Sustainability has become a priority for businesses worldwide as more employees prefer to work in an eco-conscious office. According to a global survey of 14,000 employees in seven countries across Europe and the US, 83 percent of respondents want to see a more environmentally friendly workplace. Ideally, business owners and management should initiate sustainability efforts, yet 7 out of 10 employees feel that they have no choice but to take the lead when it comes to implementing eco-friendly actions in the office.
To create an environmentally-friendly work environment, companies can enforce eco policies such as switching from paper files to digital records, and implementing waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Replacing some tech gear and office equipment with green models can also help to conserve energy and reduce your workplace’s carbon footprint. For a sustainable workspace, here’s the ultimate eco-friendly tech upgrade for your office.
Eco-Conscious Laptops
Has it been more than five years since your company laptops have been issued? Consider an officewide laptop upgrade to save on energy costs and reduce your workplace’s carbon emissions. Older laptops generally use more energy than new ones since their CPUs are less energy-efficient. What’s more, old laptop batteries degrade over time, and you’ll find that you need to charge them more frequently than you used to. Replace old laptops with energy-efficient models, and pick ones with a modular design so module components can be swapped for new ones after a couple of years.
You may also want to choose devices that utilize sustainable materials such as the Acer Aspire Vero 16, which has an outer casing made out of a combination of recycled plastic and oyster shell biomaterials. Apart from this laptop, other eco-friendly models to consider include the HP Elite Dragonfly which is made out of over 80 percent recycled components, and the Lenovo Thinkpads, which are known for their superb battery life and durability. Be sure to take all old devices to a recycling center to reduce waste and give old laptops a new life. Also, keep track of all new devices and implement a business equipment returns process to avoid chasing unreturned assets and prevent financial losses.
Smart Thermostats
Your office’s HVAC system uses a lot of electricity, and it’s likely the largest energy consumer in your business premises. The thermostat can help to control energy consumption, but if it’s mismanaged or isn’t set up properly, you may end up using even more power than necessary. That’s why installing a smart thermostat is the best solution to create a comfortable working environment without affecting your utility costs.
This device uses data and sensors to optimize heating and cooling, which can help to reduce your workplace’s energy consumption. It also learns the office’s schedule and routines so it can automatically adjust, turn on, or turn off the HVAC system. Smart thermostats can be controlled via an app on a smartphone, and some models come with voice control features for hands-free operation. To save on energy costs, think about installing a premium smart thermostat that’s specifically designed for the workplace. Some of the most top-rated thermostats include the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, the New Learning Thermostat, and the Sensi Touch 2.
Digital Solutions
It is estimated that the average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of paper per year. Using too much paper not only contributes to an organization’s overhead costs, but it also results in increased environmental harm from deforestation and landfill waste. Instead of using paper, switch to digital solutions for daily tasks.
Whenever possible, replace paper contracts with digital signatures to speed up processes and cut down on paper waste. Consider using cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Proton Drive to store documents to eliminate the need for printing. Also, instead of using notebooks or random pieces of paper, encourage employees to use digital notetaking apps during meetings or training sessions. Some of the most highly-recommended notetaking apps include Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, Evernote, and Notability.
Green initiatives can help to make your workplace better for your employees and the environment. Consider these tech upgrades for a sustainable office, and create a culture of eco-consciousness within your organization.