5 Achievable Corporate Sustainability Goals

Corporate sustainability should be a hot topic for any company that wants to save money while also having a positive impact on their environment and the world as a whole. Fortunately, there are now numerous ways that the average office employee can contribute to sustainability and help reduce waste in the workplace. 

Turning Off Computers

When it comes to achieving corporate sustainability, one of the biggest waste factors seems to be the number of computers and auxiliary devices that stay turned on 24 hours a day, year round. When possible, turning computers and monitors off every night should be a priority, as each individual device could be costing you hundreds of dollars each year. Even if computers need to stay on, putting them in power saving mode will reduce the amount of power they are drawing when not in use. 

Installing Smart Power Strips

Smart power strips simplify your corporate sustainability goals by creating a single switch to turn off all of the devices connected to your computer. Smart strips come with a control outlet, usually where your computer is plugged in, and multiple secondary outlets. When you shut down your computer at the end of the day, the strip will automatically shut down the other devices for you. By making this process simple for the employee, you are much more likely to see results. 

Changing Lightbulbs

Most office environments have both overhead lights and desk lamps to contend with. Making sure all of these lights are using energy efficient bulbs will cut down your electricity costs significantly each month and reduce the number of replacement bulbs you go through. Of course, shutting off all of these lights at the end of the day also needs to be a priority. If you find that lights are being left on outside of regular business hours, try putting a sticker on light switches reminding employees to shut things off before they leave for the day. 

Make Recycling Easy

To cut down on the amount of trash that is leaving your office, make sure you place recycling receptacles throughout the office, and especially near copiers and fax machines. Paper waste is a huge problem in many organizations, but convenient recycling bins will ensure that that paper gets put to good use in the future instead of ending up in a landfill. By placing your recycling bins prominently in high traffic areas, you can expect to decrease your waste by 15% or more each year. 

Reduce Water Waste

The final piece of your corporate sustainability policy should address water usage on your site. In some cases, this may mean installing high-efficiency faucets and toilets, and in other cases managing water used for landscaping purposes should also be suspect. Cutting your daily water waste down and using recycled non-potable water for lawns is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. 

Corporate sustainability is getting easier and easier as more appliances and devices are being designed to help control waste. Customers and employees are also becoming more aware of wasteful policies and have a vested interest in companies that are proactive about reducing their waste. Choosing to implement energy saving techniques now could save you thousands of dollars each year and reduce wear and tear on your computers and other devices long term, and all of this can be achieved by setting clear goals for sustainability and making minute changes to your daily activities.