According to recent studies, workers are more satisfied when they know they are making an environmental or a social impact on the world. Millennials, especially, deem businesses as potential partners and are doing their best to make the world a better place.
The good news is reducing our carbon footprint at work doesn’t have to be rocket science. Employees all over the world are making a conscious effort to make their companies more sustainable by reducing greenhouse emissions and there are plenty of inspiring, and sometimes simple ways we can all help reduce carbon footprint at work.
Many employees reduce greenhouse gas emissions by following efficient practices that not only reduce operating costs but also increase employee productivity. There are lots of opportunities to save energy while also enhancing workplace experience.
Everyday office supplies are a great place to start. If you, or someone you know, is in charge of purchasing office supplies, opting for products that are ENERGY STAR certified can dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Buying this way can also save companies more than $117 million in energy costs. And it’s still possible to get the features and performance you want without contributing to climate change.
Office appliances like copiers, printers, heating and cooling equipment can reduce greenhouse gasses and even air pollutants. You’ll never believe how much you can save if you have an ENERGY STAR computer. If all computers are certified, companies can save up to $1 billion in annual energy costs. The emission benefits are also tantamount to taking 1.4 million cars off the road.
The office kitchen is another great place to put your energy if your company is serious about taking more action towards climate. Easy ways to reduce waste include using reusable glasses, mugs and plates, and replacing bottled water with a tap filter and replacing appliances with an energy-efficient counterpart.
Driving to and from work everyday can have a huge impact on the climate, especially if there’s only one person in the car. By reducing travel we can significantly reduce emissions. One silver lining to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic is that there are more people working at home and less people driving to work. Taking public transit, riding a bike or car pooling where possible will also help.
There are many more activities we can do at work that will improve sustainability and reduce environmental impacts. Challenging green team members to make a pledge is a simple but effective step to help save the environment.
We’d love to know what you’re up to in the office. Let us know the best practices your employees are following to reduce carbon emissions.
