A sustainable workspace is a place where products and services are produced in a way that does not reduce resources that can’t be replaced, without compromising on the quality of those products and services.
It makes no difference what the workspace is used for. It could be an office, a warehouse, a production line or a space station orbiting the planet. To be considered sustainable, the work going on there shouldn’t involve materials that once used, can never be replaced.
Right now, many workspaces consume lots of irreplaceable resources. Oil, gas and coal are the top natural resources that are being used up, even though it’s not immediately obvious. They’re used to produce a lot of the heat and light that we use, as well as powering lots of our vehicles and devices. They’re also used in the manufacture of many products used to construct workspaces, and in the making of furniture and machines, and even some of what we wear.
Making a workspace sustainable is all about finding ways to reduce our reliance on these resources, without compromising the efficiency and effectiveness of our businesses.
Sustainability is good for the natural environment
More than ever, many of us are concerned about how humans are impacting the natural world. We’re increasingly aware of the ecological footprint being stamped into nature by our lifestyles – and we want to make it smaller.
Becoming more sustainable in how we work means making changes that benefit the natural world. These include:
Using energy created from renewable resources, such as wind and sunshine
Getting more from every unit of energy we consume
Cutting down on waste and pollution
Reducing water use
More recycling
Every change towards sustainability in our workspace practices, even a small change, can have a positive effect on the natural world around us. These changes can also help reduce the carbon footprint of our businesses. Reducing the reliance on natural resources is a significant goal for governments around the world, as they take on the challenge of climate change.
Nurture a sustainable mindset
Making sustainable choices is easier when you, and your team, have a sustainable mindset. That is, the goal of being sustainable is automatically part of their thinking. They’re always looking out for ways to reduce energy and waste, without being prompted.
Some of your team will already be tuned into the need to be environmentally-friendly. They can be recruited as advocates for sustainability in your operation, promoting good practice in the areas where they work, and among their colleagues.
Engaging with your workforce around sustainability can have other benefits. Employees who feel they are part of a collaborative organisation are more productive and less likely to move on.
When you have a workforce that’s tuned into making your business sustainable, this way of thinking will start to become baked into your business processes.
Clean, green energy in the workplace
We use a lot of power in our workspaces. It provides the heat and ventilation that makes us comfortable, gives us the light to see by, and ensures our devices keep running.
Here are some of the ways you can make energy use more sustainable.
Make your own energy
There are two renewable natural resources that every business has access to: the power of the wind and the power of the sun.
Can your organisation put up a wind turbine or install solar panels? Many businesses have a lot of roof space that could be used to harvest sunshine, that’s converted into electrical power. A wind turbine could also be an option, depending on your location and getting appropriate permissions.
Heat pumps are another renewable option. These can be ground source or air source heat pumps, which extract heat from the soil or the air around us. Some organisations may be able to access water power, to generate hydroelectricity.
Use energy more efficiently
Whatever the source of your energy, there are likely to be ways of using it more efficiently.
Older machines and devices probably use power less efficiently than more modern versions. Replacing them to reduce energy consumption could cut costs, or allow you to run more devices with the same level of power consumption.
Heating and lighting are a big cost in most workspaces. You may be able to make more use of natural light in your workspace, which can also have positive health benefits for your team.
Another way to cut energy use is by identifying and eliminating wastage. When you’re heating and lighting spaces when they are not being used, or to levels that are not necessary for operations, you’re wasting energy. Adding a few sensors around your premises can help cut this waste. Implementing smart energy management systems that monitor and react to the level of work taking place on your site, can make a significant difference.
Use renewable energy suppliers
Some energy companies are increasingly transparent about how they generate power. One way to reduce the carbon footprint of your business is to work with a supplier that is committed to generating power from renewable sources.
Recycle and reuse where you can
Reduce reliance on single-use items
A lot of attention has been given to single-use plastics, such as disposable straws and cutlery. However, lots of other items are used just once by a business before being disposed of.
Achieving a high level of sustainability in your workspace means looking at everything you use, to assess whether it could be replaced by something with a longer life.
Some items may not need to be used at all. A good example is paper. It’s something of a joke that the paperless office, which so many organisations aspire to, is still a long way off for many.
However, today’s digital tools make it much easier to implement a paperless environment. Documents can be created and shared digitally, and are now widely accessible on a variety of devices.
Make water work harder
Businesses use a lot of water, much of which does not need to be drinking quality. Just as a roof can be used to collect sunlight via solar panels, it can also collect rainwater that’s stored in a greywater system. While it’s not suitable for human consumption, it can be put to a number of uses such as flushing toilets, in cleaning, to water plants and even for ornamental water features.
Recycle waste products
Much of the waste expelled from your workspace is made from materials that can be recycled.
Some of the waste can be repurposed into new items, and may even be a product you can sell. Other items, such as old electrical devices, require specialist processing to extract valuable raw materials. While businesses now have a legal liability to manage their waste, you can go further to ensure as much as possible is either avoided entirely, or is recycled in some way.
Making sustainability part of your supply chain
How many of the products being used in our workspace are from suppliers that are committed to environmental good practice? That’s a vital question to ask when you’re looking to make your workspace more sustainable.
Consider having a purchasing policy that steers your buyers towards sustainable choices. Some products have certifications that indicate their environmental credentials. Many suppliers are open to sharing how they are working to become a more sustainable organisation.
Tips for making your workspace sustainable
Here are some quick suggestions for making your workspace more sustainable:
Ensure that heat sources, like radiators, have the space needed to distribute warmth
Find ways to better insulate your workspace, preventing draughts and cold spots
Collect rainwater to use in greywater systems
Make best use of natural light from windows
Reduce reliance on disposable plastics
Use LED bulbs wherever possible
Eliminate unnecessary travel
Make your warehouse operation more sustainable
We help businesses of all sizes to design and implement warehouse solutions that are not only efficient and highly productive, they also allow our customers to use energy and space much more effectively.
Our team of designers, data analysts and project managers have helped numerous businesses across many different industries. We have the experience and knowledge to help your business use the latest technologies to boost productivity and become a more sustainable workspace.
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