GREEN WORKPLACE

Green is the symbolic colour being adapted by responsible citizens of the world. There is undoubtedly a great need for education and increase in environmental awareness among the general public. In this day and age, every little bit that we can do to help the environment makes a big difference. Since the average person spends most of his or her time at work, maintaining an eco-friendly office lifestyle is a great first step. Following are small steps which can be multiplied by persuading our colleagues, associates and the power that is to adopt environment friendly activities:
USE COMPUTER ASTUTELY
Improper usage of computer in business sector wastes approximately $1 billion per year in electricity, so to avoid such wastage we have to opt following commonly used points at regular basis-
• Switch off computer at the end of the day instead of just shutting it down.
• Prefer LCD monitor in place of a CRT as it is more energy efficient
• Setting computer on sleep mode during short breaks can cut back energy consumption by 60-70 percent.
• If buying new one, prefer laptop rather than a P.C. as it is not only portable, but also consumes less energy.
PREFER POOLING FOR OFFICE TRANSPORTATION
An average mature tree can absorb about 4.5-5 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per tear. Accordingly, we need about 1000 mature trees to absorb CO2 emitted by an average car in a day. This impact on the environment can be drastically reduced if we opt for ride-sharing. Whether we are commuting through a car or a bike; sharing the ride with colleagues working in the same office or neighbourhood, not only saves money on fuel and vehicle maintenance but also reduces harmful fossil fuel emissions.
BE VIVID ABOUT LIGHT
Artificial lighting accounts for 40-45% of the electricity consumption in an average office building, and to conserve this account following are some pints which if followed frequently than help in maintaining the environment-
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL/LED bulbs will be a right move as they not only save energy up to 65% but also last longer.
• Allow sunlight to brighten the offices, open windows, curtains, blinds etc
• Turn off lights when leaving room
• Avoid usage of glow sign and if required essentially switch them OFF later during midnight hours
• Install timers or motion sensors to turn OFF automatically, when they are not in use.
USE OF ELECTRIC EQUIPMENTS
Upto 75% of the electricity used to power office equipments may be consumed while the products are in stand by mode or turned OFF
• Switch OFF or unplug equipments when not in use.
• Prefer Energy Star Certified Appliances
• Prefer Equipments which are reusable, renewable and have longer life expectancy.
• Prefer to buy all-in-one machines that combine multiple functions into one.
• Regular energy audit of office will also be helpful in controlling energy wastage and improving energy efficiency.
AVOID PRINTING PAPER
Key areas where in most offices can improve is on the pile of the paper discarded by the network printer
• Reviewing, proof reading and editing documents on computer before printing helps in reducing paper wastage
• Color printing should be avoided.
• While buying printer paper ,recycled paper with minimum chlorine bleach should be preferred
AVOID JUNK MAIL
More than 100 million trees are felled each year in making junk mails. In addition, more than 28 billion water is used in the process of making these unwanted promotional and unsolicited mails. And above all junk mail accounts for approx. 4.5 billion tons of trash each year. All these resources can be conserved by
• Receiving them online, instead of getting them in printed form.
• Unsubscribing from undesired mailing lists.
SAVE WATER by
• Ensuring office water bodies are leak-free and get dipping faucets and taps repaired.
• Install low-flow version of taps, urinals, flush etc.
• Conserve rain water.
• Plant drought-tolerant nature plants and also grow foliages which require minimal water.
• Waste water from water-coolers can also be used for watering the plants.
With the above mentioned points if in offices we prefer reusable stationary material then it will definitely act as the helping hand towards the success of GREEN revolution. Environmentally friendly practices do not have to be huge, to have an impact. Consistently reducing the misuse of energy, water, and paper used in the offices, can make a huge difference, both to the environment and to our pocket.