Being Green at Work: The Cost Benefits of Being More Conscious

It pays to go green at work – data shows that the average small business could save up to £7000 simply by improving their energy efficiency. According to Carbon Trust, the majority of businesses could easily cut down on the energy they use. Just a few small changes can produce quick returns:

● Low-cost and no-cost actions can reduce energy costs by roughly 10%.
● Cutting energy costs by 20% has the same effect on the bottom line as a 5% increase in sales.

The Green Trend in Office Space

The green trend is flourishing, and more companies are embracing the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). For example, Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods businesses, has implemented a Sustainable Living Plan, focused on reducing their environmental footprint and making a more positive social impact.

The UK is also becoming home to a growing number of internationally-recognised and awarded sustainable office buildings, like One Angel Square in Manchester, and PWC headquarters More London.

It’s not just the big players who are taking the initiative. Business insiders report that small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are also rethinking their energy strategies. And it’s not a moment too soon; current energy costs are impacting the environment and the bottom line of many businesses.

For example, heating in office buildings now accounts for 32% of total carbon emissions in the UK, and costs have increased dramatically. Businesses spent £22.5 billion on heating in 2015, which was a 49% increase from 1996.

Tips for a More Energy-Conscious Office

Businesses across the globe need to consider all aspects of their operations when looking for ways to go green. Some common areas of focus include:

• Electricity: Switching to energy-saving light bulbs throughout the building, and using timers for overnight and external lighting, can add up to substantial energy bill savings.
• Water: Encouraging employees to use water sparingly and wisely can also reduce the cost of utilities.
• Reusable items: The average employee generates 4.40lb of waste every day! Businesses can cut down on trash by replacing single-use paper cups and plastic bottles with attractive reusable cups and bottles, branded with the company logo.
• Sustainable supplies: Before ordering office supplies, research the available brands and choose those that have green policies, use minimal packaging and embrace sustainable materials (such as recycled paper).
• Paper: Going paperless also helps to make a dent in the daily 2lb of discarded paper waste. Replace printouts with e-mails and digital presentations, and encourage employees to take notes digitally.
• Recycling: An estimated 70% of a business’s landfill waste can be recycled. Make sure your building or office park has a recycling programme in place.
• Commuting: Allowing more employees to work remotely cuts down on carbon emissions generated by their drive to and from the office, and also reduces their in-office energy costs.

The Green Benefits of Working Flexibly

By allowing more employees to work from home or telecommute more often, businesses can rapidly become more energy efficient. Here are some compelling statistics from the United States that should encourage employers everywhere to consider implementing flex work seriously:

• Commuting is part of the second-largest source of US greenhouse gas emissions; daily transport to and from work is a significant contributor to environmental pollution. Passenger cars are one of the biggest culprits.
• Offices are part of the fourth-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
• A 10% reduction in one person’s office hours leads to a 15% decrease in their individual carbon footprint.
• People working from home in the US prevent the emission of 3.6 million tons of commuting-related greenhouse gasses every year. That’s equivalent to planting 91 million trees!
• Remote work also keeps employees healthier, reducing their exposure to environmental pollution, poor air quality and germs. Healthier employees are naturally more productive and less likely to need sick days.

When you’re looking to run a more sustainable business, choosing to work with green-minded suppliers is a big step in the right direction. Find an energy-efficient office building as your base of operations, and you’ll instantly cut down on many of your daily overheads like electricity costs.

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