Resources

Greening Your Business

There are many ways to help create a more eco-friendly workplace! Here are some tips:

Electronics and Paper
  • Use the double-sided (duplex) feature whenever possible, and 2-up or 4-up printing for greater paper savings
  • Choose paper made from sustainable forestry practices (look for the FSC label)
  • Circulate one copy of a memo to staff
  • If purchasing a fax machine, buy one that uses recycled paper instead of non-recyclable thermal paper
  • Recycle ink and toner cartridges and refill printing cartridges whenever possible
  • Set computers to sleep/hibernate when inactive and shut them down at the end of the workday
  • Discourage the use of screen savers as they can waste up to $50 a year of electricity
  • Use scrap paper or the blank side of used paper for taking notes
Food and Supplies, and Electronics
  • Eliminate styrofoam and other disposable cups/plates in favour of ceramic or glass mugs and dishes
  • Use a reusable coffee filter or unbleached paper filters for the coffee machine
  • Buy supplies in bulk and avoid individually wrapped packages
  • Use reusable containers for leftovers or get a composter going at work
  • Reuse binders, envelopes, and file folders
In and Around the Building
  • Use energy efficient lighting:
    • Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents
    • Replace fluorescent tube lighting with energy-efficient T8 tubes, which are 50% more efficient
  • During winter, heat your building to a maximum of 21 degrees C when occupied and 16 degrees C when unoccupied
  • Cool your building in the summer to no lower than 24 degres C when occupied, and avoid using the air conditioner overnight or when unoccupied
  • Install toilet water savers, tap flow restrictors and lower the hot water tank setting

Standard Procedures and Practices

  • Set thermostats to reach optimal temperatures 30-60 minutes after employees arrive; set back temperature an hour before closing
  • Open all blinds when the sun is not pouring in to make full use of natural light to cut down on electric lighting
  • Turn off lights near windows and doors during daytime.
  • Close all window blinds and curtains when leaving to save on energy
  • Turn off all lights when leaving work

 

 

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