South African companies are becoming increasingly aware that they can green their business, starting in their offices, in addition to the green projects they run.
More companies are investing in offices that are energy efficient and help workers to lessen their ecological footprint. Some office designers also realise that there is a market for “green” office interior design and are cashing in on the trend.
Efficient design
The first tip is to turn off the lights when they are not needed and the second is to invest in energy-efficient bulbs. Reusable, refillable, longer lasting products can save money.
First National Bank won the Greening the Future category for the company with the most improved environmental practice for the refurbishment of its headquarters, Bank City. The new green approach include interventions such as low-energy lights, the running of its air conditioners in an energy-efficient way and the recycling of grey water from basins, which is used in the fountain outside the building.
BP’s V&A Waterfront development was described as a pioneer in eco-friendly design. It is equipped with numerous innovations to save energy and reduce its environmental impact, which include 402 photovoltaic solar panels, the largest number on a building in Africa.
But if your company is stuck in an old building, all is not lost. Just by recycling, conserving lights and even investing in energy-efficient appliances, your company can go a long way to green its office. Do not buy from manufacturers that use excess packaging, experts recommend, and use crockery and glass rather than disposable cups and cutlery. Also use recycled paper in the office and when printing marketing materials.
Another tip is to buy recycled goods and save plastic carrier bags and boxes in a central place for reuse.
The best ways to save energy, apart from switching off the lights and installing the best bulbs, is to switch off computers and monitors when not in use and to use newer photocopiers that have an energy-saving mode.
All electronic equipment including printers, photocopiers, lights, machinery and kitchen appliances should be switched off overnight. Invest in low-energy computer monitors with low-energy screen savers.
If air conditioners are used windows and internal doors should be kept closed to maintain the temperature, while air conditioning should be switched off out of office hours.
Furniture
“By far the most talked-about topic in architecture and design is how to reduce the environmental impact of everything, from summer cottages to skyscrapers,” said Fabrice Ruard, MD of Inspiration Office.
He said his business assists workspace designers and end-users to optimise their performance in an environmentally efficient way.
“The materials used to manufacture the products we sell are created with minimum wastage,” he said. “All products are designed and manufactured according to ISO 14001 standards.”
He said designers should work with manufacturers who understand the lifecycle implications of the finishes and furnishings on a project.
“Involving manufacturers early in the process will help to get the most benefit for your client. It also makes the least negative impact on our precious planet,” he said.
Tips for choosing office furniture include selecting items made from rapidly renewable materials that do not have a significant environmental impact, such as bamboo, wheatboard and cotton, which are robust.
The furniture should be easily repairable, designed for disassembly and easy recycling. Ruard said it should also be manufactured with an end-of-use strategy in mind.
“In the end, creating sustainable buildings and workspaces shouldn’t be about paperwork,” he said. “Instead, it’s about making responsible choices based on the best information available.”
Paper and pens
Paper usage contributes significantly to the environmental footprint of companies. Businesses can minimise this by using both sides of the paper: create a bin for paper that has been used only on one side. Documents should also rather be sent electronically, in PDF format, or through a digital fax service. Also fax directly from your computer to avoid printing. Workers should avoid using cover sheets on faxes.
Set computers to toner-save mode and use double-sided printing to save paper. Reuse envelopes by using address labels. Other stationery such as folders, dividers and plastic sleeves can be reused. Some “green” office supplies offer items such as refillable pens.
Print
Promotional material such as brochures could be printed on tree-free or ecologically sensitive paper such as Sappi’s Triple Green Paper.
Transit
Many critics, however, point out that commuting to work leaves the biggest footprint. International experts recommend that offices be located near bus or transit routes, or that businesses provide their employees with public transit vouchers. Unfortunately South Africa’s dismal public transport system makes these tips hard to implement.
The website www.greenerbuildings.com also recommends making your office’s next company car a hybrid such as the Toyota Prius (the only hybrid available in South Africa at the moment).
Other tips include setting up a corporate account at a car-sharing service or carpooling. In South Africa the most practical tip seems to be the promotion of flexitime, or to allow employees to work from home.