First of all, what does the term carbon footprint mean? It is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
For example, for office operations this includes energy management, heating and cooling, lighting, appliances and equipment, office supplies and waste among other things.
Taking action to reduce our impact on the climate is not only good for the environment, but also boosts the reputation for your business and attracts employees. There are many things a business can do to start taking climate action. In fact, the New Zealand government has compiled shortlists and action lists in an online toolbox, free of charge.
Here is a list of 3 simple things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint:
- Think before you print – Printing is a huge draw on resources for your average office, and it’s a much more polluting practice than people are aware of. A simple way to make your office green is to discourage your employees from unnecessarily printing. Encourage them to rely more on digital communication if possible – especially for memos that are just for communication within the office.
- Recycle, reuse, recycle – Check what can and can’t be recycled in your area. Collect different types of waste separately, so they’re easier to recycle. Provide keep cups and containers for staff, to avoid disposable packaging when buying food and drinks.
- Replace old lights wih LEDs – LEDs use up to 85% less power than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. Plus they last much longer. They quickly pay for themselves with energy savings. LEDs are available for most lighting needs — including spots, tubes and floodlights.
