Five New Years resolutions to reduce your carbon footprint!

Offices can employ simple but effective measures to reduce their carbon footprintWith the Copenhagen Summit constantly in the news, the spotlight is firmly fixed upon climate change. There's obviously a distinct need to promote sustainable activities, and the government is currently making carbon reduction pledges for the coming years. Businesses of all sizes will be expected to do their bit in the near future, so why not see where you can improve your carbon footprint now and prepare early?

The New Year is a great time to think about carbon efficiency and see where improvements can be made. Offices are known for being incredibly carbon-intensive, but with a little thought and preparation you can very easily reduce your footprint and help the government achieve its goals.

Here are 5 easy steps you can take:

Recycle your paper efficiently
It is estimated that 95% of business information is stored on paper, which translates to a huge amount of printed material sitting around your office. By placing recycling bins next to printers, and in gangways, you encourage your employees to recycle as much as they can. Briefing your staff in your expectations on recyling will also make it clear that you expect them to recycle as much as they can

Re-use draft paper
Implement a 'draft paper tray' and encourage employees to place their unwanted materials there. Scrap paper can be taken from the tray, and when it cannot be used any further it can be placed into the recycling tray.

Turn computer equipment off
It was recently estimated that leaving a computer monitor on overnight uses enough power to print over 600 A4 laser pages. Ensure all employees are briefed on best practices, including turning off computers and monitors, putting printers on standby or turning them off, and turning lights off in unused rooms. Apply 'switch me off' stickers to equipment to remind staff.

Make use of two-sided printing
Two-sided printing can reduce your print usage by up to 50%. If you then recycle your material you can make significant leeway to reducing your carbon footprint. Two-side printing comes as standard on many Xerox printers.

Increase use of electronic communication methods
E-mail is a very sustainable communication method. Set up mailing lists and encourage employees to use email rather than post its and internal mail. Staff members should also be told to print emails only when absolutely necessary.

Good luck with your carbon reduction efforts in the New Year!

Five New Years resolutions to reduce your carbon footprint!