40 Easy Sustainability Ideas For The Workplace
Businesses that implement green practices not only reduce their environmental impact, but also save money, improve employee well-being, and enhance their corporate reputation.
If you’re looking to make your workplace more sustainable, here are 40 practical sustainability ideas you can easily adopt.
Energy Efficiency in The Workplace
One of the easiest ways to create a more sustainable workplace is by improving energy efficiency. Reducing energy consumption lowers costs and helps combat climate change.
1. Switch your lighting to LED
LEDs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs, lowering electricity bills and maintenance costs.
2. Use motion sensors to control your lights
Installing motion sensors ensures that lights are only used when necessary, reducing energy waste.
3. Encourage natural lighting
Opening blinds and using natural light can cut down on artificial lighting needs and improve employee well-being.
4. Set computers and monitors to sleep mode
Automatically putting devices into sleep mode after inactivity helps conserve power.
5. Invest in energy-efficient appliances
Energy Star-rated office equipment consumes less electricity, making them a cost-effective choice.
6. Switch to a smart thermostat
These devices optimise heating and cooling, reducing unnecessary energy use.
7. Promote remote or hybrid working
Fewer employees in the office means less energy spent on lighting, heating, and cooling. Studies show that energy used at home is, on balance, lower than operating to office.
8. Turn off equipment at the end of the day
Switching off printers, copiers, and coffee machines prevents “phantom load” energy waste.
9. Conduct regular energy audits
Periodic reviews help identify energy waste and opportunities for improvement.
10. Install solar panels
If feasible, using solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers electricity bills in the long run.
Sustainable Travel & The Workplace
Commuting is a major global contributor to carbon emissions. Encouraging sustainable transportation options can significantly reduce a company’s footprint, as well as help improve air quality in your region.
11. Offer incentives for cycling or walking to work
Financial rewards or benefits promote eco-friendly commuting and improve employee health.
12. Provide secure bike storage and showers
Encouraging cycling requires adequate facilities to make it a viable option. Employees like to know their bikes can be stored safely whilst at work and that they can grab a shower after a ride.
13. Encourage carpooling with a ride-share program
Fewer cars on the road mean lower emissions and reduced congestion.
14. Offer public transport subsidies
Supporting employees with transit costs encourages the use of buses, trains, or subways over personal vehicles.
15. Reduce unnecessary business travel
Video conferencing and virtual meetings reduce emissions and travel expenses.
16. Choose eco-friendly transportation
Opting for electric or hybrid company vehicles helps cut fossil fuel use.
17. Install electric vehicle charging stations
Providing charging infrastructure supports employees make their own switch to electric vehicles is also a great move.
18. Encourage use of co-working spaces
For remote workers that still want to be in a workplace environment, partnering with regional coworking spaces. This can help reduces long commutes and give those that want it work environment away from the main office.
19. Setup a ‘Green Miles’ Benefit Program
Reward employees who use sustainable travel options, such as biking, walking, or public transport, with incentives like extra time off or vouchers.
20. Organise “no-car” office days
Designating specific days for sustainable commuting raises awareness and promotes eco-friendly habits.
Workplace Waste Reduction Ideas
Reducing waste in the workplace can significantly decrease landfill and incineration contributions, whilst promoting a circular economy. In doing so, you help to reduce potential greenhouse gas emissions, limit pollution risk and improve retention of resources.
21. Implement a digital-first policy
Opting for electronic documents over paper reduces waste and storage needs.
22. Encourage use of ‘refill’ stations for office supplies
Set up refill stations for pens, markers, and cleaning products to minimize packaging waste and promote a circular economy.
23. Provide reusable cups, plates, and cutlery
If you have a kitchen space, aim to eliminating disposables. This reduces plastic waste and lowers purchasing costs.
24. Set up easy-to-use recycling stations
Clearly labelled bins encourage proper recycling habits among employees.
25. Encourage waste-free lunches
Employees bringing food in reusable containers help cut down on single-use packaging.
26. Go paperless with invoicing and contracts
Digital transactions save trees, lower costs, and improve efficiency.
27. Donate or recycle old office equipment
Keeping electronics out of landfills reduces e-waste and supports community programs.
28. Replace disposable coffee pods with sustainable alternatives
Biodegradable or reusable pods reduce unnecessary plastic waste.
29. Reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk
Purchasing office supplies in bulk decreases packaging and overall waste.
30. Encourage employees to bring reusable water bottles
Reducing bottled water use helps eliminate plastic waste.
Eco-Friendly Office Supplies & Practices
Sourcing sustainable materials and changing everyday office habits can make a significant impact. There are plenty of easy-wins you can implement here, all of which can add up to great benefits!
31. Partner with sustainable vendors
Choosing suppliers committed to green practices supports ethical business operations.
32. Purchase office supplies made from recycled materials
Using eco-friendly stationery and products reduces demand for virgin materials.
33. Use refillable ink and toner cartridges
Cutting down on plastic waste helps lower landfill contributions and risk of escape into the environment.
34. Buy second-hand or refurbished office furniture
Repurposing furniture extends its lifespan and conserves resources.
35. Choose non-toxic cleaning products
Safer cleaning alternatives improve indoor air quality and protect employee health.
36. Reduce single-use plastics
Eliminating disposable plastics in the office prevents pollution and landfill build-up.
37. Add some plants to your workplace
Indoor plants enhance air quality and create a more pleasant work environment.
38. Switch to eco-friendly hand soap and paper towels
Sustainable hygiene products reduce chemical waste and environmental impact.
39. Provide training on sustainability best practices
Educating employees empowers them to adopt greener habits at work and home.
40. Organise office sustainability challenges or green teams
Engaging employees in green initiatives fosters accountability and teamwork.
Sustainable Workplaces: More Than Just The Environment
Sustainability in the workplace isn’t just about reducing environmental impact, it also leads to cost savings, healthier work environments, and a more engaged workforce.
By implementing these sustainable practices, businesses can take meaningful steps toward a greener future.
To support you further, we recommend you also check out the following:
Net Zero Business: A Simple Guide to Getting Started
Setting Realistic Environmental Goals for a Business
Sustainability For Small Businesses: Useful Actions to Take
We’re always happy to learn about other ways to improve workplace sustainability! If you have any ideas or tips of your own, let us know in the comments section below, or via our social media channels linked at the bottom of this page.
