As part of companies’ corporate social responsibility policies, more and more businesses are prioritising environmental strategies in the workplace. This can include everything from excellent recycling facilities through to choosing an office in a building that boasts great green credentials. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the various kinds of green credentials, and suggest eco-friendly measures that can be implemented in the workplace.
Green ratings for buildings
There are numerous assessment methods that can be used to rate buildings on their green credentials. Here are a few examples that you can look out for across the globe:
- BREEAM, also known as the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is used to measure the sustainability and performance of a given building. Launched in 1990, this rating system is used by many countries around the world, and grades energy and water usage, pollution generated, materials, transport, waste and management processes.
- LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a US-based rating system that measures a building’s impact with regards to human and environmental health. Factors examined include site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
- Green Star is an Australian environmental rating system that measures the environmental impact of both the construction and the design of a building.
- BCA Green Mark is a Singaporean rating system for environmentally sustainable buildings in the country, created by the Building and Construction Authority.
A green work environment
Here are a few ideas that you might be able to implement in your office to make for a more environmentally responsible workplace.
- Ensuring that your office space is located close to public transportation is beneficial for both employees and the environment. Workers can make use of busses, the underground or trams, and save on petrol and money. If you are not situated near any public transport stops, then implementing a company-wide carpool scheme could be a viable option to explore.
- Many offices now have recycling facilities – this can extend from simple paper recycling through to handling plastics.
- Bike racks are another eco-friendly amenity which encourage employees to cycle to work.
- Energy-efficient appliances, such as fridges and microwaves with Energy Star ratings, can go a long way towards reducing electricity usage and company overheads.
- Large, north-facing windows enable workers to make the most of natural lighting. Skylights can also be helpful in this regard.
- Implementing a policy whereby employees switch off lights, appliances, and computers when not in use reduces unnecessary power usage.
- Providing employees with reusable cups, plates and cutlery prevents the waste that would otherwise be produced from throwing away plastic spoons and styrofoam cups.
- Solar panels are relatively quick to install and can supplement your existing energy supply. Solar chargers, meanwhile, can be used to recharge smart phones, tablets and laptops.
- Installing low-flow taps in the office building reduces unnecessary water waste.
Instant’s green offices
Instant can provide your business with a selection of offices that are either certified according to one of the green ratings, or boast a range of eco-friendly amenities.
- Davenport House in Canary Wharf, London is a 5 star office establishment that provides a carbon neutral business environment.
- 30 St Mary Axe, otherwise known as the Gherkin, is one of the most eco-friendly buildings in London. Spiralling light wells allow natural light to illuminate the interiors and provide ventilation, whilst the double glazed glass exterior helps to regulate the temperature. Movement sensors ensure that lights are not switched on unnecessarily, and there are also low-energy light fittings.
- Battery Road, located in Raffles, Singapore, has been renovated in line with environmental best practice. The building includes numerous green features, such as a vertical garden on the ground floor, recycled onyx wall tiles and solar light tubes.
- Parkview Green is located in the first LEED platinum-rated development in China. The building incorporates various water-conservation systems, glass walls for energy conservation, and an internal micro-circulation system.
- Huang Yang Lu, located in the Green City International Community, has a comprehensive environmental policy, and was built sustainably with the surrounding nature in mind. The entire development is surrounded by trees and greenery.
- The Capital, an iconic business centre in Mumbai, boasts impressive green credentials. Winner of the best commercial high-rise in India, The Capital has 35% increased energy-efficiency compared to conventional buildings, thanks to its unique design. The glass exteriors allow plenty of natural light to enter the building, and the LED lights keep energy costs low. There is also a rain water collection system, and an on-site sewage treatment plant.
What green measures has your office implemented? Let us know in the comments below.