In today’s modern world, sustainability is more than just an idea - it’s a responsibility. And, there are plenty of ways to make your workplace more eco-friendly, from reducing energy consumption to minimising waste.
At Order Office Furniture, we have plenty of budget office furniture on offer that supports sustainability without compromising on quality. And, in this blog, we’ll take you through 25 sustainability ideas for your office. Whether you’re just starting your green journey or are looking for ways to improve your existing efforts, there are countless ways to make your workplace more eco-friendly!
Ready to implement more sustainable business practices? Let’s get into it…
Why is it important to have a sustainable office?
Whether you work from home or go into an office every day of the week, office use can have a significant impact on your environmental footprint. Having a sustainable office can minimise this impact, from the desktop you use right down to your style of office chair. And, sustainable practices can often lead to reduced energy and water bills, lower waste disposal costs, and other financial benefits, meaning that you can save your pennies!
Being more aligned with what the planet needs and what many people want doesn’t have to be boring, challenging, or costly. It can be exciting, inspiring, and fun! Whether you’re from a small start-up or a large corporation, our actionable tips will help you to build a greener, more sustainable future for your company and the world around you. Here are a few initial ways that you can make your workplace more sustainable.
So, by creating a sustainable office, you’re not only doing your part for the environment but also creating a better workplace for everyone around you. A sustainable office is now no longer a luxury, but a necessity, and is an important investment into the future - for both your business and the planet.
25 easy yet important sustainability ideas for your office…
Now that you understand the importance of having a sustainable workplace, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty and showcase 25 of our sustainability ideas for your office. So, sit down at your office desk, put your feet up, and let's have a look at these simple and easy ideas in a bit more detail…
1. Go paperless
First up on our sustainability ideas list is to transform your office into a paperless one. It might have been years since you’ve picked up a pen and paper, thanks to modern digital documentation and communication tools. We recommend investing in document management software and promoting digital signatures to eliminate the need for physical paperwork.
2. Introduce office plants
Did you know that plants can actually improve air quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance productivity and focus? Certain plants can help to filter out certain toxins and pollutants, leading to cleaner and healthier air in your office! They’re also aesthetically pleasing to look at and provide a vital connection to nature.
For more aesthetic ideas, check out our blog post: 8 Aesthetic Desk Setup Ideas for 2025.
3. Boost natural light
When you maximise as much natural light as you can, you are relying less on artificial lighting. This can significantly cut down on your electricity usage, lowering your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint. We recommend investing in an office space that has plenty of big windows that can allow natural light to flood in. Studies show that natural light also has a positive impact on mood, productivity, and overall health, therefore, you’re encouraging happier and healthier employees which means a more engaged and efficient workforce!
4. Decrease the brightness of your screen
If you didn’t already know, brighter screens use more power. By lowering your brightness, you’re directly reducing the amount of electricity used. Bright screens can also generate heat, so lowering the brightness can contribute to reduced energy consumption. While it may seem like a minor adjustment, this simple action is a simple yet effective way to make your office more sustainable. And, while the savings per device seem small, when you multiply it by how many computer desks there are in your office, it adds up to a significant difference!
5. Reduce, reuse and recycle!
There’s no better way to encourage sustainability than with the 3 R’s… reduce, reuse and recycle! Here’s how each element can contribute to a more eco-friendly office:
Reduce - the most impactful of the three, reducing focuses on preventing waste. This can be done by reducing packaging and providing only the necessary supplies needed for a desk job, reducing the risk of overstocking.
Reuse - in an office setting, we recommend finding a second life for items before disposing of them. This can look like using refillable water bottles, finding creative ways to use old folders or boxes, and encouraging double-sided printing.
Recycle - to divert waste from landfills, try to turn used materials into new products. You could encourage a comprehensive recycling programme and introduce composting to gather food waste.
6. Create a sustainability club
If you want your employees to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, then we recommend setting up a sustainability club! You can start by sending out a company email to gauge interest then organise a casual meeting for those who want to participate. Develop a plan of action and think about potential projects that you wish to implement - this could be organising workshops, hosting green events and challenges, or partnering with local environmental organisations.
7. Encourage biking or walking to work
Another easy way to implement sustainability in your office is to promote green commuting choices among employees. Encourage the use of public transport, biking, and walking to work. Not driving into the office cuts down on carbon emissions and reduces air pollution. Furthermore, you could offer incentives like preferred parking, secure bike storage facilities, and electric car schemes.
8. Keep your corporate events local
Local events can be more accessible and convenient for employees, whether that’s your work Christmas party or a company update. Opt for a minimalist theme - using less elaborate setups and decorations can save on waste from disposable materials, excessive packaging and promotional items. It can also help you to support local communities if you choose local venues and suppliers.
