Apply these simple principles in the workplace to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint, and at the same time reduce your operating costs, improve employee productivity and satisfaction, and optimise life-cycle economic performance:

1. Avoid misprints: don't print or photocopy e-mails, forms, and other documents unless absolutely necessary. Instead, publish documents electronically, post one copy at a central bulletin board, or distribute them as attachments via e-mail
2. Don't preach to the masses: print only as many copies as you really need. With meeting handouts, ask staff members to share.
3. Turn over a new leaf: use double-sided printing and copying. Many printers and photocopiers allow you to set double sided or "duplex" printing as a default.
4. Cheat your sheets: lay out your publication with as little white space as possible: Reduce margin widths and font sizes, and use single-spacing if possible.
5. Be a perfectionist: utilize the spell check and print preview functions of your word processing program before printing any document.
6. Trap the scrap: use the back sides of old photocopies, printed sheets, and outdated letterhead for notes and scratch paper. Pages can be used in full sheets, or cut in half or quarters. Stack the pages in labelled trays, or staple them into notepads. Store them near printers and photocopiers, along with a stock of used envelopes that can be used to route internal communications.
7. Let the sun shine in: use only as much lighting as you actually need, and utilize daylight when possible.
8. Light only your inner flame: utilize the power save feature on computers and photocopiers throughout the day.
9. Dishes aren't like excuses - you can use the same ones over and over again: eliminate the use of paper, plastic, and Styrofoam dishware. Provide staff with reusable coffee mugs and other dishware. If you have a dishwasher, don't run it until it is completely full.
10. Make it as easy as falling off a log: post clear instructions as to what is recyclable on or near recycling and compost bins. Place containers in highly trafficked, easy-to-access locations.
11. Become an environmental evangelist: encourage staff members to join the recycling and reuse effort. Post fun signs around the office and highlight conservation in your employee handbook. Invite staff members to bring to work items they can't recycle easily from home such as cell phones, batteries, and ink cartridges. Recognize employees who exemplify best environmental practices.
12. Become a part-time gardener: encourage employees to join you in planting trees at the workplace or in selected communities. GREEN your neighbourhood!

Let us know how you green your office (and reduce operating costs)!

By Justin Siljeur