The office space has changed dramatically over the past 30 years due to digital innovation. But, the Green office is the future of the office space. As a result of digital transformation, companies could work more remotely, commute less, and experience lower costs. There are more companies with a remote workforce in 2019 than ever before.
Even though many practices, products, and services have evolved, and some sectors (for example, media) have been fundamentally reshaped, very few enterprises have experienced major changes in their core businesses.
The office is still the main place of work although more workers are switching to remote work.
Consequently, the physical business environment, namely offices and buildings, where people typically spend at least 8 hours a day, plays a significant role in sustainability and has a strong impact on climatic conditions.
Our blog today covers how to make your office a green one, and why doing so is beneficial for everyone.
Is there a concept behind this?
Its main objective is to strive for continual improvement to reduce the environmental impact of office work. With Green Office , the organization aims to improve its environmental performance.
Among the goals of the Green Office are:
● Efforts to reduce natural resource consumption
● Reduce global warming
● Organize activities that promote sustainable living
When and why did it emerge?
As the pioneer of the concept of the Green Office, the World Wildlife Fund, known as WWF, has begun offering it as a ready-made solution to offices in Finland and then worldwide.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) launched Green Office in 2002 as an environmental management system (EMS) for offices. It is organized into four main sections:
1. Reduce expenses in a meaningful way
2. As a tool for supporting environmental management,
3. Developing a program to inspire employees to adopt environmentally friendly habits and make sustainable decisions.
4. Environmental communication tool used internally and externally.
What is the process of implementing a Green Office program in an office space?
By implementing Green Office programs, workplaces can reduce their environmental impact, develop recycling programs, engage in sustainable travel, and reduce their operational costs, all in the process of reducing their impact on the environment. Green Office encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly habits among employees as well as reducing their carbon footprint. Employees who engage in an honorable cause are more satisfied with their jobs and are more likely to be well-rested.
The implementation of Green Office in office spaces – small and large – in private corporations, government agencies, and other institutions can reduce their ecological footprint and their carbon dioxide emissions. An office space that wishes to improve its environmental management is included in the target group.
In addition to practical environmental management, the WWF Green Office program offers a certification program that places particular emphasis on CO2 emissions. Compared to formal environmental systems or quality systems, this program is specifically designed for office spaces, thus focusing primarily on behaviour change.
A global network of leading sustainable office spaces, Green Office shares best practices and experiences.
A practical guide to implementing the Green Office:
Here are some tips for the successful set-up of your Green Office at your workspace, which can help you get started.
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Energy and emissions:
If it’s a bright day, use natural light as much as possible, and install sensors that will automatically switch off lights when they’re not needed, as well as energy-efficient LED light fittings. When leaving the office, ensure that all office appliances are turned off. Lighting can consume up to 30% of an office’s electricity.
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Public transportation:
Public transportation will reduce energy consumption and harmful greenhouse gas emissions that harm the environment. Using public transportation to get to work will use less energy and produce less pollution than travelling by private vehicle.
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Paper:
As compared to emissions from electricity consumption or air travel, paper consumption produces relatively lesser amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. However, it has large environmental impacts, especially if the amount of paper used in offices is taken into account.
To conserve nature and biodiversity, it is important to look at the source of the wood fibre used to make the paper. Paper with the FSC label is made from 100 per cent recycled fibre and comes from sustainably managed forests.
Instead of personal printers, install a few multifunction printers to share throughout the office. Additionally, personal printing boxes and secure printing decrease waste.
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Water:
In several areas around the world, humanity’s water footprint exceeds sustainable levels, which makes reducing both direct and indirect water usage crucial. Reduce water consumption by turning off the faucet and installing water-saving equipment, such as motion detectors. Run full loads when using dishwashers and choose energy-saving programs. Food from domestic, seasonal, and organic sources can reduce water consumption as well.
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Waste:
Many countries still do not have proper recycling programs in place, resulting in waste being dumped in landfills. There is no better way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster than to stop this practice. It contributes immensely to greenhouse gas emissions and needs to be outlawed sooner rather than later.
Office space in Bengaluru can conserve natural resources, reduce environmental footprints, and minimize waste costs by minimizing unsorted waste and recycling.
Are there any potential gains, advantages, or benefits?
Even though paying less for utilities is a sensible decision, it’s even more important to reduce CO2 emissions, the greenhouse gas that is fueling the climate crisis. In addition to creating a healthier, wealthier, and more emotionally friendly workplace, changing everyday habits can also help stop climate change. The furnished office are one of the best for the productivity.
Let us explore sustainability together in the future! I hope you have now been inspired to create your own Green Office and continue your exciting journey towards sustainability.