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:: ECO Home :: Training :: Good Practice Checklist :: Environment Policy ::
Good Practice Checklist : 100 Actions for a Green Office
The Checklist provides a simple mechanism to judge your current environmental performance.
What ever it is make a start on improving performance!!
1. Look on this site for ECO News for information.
2. Does your building have an ECO Noticeboard?. Is it updated?
3. Do you have an ECO contact officer?
4. Photocopy both sides of the paper whenever possible.
5. Specify double sided for all jobs sent to print units.
6. Ensure instructions on photocopier use are available to reduce waste. Consider a note to all staff.
7. Use the reduction feature on a copier to fit more on a page.
8. Design fax sheets to have adequate space for messages or use a fax header instead of a separate sheet. Could you reduce fax by using Email instead?
9. Keep Committee reports to two sides of paper.
10. Is a memo really needed (could you use Email?).
11. Circulate papers rather than sending several copies.
12. Do you have or use a notice board?. Make notice boards work harder (for Today's Press, Newsletters).
13. Reduce printing - use the file system for storage.
14. Regularly check and update distribution lists.
15. Save paper by design: narrower margins and smaller fonts may sometimes be acceptable (a font size of 8 or 10 could be used).
16. Think before you ink: be concise and economic with words. If you use a computer or word processor, edit on-screen as much as possible to avoid printing multiple drafts.
17. Reduce the acceptance of trade literature and catalogues to central points and prevent duplication and wastage.
18. Re-use scrap paper for notes.
19. A4 and A5 Memo pads can be replaced by scrap pads.
20. Use scrap paper instead of Message note paper.
21. Use the smallest size envelope required.
22. For all internal mail use the multi-use envelope.
23. For all external mail re-use envelopes with a re-use label.
24. Use chlorine free, high post consumer waste recycled papers.
25. Buy recycled goods and help create a demand for the waste.
26. Chose the minimum specification to do the job.
27. Do not specify tinted papers unnecessarily.
28. Use multipurpose papers where possible.
29. Purchase goods marked green
30. Have a used goods area within the office and include binders, padded envelopes, files, diskettes, envelopes.
31. Buy refuse sacks made from recycled plastic
32. Avoid Products Containing Hazardous Substances.
33. Avoid using batteries use mains electricity where possible.
34. Where batteries have to be used buy rechargeable ones.
35. Consider products with minimum packaging.
36. Reduce the Impact Of Packaging: Use concentrates; Use refillable containers; Use packaging material made from recycled material.
37. Consider the life cycle of a product. Keep and care for your own pen. Could you supply staff with refills?.
38. Select more environmentally benign materials.
39. Select alternatives to solvents if available.
40. Replace hazardous material with less hazardous alternatives.
41. Avoid "coloured" lavatory cleaners.
42. Do not use excessive amounts: a little bleach left for a long time is just as effective as a lot for a short time.
43. Use "natural" alternatives, e.g. vinegar to remove lime scale.
44. Minimise the range of products on site
45. Ensure separation of acids, alkalis, bleaches and solvents
46. Ensure adequate training in correct usage/awareness.
47. Switch lights off when not in use.
48. Use messages next to switches to make staff aware.
49. Use localised pull cords for turning lights off.
50. Have tungsten light bulbs replaced by new energy saving "compact" fluorescent lamps.
51. Use thin fluorescent tubes (26mm or T8), they have the same light output as the thicker (38mm or T12) but use less energy.
52. As the thicker tubes fail, replace them with thin ones. (Check the suitability of older fittings first).
53. Clean shades: A dirty shade can cut down light by 20%.
54. Replace flickering tubes promptly.
55. Use light coloured surfaces to improve illumination levels.
56. Install "zoned" lighting in preference to main room lights.
57. Invest in automatic lighting controls such as time clocks and presence detectors to prevent lights being left on.
58. Know who controls the heating system in your building.
59. Keep thermometers in prominent locations
60. Know the settings for your thermostat control system.
61. Discourage the use of supplementary heaters.
62. Close doors and windows / doors when the heating is on.
63. Switch off extractor fans at night and at weekends.
64. Ensure radiators and heaters are not blocked by furniture.
65. In open plan areas use screens to block draughts.
66. If a new heating system is planned, invest in zone controls.
67. If boilers are to be replaced install condensing boilers.
68. Keep detailed energy consumption records for your building.
69. Request an energy audit for your building.
70. Switch computers off when not in use.
71. Give responsibility for turning off equipment.
72. Switch off equipment at the plug when not needed.
73. Have dripping taps and leaks repaired promptly.
74. Always put the plug in the basin when washing your hands.
75. Install spray taps and ensure all basins have plugs.
76. Consider installing spray taps which only release a particular volume.
77. Do not overfill kettles or boilers, use the minimum volume.
78. Install water saving devices on urinals in male toilets.
79. Cancel junk mail.
80. Order minimal quantities: little and often.
81. Avoid products with excessive packaging.
82. Chose re-usable products instead of disposable ones.
83. Recycle toner cartridges
84. Reuse incoming packaging for your own use.
85. Start a building or floor recycling scheme.
86. Encourage staff to share seldom used products.
87. Chose products that can be reused/refurbished.
88. When choosing office equipment, consideration should be given to the recycled material content of packaging and components of the equipment itself.
89. Use suppliers with commitment to environmental issues. Conscientious suppliers will advertise manufacturing practices such as; waste reduction, waste recycling, reduction in the emission of carbon gases during manufacture.
90. Use equipment that complies with the USA EPA Energy Star Program.
91. For photocopiers: the ability for double sided photocopy is a prime specification; ozone and dust emissions from equipment and the need for the replacement of ozone filters; the ability to use recycled papers. Look for the Blue Angel Award which represents good practice in photocopier environmental performance.
92. Dispose of equipment thoughtfully. Can someone else use it?.
93. Ensure that meetings / conferences / training events are held at venues served by public transport.
94. Pool cars should be used where available.
95. Car sharing should be standard practice when travelling to meetings.
96. Use a contact list to help car share in advance of meetings.
97. Consider a minibus for some meetings for large numbers of staff.
98. Encourage more use of public transport.
99. Use videoconferencing as an alternative to travel.
100.Use phone conferencing as an alternative to travel.
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