A while ago I wrote about reducing paper consumption in the office. It shouldn’t just end there though,  so many more things can be done. Sustainability at your workplace can be hard to achieve but is a goal you can reach.

There are many factors that will get in the way of sustainability. At your workplace you may have employees or customers that resist, there may be cost factors involved or time could be keeping you overloaded.

First of all, let’s step back a minute and look at a definition of sustainability in it’s most rudimentary form – the capacity to maintain a constant state. So in the case of sustainability when related to the office it is important to meet current needs without compromising the ability of the future. To do this here are a few simple guidelines:

1. Create a benchmark – find out what current practices/policies exist
2. Identify priorities – this helps eliminate conflicts and focus the effort
3. Plan – resources, time frames and measurement tools
4. Commit a budget (extra money or a strategy to implement cost savings with greener practices)
5. Initiate programs – this is where you introduce it to your employees (if you want to make this process easier, it is recommended to include all employees from the beginning of the initiative)
6. Educate and create awareness – help employees understand benefits and outcomes required
7. Make it fun and reward your team
8. Inform workplace of progress frequently with updates, reports and other means

A sustainable workplace will have a positive impact no matter how large or small the commitment. There are obvious potential cost savings, possibilities of greater efficiency, health improvements and public relations benefits (the good corporate citizen).

Sustainability at the workplace is something that if taken seriously will create a greater chance for a brighter tomorrow. Take it slowly and your chances of success will increase. Next week I will talk about disposable paper products.

if you liked this post, take a gander at these ones!

• 12 Tips to Reduce Paper Consumption in the Office
• impact of disposable paper products on the environment
• a new term lohas – lifestyles of health and sustainability
• environmental benefits of online media
• take the red-eye – who said environmental progress was express