THE GREEN OFFICE
W
e can’t get through the
week nowadays without
hearing of some new
scheme to encourage us
to save energy or protect
the environment. And
with companies demanding that their offices
follow the domestic trend to ‘go sustainable’,
the challenge for facilities managers and other
property professionals is to effect these changes
for the better of the planet, while keeping costs
competitive for the good of the business.
THE HOT TOPIC OF GLOBAL WARMING
It’s not necessarily something to be proud
of, that it takes a crisis to force people into
thinking about environmental issues, but the
summer’s widespread flooding, the increased
hurricane activity of recent years, and the
generally out-of-season weather we’ve been
experiencing have really put the subject of our
SEEKING GREENER PASTURES
latent effect on the planet under the spotlight. cornerstone of a Corporate Social Responsibility PUT INTO ACTION
Businesses in the UK can’t avoid the programme. Being declared ‘carbon neutral’ is There are a couple of systems that can be
debate, with the increasingly publicised fact that also a great way of promoting a business. used to measure and improve the
nearly half of the country’s CO
2
emissions It’s really important to communicate environmental performance of your property:
come from the built environment. They sustainability goals through staff training and BREEAM (the Building Research Establishment’s
shouldn’t avoid it, because the reality is that if the use of notice boards, as it reinforces green Environmental Assessment Method) covers all
each one makes even minor changes, their messages and gets staff involved in the types of spaces, and they have recently
overall impact on the earth will be dramatically company’s vision. As individuals, they can feel introduced the assessment criteria for
reduced. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, they are making a difference to help save the refurbished offices; LEED (Leadership in Energy
such changes don’t have to come with a planet too. and Environmental Design’s ‘green’ rating
massive financial outlay - and if done properly, system) was developed for buildings in the
can have minimal or no disruption on the HEALTH & WELL-BEING United States, but is becoming increasingly
everyday operations of the workplace. The benefits of the sustainable office are recognised in the UK. Working towards either
not only commercial. It can claim altruistic of these is a fundamental and rewarding step
THE BOTTOM LINE advantages too - many features of the ‘green’ towards achieving a sustainable workplace.
It is true that the initial expenditure for office have positive effects on the people who However, you can start small. Simple
sustainable products can sometimes exceed work within them. And just being sustainable is things like switching off equipment when not in
that of their ‘traditional’ counterparts, but in motivating for staff - recent research by Morgan use, turning the heating down, cutting down on
most cases this is offset by the generated return Lovell has shown that over 90 percent of unnecessary printing - these all make
on investment. workers value being part of an office with a a difference.
Finding ways of introducing more natural green agenda.
light and fresh air can, for instance, almost It sounds fairly obvious, but more natural DO YOUR BIT
overnight save a company up to 25% off their light and fresh air can really improve a working To conclude, just by implementing some
energy bills, as the need for costly artificial light environment, so much so that people start to small, realistic and achievable changes into the
and ventilation is reduced. Sophisticated feel good about where they work - which work routine will help to significantly reduce
technology such as video conferencing may reduces absenteeism, and is a real selling point CO
2
emissions and save money - and
seem like a luxury, but saves money in the long in recruiting and retaining staff. ultimately improve the environment of both the
run as it reduces travel costs - and of course, Other options, such as using low-VOC office and the planet.
fewer drivers on the road means less pollution. paints rather than chemical rich alternatives, If you want to go the extra mile, though,
Furthermore, the Government has put into are better for your employees in the long-run, and make your property portfolio truly
place incentives, such as Enhanced Capital although they may not notice the effects. It’s sustainable, there are ways of doing this that
Allowances, to make the move to sustainability good to get staff involved, so providing won’t break the bank - and your company will
a little more financially rewarding - and which recycling facilities is a brilliant way of soon reap the rewards. With careful planning,
should keep the Financial Director happy. persuading people to do their bit. And if space the green office is easier than it might first seem
exists, why not install bicycle racks? Not only is - and solutions to create the concept needn’t
CULTURAL GAIN this an effective way of encouraging green cost the earth.
The decision to make your office more travel, it shows staff that you’ve really For a slightly more in-depth guide to going
sustainable reflects well on your business too. considered their needs. sustainable, visit Morgan Lovell’s website,
The benefits of ethical business are widely www.morganlovell.com and download their
recognised, and energy efficiency can be the free Sustainability Checklist.
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SUSTAINABLE FM | NOVEMBER 2007
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