Businesses are often surprised at how much can be saved through simple, straightforward changes. By incorporating just a few of steps below, you could find that as well as saving money, you'll discover other ways to improve efficiency.
1. Switch off when not in use
Reduce your energy waste by switching off of unnecessary lights and equipment, especially when everyone's gone home for the day. Think about the savings this could make to your energy bill. Visit EECA's EMProve website (www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/emprove/) for more ways to manage your energy use and reduce your bills.
2. Green your office stationery
Save money and support environmental practices by reducing your paper use and buying stationery products which are kinder on the environment, for example paper that is non-bleached or from sustainable forests. Make a difference by specifying "greener" printing options when ordering your letterhead and business cards - and think carefully about print quantities.
3. Recycle all that you can
Reduce the amount of rubbish you're sending to landfill by recycling. As well as paper, you can recycle plastics, tins, glass, and your food scraps can be composted.
Visit the Reduce Your Rubbish website (www.reducerubbish.govt.nz/work/) for more ways to reduce your rubbish at work.
4. Choose greener and safer cleaning products
Choose products with ingredients that have less impact on human health and on the environment. Many cleaning products end up in local wastewater systems, and eventually in waterways. Reduce your rubbish by choosing products with minimal and/or recyclable packaging.
5. Choose energy efficient equipment and appliances
Buy energy efficient equipment and appliances. Check out the energy label - the more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance. Many appliances and office equipment now have powersave features too.
Visit the Australian EnergyStar website (www.energystar.gov.au/) to compare the efficiency of buildings.
Ready for more?
Check out the Ministry for the Environment website for more information - www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/sustainable-industry for more information
