The good news is if you’re using a shared office space, you’re already a step ahead in reducing your carbon footprint. The biggest offset from shared working is in the name itself; sharing. Traditionally, each business would have its own printers, coffee machines, electricity and heating systems; by sharing these resources and utilities, duplication and wastage are dramatically reduced.

But it’s more than just splitting the bill. Coworking spaces are, by design, more eco-friendly. Most shared offices are strategically placed in prime locations that are well connected for commuters; this allows people to take a load off and switch from car to public transport. Provisions are often made for those who bike to work also, so the green working can start before the 9 to 5 even begins.

Though coworking is the more sustainable choice, there is also so much more you can do to offset the impact of work on mother nature. Keep reading to see how to make your shared office more sustainable with simple eco-friendly practices.

Five tips for every office

Whether a switch in practices or providers, eco-friendly offices are a big point of interest for companies and employees. A recent study by JLL reported that almost 80% of workers expect their workspace to positively impact the environment. So it’s no longer just a case of what’s good for the planet; green working is now good for business.

Our 5 tips are a great starter for 10 on what people expect and what you can provide to meet the modern needs of eco-conscious workers.

• Green stream the environment 

The world we build inside our offices contributes massively to our impact, so making sure you have the basics covered is essential. 

Have you switched to motion-activated lighting? This little switch means you’re only using electricity when it’s needed. Water filling stations and reusable utensils are a staple for less waste. Recycling is an obvious move, but one that can’t be overstated. 

Another more aesthetic choice is the inclusion of leafy green plants; these potted wonders will help keep your air cleaner and contribute to a happier workforce!

• Paperless practices
  

There’s no getting around the elephant in the room. Working often involves using a lot of paper. And whilst physical resources still have their place in the workplace, we all know that it’s less necessary with our current technology.

In a time when most office workers are attached to laptops, why not finally rid yourself of the paper handouts and opt for a PDF? Equally, a lot of office admin can now be completely paperless; this includes digital contracts and online payslip portals.

• Emission friendly commuting
  

Coworking spaces are already set up for success with their prime commuting locations. But why not take it one step further and actively incentivise your workers to ditch the car for good?

Many companies now offer a cycle-to-work scheme which allows employees to access bikes more affordable. This idea is even government-backed and can have a hugely positive impact on both emissions and physical health.

• Make the workplace workable
  

Although saving on carbon emissions with public transport, reports show that employees who work entirely from home may have a negative impact on the environment. This is because, like individual offices, home offices require individual heating and electricity.

So, if you’re a company that works entirely or mostly from home, getting employees in should be your first move. To do this, why not encourage physical attendance with impressive workplace design and through social events?

• Invest in a green team
  

The more brains are tackling a problem, the better the solutions. So, take a look at implementing a green team in your workforce. This can be a voluntary group of employees who are passionate about the environment.

This dedicated team can meet regularly to discuss areas of improvement and keep your company accountable if eco-friendly practices start to fall away.

Ready, set, green

Implementing greener changes can seem like just another admin hindrance, but having a less damaging, more positive impact is a goal we should all be striving towards. And, as you can see from our quick checklist, it truly couldn’t be easier.

Are you thinking of making the eco-friendly switch to a coworking space? Get in touch and discuss your needs, wants and priorities today.