All that heat, power and energy we generate is pretty easy to reduce. As is waste. We have tips on how to do it right here, from the small things to sweeping, big changes, so you can feel good about saving the planet while saving a lot of cash for your agency too.
Reduce the heat you produce: Quick Fixes
Reduce the heat you produce: Longer Term Fixes
Reduce waste
Reduce the heat you produce : Quick Fixes
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Turn your thermostat down
By turning your thermostat down by just one degree can reduce your energy consumption by 10%. Amazing but true.
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Wear a jumper
Don’t crank up the heat, wear a cosy, warm jumper instead. We don’t suggest you do this in the summer though.
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Be a heat scrooge
We’ve nothing against stationary cupboards in hallways, but do they really need to be heated? Only heat the areas and rooms that are used regularly by people. That way, you will save money.
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Reduce the heat you produce: Longer Term Fixes
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Insulate your walls
A big project, this. But well worth it. Insulating your office loft, boilers and walls are the single most effective way you can reduce energy use. Think of it as making money while the office is empty.
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Double glaze
This cuts heat loss by a whopping 50%. Must make a big dent in those bills too. A big commitment, but well worth checking with the landlord about.
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Fact
The energy we waste as a nation each year is now growing close to the equivalent of powering seven million non-existent homes
Links
For the ins and outs and nitty gritty of how to reduce your heat output and save money visit these sites. Please note that the IPA does not own this content and bears no responsibility for the news or views expressed in it:
carbontrust.co.uk
— the first and last word in saving energy.
actonco2.direct.gov.uk
- calculate your carbon footprint.
biggreenswitch.co.uk
— helps offices reduce their carbon footprint.
britishgasbusiness.co.uk
— how to be exempt from paying Climate Change Levy.
Reduce Waste
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Sort out how you print
By changing a few of your bad habits, you and your printer can work in harmony for a greener world. Ahh.
1. Sort out your margins. Go to ‘File’ then ‘Page Setup’ and select ‘Margins’ tab. You can then widen your margins to get more words per page.
2. Email work. Don’t print it.
3. If you have to print, do it in black and white. It uses less energy and ink.
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Recycle whenever you can
Save the planet one green bin at a time. Ask your office manager to put recycling bins in every part of the office. Especially near printers. You will be amazed how quickly they get filled up. While you’re at it,
have recycling bins in the agency kitchen too: one each for plastic, paper and glass.
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Refill your toner
Cartridges take up lots of space on landfills. Buy toner and ink in refilled cartridges and lighten the load on those landfills.
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Turn into your granny
Fill your agency kitchen cupboards with china plates, not plastic. Ditto for mugs. Use cutlery that is metal, not plastic. Oh, and don’t speak with your mouth full.
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Donate
Agencies consume huge amounts of supplies. If you notice you have way too many staplers, plates, cups, don’t let them languish in your cupboards, give them to a local charity who will really appreciate them.
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Links
These sites will point you in the right direction to saving waste. Please note that the IPA does not own this content and bears no responsibility for the news or views expressed in it:
envirowise.gov.uk/plane
reduce.org
wastewatech.org.uk/homepage
recyclewood.org.uk
ecorubbishclearance.co.uk/default.aspx