-use waste recycling system
ACTION 2: BE BRIGHT ABOUT ENERGY AND WATER USE.- Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and utilize natural light when you can.
- Turn off and unplug all appliances, computers, copiers, printers, water heaters, etc. after regular office hours
- Only turn on water as high and as long as needed when washing hands.
- Buy Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures
- Install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they're not needed
- Make it a habit to turn off your computer—and the power strip it's plugged into—when you leave for the day.
- Make it a policy to invest in energy-saving computers, monitors, and printers and make sure that old equipment is properly recycled
ACTION 3: WATCH TEMPERATURE
- Do not run heating/cooling units with doors or windows open
- Only run heating/cooling units for short periods of time
- Turn off heating/cooling units at end of work day
- In hot weather, use fans to reduce the need for cooling units
- In hot weather (temp above 24 deg. C) close window shades or curtains. In cool weather, open shades to allow for sun heating
- In summer, keep air conditioning setting at 26 degrees C. In winter, 16-18. Clean Filters once a month.
ACTION 4: GO PAPERLESS!!- Print smarter: Print only when necessary and use both sides
- Buy chlorine-free paper with a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
- Switch to a lighter stock of paper or alternatives made from bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, or kenaf.
- Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy remanufactured ones.
ACTION 5: REUSE AND RECYCLE! Reuse paper clips, pencils, markers, and pens (use refillable pens)- Use pencils instead of pens, when possible
- Sort all office supply waste in break area recycling centers
- Be especially sensitive to the disposal of toxic materials (batteries and ink cartridges)
ACTION 6: GREEN YOUR BREAK SPACE- Separate organic waste from inorganic waste, and use a worm compost
- Use unbleached, recycled paper towels
- Employees should bring their own office eating and drinking utensils to work; disposable utensils should only be used by visitors.
- Consume local, organic, fair trade food, drinks, coffee, tea, etc
- Buy plants
ACTION 7: GREEN YOUR OFFICE SUPPLIES- Buy :
- Recycled paper and envelopes.
- Biodegradable, non toxic and voc free cleaning products
- Soy-based Ink
- Pens and pencils made of recycled materials or refillable pens and markers
- Use biodegradable soaps and recycled paper or cloth towels in the bathroom and break space.
ACTION 8: GREEN YOUR COMMUTE- Prefer walking, cycling or use public transport
ACTION 9: GO BEYOND!!!!- Be aware: see our section bibliography, green website links
- Take care of you:
- Eat healthy, organic and local if you can.
- Exercise
- Green your lifestyle: Adopting a greener consciousness at work is necessary but not enough, apply it at home.
- Spread the word
 Book Recommendation
"Greening your office", by Amanda Cuthbert, Jon Clift. An alphabetical guide (A-Z) to energy and resource saving tips for offices of all sizes, from energy use to better supply purchases, to recycling and reusing materials, plus summaries of a range of renewable energy options, commuting techniques, and more.
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