9 Tips for ‘Going Green’ Around the Office
Rabine Group is proud to offer Green and Sustainable roofing and pavement alternatives for facilities. Reducing costs and energy with these environmentally friendly alternatives are very important to your business, but we understand that not everyone has the immediate means to replace their roof or pavement. There are still lots of ways to make your business more cost-effective as well as helping out the environment. Here are a few small ways you can make big impact in greening your office.
1.Bring the Outdoors Indoors.
Open the windows to help cool the office instead of cranking up the A/C. Keeping the windows open can help reduce energy costs while providing your colleagues with some much needed fresh air. While you’re at it, why not bring in a few plants to the office? Having some green around your office can create a positive atmosphere while circulating oxygen, creating healthier and happier employees.
2.Burn Less Gas to Save More Money.
Using less gas is just as beneficial for the environment as it is for your pocket. With gas prices on the rise and no end in sight, it’s becoming more important than ever to find other means or transportation. Public transportation can be a great alternative to those in big cities. Live nearby? Try biking to work! If these alternatives don’t work for you, think about starting a bulletin board for drivers and workers looking to carpool. When all else fails, consider telecommuting. It saves you a trip and keeps some cash in your pocket. Looking to go the extra mile? Pack a lunch. You save money, and there is no need to drive to pick something up. It’s a win-win!
3.Turn Those Lights Off
Some of the biggest wastes in cost and energy occur as a result of unused devices that are left on. Turning off the lights, computers, printers and other devices when leaving a room or going home for the day can save your company a lot of dough. Have trouble forgetting? Think about automatic turn offs that shut off the lights after lack of movement in a room or computer and device settings that go to sleep after fifteen minutes of dormancy. Conserve energy and save a bit of cash!
4. Be Casual
Especially true in the summer, a casual dress code can help your company save on energy costs. Full suits can become very warm to wear, which means the air conditioning gets turned way up in the summertime. By allowing employees to wear more casual and lighter clothing, they are able to dress more weather appropriately instead of having to dress for the office.
5. Go Paperless. Get Digital.
There are many alternatives to print nowadays, and it is important to take advantage of these resources to save on expenses when possible. Think about sending an email instead of printing out that proposal to be approved. Need a signature? Think about accepting an E-Signature instead. All of the little changes eventually add up. Just think of all that money you can save on ink, paper and supplies! When paper is a must, always remember to…
6. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
We’ve all heard this one before, but it’s an important guide to remember. Think about setting up recycling bins in your office near printers and fax machines. All that paper can and should be reused. Also remember to recycle those printer cartridges – some companies will even pay you for them! While you’re in the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle groove, why not think about buying refurbished or used equipment and supplies? Along with creating a greener environment, these supplies are often a fraction of the cost of new supplies.
7. Get Real.
Replace paper cups and disposable silverware with the real stuff. Reusable plates, mugs and silverware can save you money in the long run, not having to repeatedly by those products. Do you bring your own lunch to work? Try bringing it in a reusable container. You save money and create less trash!
8. Green Your Cleaning.
Switching to green office cleaning supplies is not only better for the environment, but it can be a great change for your employees. Green cleaning supplies are cleaner for the air and water than many of their mainstream counterparts and can prove to be a better solution for those with allergies or skin irritations.
9. Start a Green Committee
By now, you’re a green fanatic. Do you wish that others in the office shared your enthusiasm? Try starting a green committee! Offer tips and resources your employees can use to green their office and home. Think about starting an incentive program offering perks to employees that “go green”.
Rabine Group’s Schaumburg headquarters is LEED certified. Rabine Group considers sustainability a top priority and has taken steps to make our building environmentally friendly and energy efficient through pervious concrete and porous asphalt, minimizing the “heat island” effect, incorporating Solar Roof Technologies into our own facility’s roof and the steps you see above.