Going green at the office used to feel like a “nice to have.”
No longer. Today sustainable office cleaning is one of the quickest ways to save money, increase productivity and enhance your brand – all three.
The best part is this: Going green in the office can often pay for itself in just a few months. Sometimes even sooner.
This article covers the practices that deliver real returns.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Why Green Office Maintenance Matters
- Setting Up Recycling Containers That Actually Work
- LED Lighting And Energy Savings
- Cutting Paper Waste And Other Easy Wins
- Bringing It All Together
Why Green Office Maintenance Matters
Green offices aren’t just better for the environment — they’re better for your business’ budget too. By 2030 global industries could cumulatively save $437 billion per year with energy efficiency improvements alone.
That’s a huge opportunity for businesses of every size.
However, saving money is just the tip of the iceberg. Going green can also benefit companies by:
- Higher employee morale
- Lower staff turnover
- Better brand perception
- Reduced utility bills
And the best news? You don’t need deep pockets to begin seeing savings. Many office “greens” are low-cost, simple to install and start saving you money quickly.
Set Up Proper Recycling Containers
Dumpster charges are one of the most insidious expenses your office faces. Believe it or not, 75% of American waste is recyclable. Sadly, only about 30% of that actually is.
That’s a mountain of missed opportunity.
The easiest solution is to provide employees with dedicated recycling bins around the office. If employees have clearly marked recycling bins nearby, they will recycle more. If not? They throw everything away.
Quality also plays a role. Flimsy bins tip over, become contaminated quickly and end up in the landfill themselves. Choose sturdy, smartly designed recycling containers from a reputable provider like RecycleAway that will stand the test of time in a hectic office.
What to look for in good recycling containers:
- Clear labelling with images (not just text)
- Separate compartments for paper, plastic, glass and aluminium
- Durable materials that won’t crack or bend
- Appropriate sizes for your office traffic
Position recycling bins in convenient locations – next to printers, break rooms and near exits. If it’s easier to recycle than not, people will do the right thing.
Switch To LED Lighting
Still using old-school incandescent or fluorescent bulbs? This is a no-brainer.
LED lights consume 75% less energy and have a lifespan 25 times longer than conventional bulbs. This means:
- Lower electricity bills every month
- Less time spent replacing bulbs
- Fewer maintenance calls
The initial investment can be a little pricey with LEDs… But most businesses see that investment back in less than a year. After that you just continue to save year after year. It’s one of those no brainer decisions.
Extra tip: Combine LED lights with motion detectors in rooms that don’t get a lot of traffic, such as storage closets and bathrooms. Lights that automatically shut off when no one is present conserve even more energy.
Cut Down On Paper Waste
Did you know that the typical office employee generates approximately 2 pounds of paper waste each day?
Every day.
That’s nearly 500 pounds of paper per employee each year. Most of this waste will end up in a landfill. But paper isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a financial issue as well. Paper costs, printer ink, maintenance and disposal fees … Offices spend thousands of dollars per year on paper.
Here’s how to cut it down:
- Switch to digital documents where possible
- Set printers to double-sided by default
- Encourage staff to think before they print
- Use email signatures with a “please consider the environment” reminder
Little things do matter. An office with 20 employees that reduces paper use in half can save thousands each year.
Optimise Heating, Cooling And Ventilation
HVAC is usually the biggest energy hog in any office.
You can slash your energy use without inconveniencing anyone just by making a couple small changes. Here’s how:
- Install a smart thermostat to adjust temperatures automatically
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors
- Clean or replace filters regularly for peak efficiency
- Set reasonable temperature limits (around 78°F in summer, 68°F in winter)
Proper HVAC settings can reduce energy bills by 10-20% just by themselves for the average office. That’s significant revenue right back into your company.
Bring In Plants And Natural Light
This one is often overlooked…
Offices that are greener (cleaner air, natural light, thermal comfort) have experienced 8-11% productivity gains and less absenteeism. That’s a massive return on a very small investment.
Adding some plants around the office isn’t just about looks. Plants:
- Filter indoor air pollutants
- Reduce stress
- Improve focus
- Absorb noise
What about maximising natural light? Less artificial light is needed during the daytime AND it makes the office a nicer place to be. People see that too.
Choose Sustainable Cleaning Products
Commercial cleaning products can be harsh on the environment AND your employees with their harsh chemicals. Try green cleaning products that:
- Safer for staff
- Better for indoor air quality
- Often more cost-effective long term
Request that your cleaning service begin using certified green products. If you have staff that clean on-site, seek out products that are Green Seal or EcoLogo certified. Easy fix.
Start A Composting Program
About 70% of business landfill waste can be recycled or composted. Food scraps from the office kitchen are included in that.
Did you know that starting an office composting program is simple? All you need is::
- A dedicated compost bin (with a lid)
- Clear signage about what goes in
- A pickup service or on-site composting setup
Staff members typically love it – and keeping food waste out of landfill will save your business money on rubbish disposal costs.
Bringing It All Together
Going green with office cleaning doesn’t happen overnight. Implement the measures that offer the largest reward for the least effort first.
Here’s the action plan:
- Set up quality recycling containers throughout the office
- Switch to LED lighting
- Cut down on paper waste
- Optimise HVAC settings
- Add plants and natural light where possible
- Switch to green cleaning products
- Start composting food waste
Each of these practices ultimately pays for themselves – and when combined they create an office that costs less to operate, is healthier for employees and better for the environment.
That’s a win no matter how you look at it.