9. Power down electronics
Another simple yet effective way to encourage office sustainability is to ensure that you are powering down your electronics at the end of each working day. Even when they’re not actively in use, many electronic devices still draw power if they are plugged in. By completely powering down your devices like computers, monitors, printers and chargers at the end of the day, you eliminate draining unnecessary energy. Encourage members of staff to check their commercial office desks at the end of each day.
10. Set up compost food waste
Champion sustainability by implementing a composting programme for organic waste from the office kitchen. Compost can be used for things like landscaping or it can be donated to local community gardens. This can be easily done by encouraging employees to dispose of their leftover food in a compost bin at the end of their lunch break.
11. Buy recycled and sustainable products
Whether you need new office supplies or a new meeting table, you can be more sustainable by opting for office essentials that have been made from recycled materials. Recycled products use materials that have already been used, reducing the need to extract resources from the earth. Opting for recycled items helps to conserve forests, water, and minerals.
12. Get an official environmental certification
Solidify your office’s commitment to sustainability by pursuing green certifications like BREEAM or ISO 14001. ISO 14001 provides a framework for organisations to manage their environmental impacts. Achieving these certifications will demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and create a more environmentally responsible workplace.
13. Invest in renewable energy
Investing in renewable energy is a great way to encourage sustainability in the office. One of the most common and effective ways to generate renewable energy is to install solar panels on your office building’s roof if this is possible and easy to access. We’d also recommend upgrading your office appliances such as printers and copiers to ENERGY STAR-rated models.
14. Promote flexible working hours
If you haven’t already considered it, go hybrid! Implementing a few work-from-home days a week can help your employees save time from driving to and from work or getting stuck in rush hour traffic. It’s a simple way to encourage employees to cut down on emissions, and it’s a nice, flexible option too.
15. Conserve water resources
You can conserve water resources by installing low-flow taps, toilets, and water-efficient appliances in communal restrooms and kitchens. We’d also recommend setting up a water station to lessen the use of plastic bottles, as well as educating employees about the importance of water conservation.
16. Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Maintain a green and clean workplace by switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products. You can easily find products that are non-toxic and biodegradable to ensure employee safety and minimise harm to the environment. Many eco-friendly products also include refills which will limit your plastic waste.
17. Celebrate environmental events
Encourage your employees to join forces with millions of people each year to participate in events such as Earth Hour and World Environment Day. In late March, encourage members of staff to switch off all electricity and distractions for one full hour to make an impact on the planet.
Key dates:
Earth Hour - 22nd March 2025
World Environment Day - 5th June 2025
18. Monitor your energy usage
As well as investing in renewable energy, we’d also recommend monitoring your energy usage per day. You can install energy monitoring systems that provide real-time data on your electricity and water consumption. This data can identify areas for improvement and encourage responsible energy use!
19. Implement sustainable printing practices
A printer can use a lot of energy and also cause a lot of paper waste. You could encourage double-sided printing, use eco-friendly ink and paper, and recycle your printer cartridges. You can also set default printing preferences to reduce unnecessary paper usage.
20. Opt for sustainable food options
Some companies provide snacks and drinks, and, if you’re one of them, try to provide options that align with your sustainability goals. This can include snacks that are vegan, planet-friendly, organic, and free-range. Not only is it a crucial step towards sustainability in the office, but it shows that you are catering to your employee's needs.
21. Conduct training
To ensure that all employees are taking the right steps towards sustainability, it’s your responsibility to implement proper training. Make it relevant and engaging - explain the positive impact of sustainability on the environment. You can use workshops, quizzes, group discussions, or even games to keep employees engaged and make learning more fun.
22. Hold a contest
Who doesn’t like a little competition? Creating your own competition is a great way to boost engagement and encourage sustainable practices in the office. Make it fun and creative and set a reasonable timeframe. Keep a tally chart on your office desk and encourage employees to make a note each time they have been sustainable. This will help to create a friendly rivalry and keep the momentum going!
23. Use filtered water
Ditch the single-use water bottles and invest in a filtered water dispenser or water fountain. This will drastically reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by your office. You could also provide employees with reusable water bottles or encourage them to bring in their own.
24. Use your socials
Another great sustainability idea for your office is to make the most of your social channels. Whether that’s Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or YouTube, tell your followers that you’re making more sustainable choices. You never know, it might encourage other businesses to follow in your footsteps!
25. Delete old emails
Did you know that old emails are responsible for a large amount of CO2 emissions? The email and data centres that store our files and help us to send emails actually need quite a lot of electricity to run. Therefore, you should encourage your employees to regularly clear out their inboxes and digitally stored files.
Reduce your carbon footprint with Order Office Furniture
Hopefully, you now have some easy and simple sustainability ideas for your office. Remember, incorporating sustainable practices in the workplace isn’t just a choice - it’s a responsibility. By embracing the practices in this blog, you can minimise your environmental impact, reduce operating costs, and encourage a healthier work environment for employees.
Here at Order Office Furniture, you can come to us for all of your office needs. For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you. Alternatively, come and see our furniture in person by visiting our showroom in Huddersfield!
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