Six Ways to Transform Into a Sustainable Workplace

One of the greatest ways to contribute to the ongoing Green Movement is to transform the workplace, even a Not for Profit workplace, into a sustainable facility, writes workplace safety expert Tom Reddon.

As the world attempts to identify new and creative ways in which to become more environmentally aware, as cliche as it may sound, it takes one person at a time, and in some instances it takes one business and workplace at a time, commercial and Not for Profit, alike.  

One of the greatest ways to contribute to the ongoing Green Movement is to transform the workplace into a sustainable facility. There are small and simple tasks that can help any business reduce their carbon footprint and align with environmentally-friendly initiatives.

Becoming a sustainable workplace can be beneficial to all industries, particularly in the Not for Profit sector, where it’s a good strategy to practice what you preach, so to speak. Many individuals are delighted to donate to a Not for Profit business or company and even more so when they learn that your workplace isn’t adding to the carbon footprint but learning to reduce it.

Here are six ways to transform your workplace into a sustainable workplace.

1) Install Solar Panels

Installing solar panels can also save businesses money. In many instances, applicants can be qualified for a rebate and will see a drastic difference in utility consumption rates and prices after installation. Solar panels do not require anything else except sunlight to function and unlike coal or gas, solar radiation is abundant, renewable and readily available. Converting to solar panels is a giant step in the direction of sustainability!

2) Install New Windows

Installing new windows can greatly reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency. Windows that do not perform to the best of their ability allow cold and warm air to escape easier during summer and winter months and are also prone to allow foreign air to infiltrate. The difference between a fully-functioning window and a moderate-performing aperture are astronomical in relation to energy consumption and costs. Installing new windows can reduce energy bills and also help any business conserve.

3) Purchase Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)

Compact fluorescent lights last much longer and use 20-30 percent less energy compared to normal light bulbs. Once again the savings and reduction in energy will be quite significant over extended periods of time.

4) Use Recycled Paper and Printing Goods

Converting to 100 percent recycled and chlorine-free paper, non-toxic printing inks, and recyclable toner cartridges for printing and publishing can save trees and eliminate future production of hazardous materials that pollute the environment. While this is yet another small initiative, it adds up greatly over time. Recycled paper has been one of the most prodigious initiatives to save trees across the world.

Trees are an essential part of the environment and in some portions of South America, some species have in fact become endangered. This is a very unsettling notion, transitioning to these goods can greatly help the cause.

5) Purchase Electronic Machinery

From a warehouse and factory perspective, this can be a home run. Electronic forklifts are mass produced and provide a strong alternative to traditional gas-fueled forklifts. Electronic forklifts are just as durable and reliable as their petroleum powered counterparts. However, electronic forklifts eliminate the need for gas and oil products and in turn reduce consumption and overall pollution.

6) Turn Off Lights When Not in Use

This is more of a policy change and transformation of attitude, opposed to purchasing goods or products. Turning off outlets or lights when not in use can once again provide beneficial results toward improving the environment and reducing energy consumption.

About the author: Tom Reddon is a forklift specialist and blog manager for the National Forklift Exchange. He also sits on the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) Executive Dialogue team. Follow him on Twitter at @TomReddon.