Green Office

There are many ways in which staff can promote good environmental practices in their work areas.

Take a look at our Green Office checklist below to ensure your office is practicing sustainability every day.

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Energy
Switch off your lights when you aren't there to help reduce energy consumption.
- Switch lights OFF if you go out for a meeting or lunch, and at night (Ecoversity can provide 'Switch it off' stickers to prompt staff)
- Use natural light where possible - it's better for your eyes and will make your workplace more comfortable
- Assess if lighting levels are correct for the activity in the room. Investigate opportunities to remove tubes depending on required light levels
- Open windows to cool rooms with natural air flow instead of using appliances like fans or air conditioning
- Use the air conditioner sparingly; set the air conditioner thermostat to 24-26 degrees in summer and 19-21 degrees in winter
- Wear appropriate clothing to reduce the need for air conditioning
- Unplug kitchen appliances when not in use and turn the power off at the wall
- Switch off electric hot water boilers at the end of the day and consider turning the boiler off altogether and using a kettle instead
- Turn your photocopier off at the power point over weekends and holidays.
Waste Reduction & Recycling
- Encourage the use of networked communal printers rather than individual desk-top printers; it is more economical and energy efficient
- Ensure that all printers are set to double-sided and black and white printing (contact the IT Service Desk for assistance)
- Consider whether all documents (reports, emails, etc.) need to be printed or whether a soft-copy is sufficient
- Go paperless if you can! Read, note, edit and highlight on screen
- Request electronic versions of newsletters, guides, invitations and brochures
- Use TRIM for soft-copy records management rather than hard-copy filing
- Utilise smart-boards and iPads during office meetings as an alternative to hard-copy agendas and papers
- Recycle everything possible including plastic, bottles, cans, cardboard and batteries (contact Ecoversity for more information or to request a co-mingle bin)
- Recycle printer cartridges, mobile phones and batteries through Cartridges for Planet Ark
- Dispose of electrical waste, IT equipment, phone chargers and accessories responsibly through the University's annual e-Recycling collection
- Encourage all staff to have a paper bin under their desk to promote recycling.
Water
- Utilise existing hallway and on-campus water bubblers
- Stop buying bottled water! Purchased water is a considerable cost and requires additional transport (fuel use – carbon emissions) \xC2\xA0
- Consider installing a Puratap in your areas kitchen
- Report dripping taps or leaking pipes to Campus Services - 8313 4008.
Purchasing
- Purchase 100% recycled, Australian made paper as an alternative to white copy paper
- Consider more environmentally-friendly office products and stationary options when purchasing new items
- Provide durable, reusable dishware and silverware for staff and visitors, rather than disposable items
- If disposable plates are essential, consider purchasing the biodegradable bamboo variety as an alternative to plastic or paper
- If you have the space, buy kitchen items, such as sugar, salt, condiments, coffee and tea, in bulk to reduce waste
- Consider purchasing Fair Trade items, such as sugar, tea and coffee
- Purchase locally produced products where possible
- Consider replacing old and inefficient appliances, particularly fridges
- When purchasing new kitchen appliances (e.g. fridge, dishwasher, kettle), look for items with high Energy-Star ratings
- If you supply napkins or paper towels, purchase those with at least 50% recycled content
- Always use green bags when shopping for kitchen or office supplies.
Participation
- Contact us to get your copy of the Ecoversity LOUD online newsletter for sustainability news on campus
- Get involved with Ecoversity events on campus, such as the ReUSEathon or Ride To Work Day
- Have a designated section of an office bulletin board for posting sustainable tips and information about green practices and events - contact us if you need help with this.
- Walk, cycle or catch public transport to work
- Take the train or bus when feasible instead of a rental car when travelling on business
- Choose videoconferencing and other technological solutions to reduce the amount of travel.

Authorised by:	Director, Office of Services and Resources
Maintained by:	Environmental Projects Officer, Division of Services and Resources