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How to go green at work
Workplaces across New Zealand account for two thirds of the nation’s energy use1 as well as much of its waste, so taking a more sustainable, environmentally-aware approach at work can make a big difference. So how green is your workplace?
Use our easy guide to work out how much – or little – you and your workmates are doing to help save energy and reduce waste. If you’re in the Green zone, you’re doing really well already. In the Amber zone, your efforts are worthwhile but there’s still more you can do. If your workplace falls in the Red zone, there’s a whole lot more you can do to reduce your impact on the planet.
Get an idea of how green your workplace is by identifying which actions are being taken at the moment and adding up the score:
Your workplace:
- Has a recycling system for rainwater, using it to water plants, flush toilets and other non-drinking purposes (3 points)
- Is double-glazed to provide better insulation in both summer and winter (3 points)
- Has opening windows or uses outside breezes to reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer (3 points)
- Uses sun shades to help control the inside temperature (3 points)
- Reuses old envelopes by using address stickers (1 points)
- Recycles all paper and card (3 points)
- Recycles cans, glass, plastic (3 points)
- Composts organic food waste (2 points)
- Uses recycled paper, for both stationery and toilets (3 points)
- Uses both sides of paper for writing or copying, and collect paper which has only been used on one side for reuse (2 points)
- Has replaced large general waste bins with small desktop bins to encourage workmates to only throw away what can’t be recycled or composted (2 points)
- Uses energy-saving lightbulbs throughout the building (2 points)
- Makes sure windows and skylights stay clean and clear to maximise natural light (2 points)
- Fixes leaks in pipes, toilet cisterns etc as soon as they occur (2 points)
- Operates any air conditioning system to maintain the same temperature throughout the year, at around 19°C, so that staff get used to a comfortable but slightly cooler environment (2 points)
- Keeps heat sources (heaters etc) clear of furniture so that heat has maximum chance to circulate (2 points)
- Uses appliances with a good energy rating, and replace old appliances with more efficient ones when they’re due (3 points)
- Has installed draught-proofing on doors and windows (1 point)
- Keeps doors and windows closed while heating is on inside (1 point)
- Use water-saving devices in existing taps and showers, and install low-water use devices when replacing worn-out items (2 points)
- Turn off lights when rooms aren’t being used and switch appliances off at the socket when you’re not using them or they're on stand-by (2 points)
- Be operating a workplace ‘green’ project team to manage and review the organisation’s approach to sustainability and environmental issues (3 points)
35 to 50 points – congratulations, you’re in the GREEN zone.
Your workplace appears committed to operating sustainably and takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, although there’s always more you can do. If you don’t have a green project team, set one up to make sure you stay on top.
15 to 34 points – you’re in the AMBER ZONE.
This means that your workplace is making good progress towards being more sustainable and having less destructive impact on the environment. Take a look at the areas where you didn’t score to see what further steps you can take now and plan for in the short and longer term.
Less than 15 points – sorry, but you’re in the RED ZONE.
This doesn’t mean that your workplace isn’t necessarily thinking about sustainability, every step you’re taking is positive, but there’s a huge amount you and your teammates can still do. Use the list above to see what could be possible now and in the future.
