What can you do as a business?

Nine practical tips for businesses

1. Stress that sustainable development and corporate social responsibility are issues that involve everyone.
2. Enquire about lighting systems that operate on the basis of sensor detection, thus switching on only when someone enters the room.
3. Replace old-fashioned tube lights with new energy efficient alternatives, or fit office desk lamps with the latest generation of energy efficient halogen lights.
4. Ensure that all fax machines, copiers, computers and printers are completely switched off (not just on stand-by) when the last person leaves the premises.
5. Check that your suppliers also purchase sustainable products (and check total cost of ownership) to ensure they also observe the guidelines for sustainable development.
6. Enquire as to the possibilities of eco-lease for your company fleet. Or take out a Green Wheels subscription if your staff only have to travel now and then for business. Also provide your staff with incentives to use public transport or to cycle to work.
7. Provide all departments with waste paper containers, to ensure that paper is segregated from other waste. Batteries and printer cartridges should naturally be collected separately for recycling.
8. Ensure that everyone keeps their windows closed whenever the climate control system is on. Otherwise the heat or cold will simply fly out of the window.
9. Ask the caterers to your company canteen to replace exotic dishes with more domestic seasonal produce. This will save substantially on transport costs, while proving just as tasty. And purchase only work clothing that bears the eco-label in future.