Thanks to a global shift in attitude as well as changes in legislation regarding sustainability, many UK business owners are being forced to re-evaluate the impact their business has on global greenhouse emissions in order to help the country meet the government’s ambitious new emissions target that aims for a reduction of 68% by the end of the decade.
In order to achieve this lofty target, businesses need to understand that even small changes in the office can have an impact on the entire electricity supply change. With this in mind, this article explores some of the ways in which offices can become more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Be More Energy Efficient
One of the most affordable ways a business can become more energy efficient is through the use of energy-efficient equipment and lighting. Most new appliances, including laptops and other office equipment, now include an energy rating that allows consumers to make educated decisions about the amount of energy they will consume.
In terms of lighting, LED panels offer an affordable and effective way for businesses to reduce their energy consumption. When compared to traditional fluorescent lighting, which is common in most offices, LED panels have been shown to consume 30% less energy for the same lumen output. In addition, LED panels produce less heat than other bulbs, resulting in lower cooling costs, and they are longer-lasting than other lighting solutions. The LED panel lights are designed to offer excellent quality and energy efficiency for use in a variety of office environments.
Explore Renewable Energy Options
While it may not be possible to convert an office entirely to renewable energy overnight, business owners can choose to supplement their electricity with energy generated sustainably in order to minimise the business’s overall carbon footprint. Green power sources such as rooftop solar installations and small wind-power solutions are more affordable than they have ever been, with the International Energy Agency even stating in a recent study that solar power is now the cheapest electricity in history, so now is the perfect time for business owners to evaluate their options in order to find one that fits their budget.
Consider Going Paperless
As the world continues to embrace the digital age, many businesses are starting to see the benefit of going paperless, and not just because it can have a positive impact on the environment. Thanks to the global shift towards more work-from-home environments, going paperless makes more logistical sense to companies who are operating in a more digitally-focused business world.
Going paperless gives employees faster access to information, allows for easier collaboration, and results in faster communication overall. All of these things allow for a more efficient working environment, whether employees are all located within the same office or they are spread out across the country.
Even the smallest changes can result in a reduction in a business’s overall carbon footprint, which is why it is important that business owners are always on the lookout for ways in which to make their business more sustainable. Not only will this help businesses save money in the long-term, but it will also make the brand more attractive to an increasingly eco-friendly focused consumer base.