A Green Office refers is an office that has a minimal impact on the natural environment. You might be surprised about the environmental impact of a humble office space. From the energy we consume in air conditioning and lighting, through to the paper we use and waste we generate, the impact becomes significant yet there's some simple actions we can put into place to help out.

Green Office Guide

A comprehensive but easy-to-read 'green office' guide has been developed by the Commonwealth, States and Territories. The guide covers planning, purchasing and using equipment, training staff, and case studies.

Download the Green Office Guide here.

Green Office Toolkit

Ecorecycle have developed a toolkit to encourage waste wise practices around the office. Click here for details.

Quick Tips to Greening the Office

Energy (equipment)
• Purchase new equipment with high energy-star efficiency rating (visit www.energystar.gov.au and www.energyrating.gov.au for details)
• Switch off computers at night – standby still uses power
• Use the power saving function in the ‘Display’ settings of your computer. (Screen savers are no longer necessary on most computers.)
• Use stickers and posters to remind your staff to save energy

Energy (heating & cooling)
• Minimise the hours of operation for heating and air conditioning systems – do not leave them on 24hrs a day
• Use outside conditions where possible – keeping doors and windows open can be quite comfortable when the temperature is between around 19-26 degrees
• Insulate areas to be heated and cooled, and avoid heating/cooling areas that are rarely or never used
• Consider double glazing windows
• Shade north facing windows from the sun during warmer months
• Use fans rather than ‘power hungry’ air conditioners where appropriate

Energy (lighting)
• Turn off when not needed. Labeling light switches will make this easier for staff
• Replace incandescent globes with compact fluorescent (energy saving) globes over time
• Place workstations over lit areas, or similarly, position lights over existing workstations
• Consider using sensors
• Maximise the use of natural light where possible

Paper
• Use recycled paper for printers – many good options are currently available on the market. Click here for a guide
• Set up duplex printing on computers/printers as the default option
• Use the double-sided facility on photocopiers and make sure staff know how to use it
• Actively discourage the unnecessary printing of emails
• Have a ‘one used’ paper tray next to printers and on desks
• Make pads & scrap books from once used paper
• Encourage electronic document storage and only use hard copies when completely necessary

Waste & Recycling
• Implement a recycling system, particularly for paper
• Recycle your printer cartridges
• Recycle your electronic equipment (computers, faxes etc)

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In the kitchen

Energy: Fridges
• Service periodically, particularly motor & seals
• Check temperature settings using a thermometer. Fridges should be set to around 3-5 degrees C and freezers set to -15 to -18 degrees C
• Defrost if necessary
• Keep coils at rear clean and clear
• Locate away from heat

Hot / Boiling Water
• Ensure hot water pipes are properly insulated
• Consider installing a solar hot water system
• Check that your hot water service is set to between 50 – 65 degrees C.
• Install AAA rated shower heads and aerators on taps – reduced flows translates to lower heating costs
• Boil only the water you need for tea & coffee – use a kettle form small numbers of people and an urn for larger offices
• If you have an urn, install a timer, and make sure it’s turned off over night and on weekends

Other Kitchen Considerations
• Minimise the use of disposable cups & plates
• Use a compost bin (or even worm farm) for kitchen scraps

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