GREENING YOUR BUSINESS

Electronics and Paper

• Use the double-sided (duplex) feature whenever possible, and 2-up or 4-up printing for greater paper savings
• Choose paper made from sustainable forestry practices (look for the FSC label)
• Circulate one copy of a memo to staff
• If purchasing a fax machine, buy one that uses recycled paper instead of non-recyclable thermal paper
• Recycle ink and toner cartridges and refill printing cartridges whenever possible
• Set computers to sleep/hibernate when inactive and shut them down at the end of the workday
• Discourage the use of screen savers as they can waste up to $50 a year of electricity
• Use scrap paper or the blank side of used paper for taking notes

Food and Supplies, and Electronics

• Eliminate styrofoam and other disposable cups/plates in favour of ceramic or glass mugs and dishes
• Use a reusable coffee filter or unbleached paper filters for the coffee machine
• Buy supplies in bulk and avoid individually wrapped packages
• Use reusable containers for leftovers or get a composter going at work
• Reuse binders, envelopes, and file folders

In and Around the Building

• Use energy efficient lighting:
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents
  • Replace fluorescent tube lighting with energy-efficient T8 tubes, which are 50% more efficient
• During winter, heat your building to a maximum of 21 degrees C when occupied and 16 degrees C when unoccupied
• Cool your building in the summer to no lower than 24 degres C when occupied, and avoid using the air conditioner overnight or when unoccupied
• Install toilet water savers, tap flow restrictors and lower the hot water tank setting

Standard Procedures and Practices

• Set thermostats to reach optimal temperatures 30-60 minutes after employees arrive; set back temperature an hour before closing
• Open all blinds when the sun is not pouring in to make full use of natural light to cut down on electric lighting
• Turn off lights near windows and doors during daytime.
• Close all window blinds and curtains when leaving to save on energy
• Turn off all lights when leaving work