Sustainability has been one of the most discussed topics over the previous years – it has certainly become a major buzzword in the business world. Many businesses in almost every industry will have to consider how to make their business more sustainable in order to thrive in the emerging green economy. One of the best ways to start making your business more sustainable is through making your office and working spaces green – but where can you start? Here are 4 ways to make the office more sustainable and help your business stick to its sustainability pledges!
Invest In Green Skills
Green skills will become essential for businesses to survive the green economy – so it’s essential that you invest in developing these skills. Green skills refer to any skills that are fundamental for green jobs and help promote sustainability principles. For example, if your staff know about corporate responsibility and energy-efficiency, they will be able to help the company remain sustainable. If you want to make the office more sustainable, make sure that you’re investing in green training for your workforce.
Make The Office Space Energy-Efficient
One of the best ways you can make your office sustainable is through changing the physicality of the space. By retrofitting your office, you can make it more energy-efficient. Wall insulation can reduce your energy usage by 25%, and floor insulation isn’t too far behind with 20%. Retrofitting your commercial space is one of the best ways you can make your office more sustainable. If you own your commercial property, adding solar panels may also benefit your company. Before choosing a company to retrofit your commercial space, make sure that they have the right retrofit qualifications so that they will be able to perform your commercial retrofit properly.
Improve Sustainability Awareness
As well as green skills training, making your staff aware of sustainability is one of the best ways you can make the office green. For example, holding a seminar showing just how much energy is wasted through inefficient use of water, light and heat can help your staff be more aware of energy and climate change. Making sure your staff are aware of when they need to switch lights off or use less energy is essential when it comes to improving overall sustainability. Simply switching things off and taking things off standby are essential to make your office more energy-efficient – you don’t have to reinvent the wheel!
Look For Funding Opportunities
You should be aware that many governments around the world are funding sustainability in the workplace, especially if they’ve signed the Paris Climate Agreement. The British Government is funding green construction NVQs for workers in the UK, so that the sustainable construction industry has the skills and talent needed to reach net zero goals. Your business could benefit from similar funding, so make sure that you’re looking for funding opportunities to make your business sustainable.
Making the office sustainable is a global challenge that we should all take seriously, so make sure that you’re doing all you can to make your business greener.
