More and more office buildings are being constructed across the Philippines these days as the property market continues to boom. However, many are unaware that buildings are significant contributors to climate change, accounting for 36 percent of the country’s energy consumption.
It is good news that more business owners are already leaning toward sustainable development. The Philippine Green Building Council noted the growing demand for green architecture. More than 30 buildings are already certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) in the country. The Leed is an assessment tool devised by the United States Green Building Council to accelerate the development and implementation of green-building practices. Thus, offices have become safer and more conducive for working.
The responsibility does not fall on building owners or facility managers alone. It is also up to businesses and individuals to be actively responsible drivers of change, to help save the planet. Here are six tips to consider in making your work space greener:
- Digitize
The phrase “think before you print” has become a cliché but the reality is that, the greenest paper is no paper at all. Keep files on computers instead of in filing cabinets or drawers, review documents on screen, and if you’re not already doing so, choose e-mail over sending bits of paper in the post.
- Be conscious of energy
The Philippines has one of the most expensive electricity rates in Asia. That is why keeping an attentive eye in our energy consumption in the working space is crucial.
In commercial buildings, air-conditioning, lighting and work machines are some of the largest and costliest energy consumers. So, remember to go easy on the AC. Likewise, don’t forget to switch the lights off when leaving a room. Optimize your computer settings for energy efficiency, and make sure to shut down and switch off when you’re finished for the day. Printers, scanners and other machines used every now and then can be unplugged until they’re needed.
- Use green materials
If you must use paper, use recycled paper. Even pens and pencils can be made of recycled materials, and refillable pens and markers are better than disposable alternatives.
Buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste is reduced, and reuse the shipping boxes. Recycling printer cartridges are often free, and recycled replacements are usually cheaper, too.
- Choose LED Lighting
Lighting accounts for 19 percent of global electricity production. Thus, the switch to LED lighting is a simple choice we can make that can have a massive impact on the environment. Combining high-efficiency lighting with connectivity and smart sensors can reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and deliver energy savings of up to 80 percent.
Philips Lighting continues to invest heavily in the development of green technologies, leading the march toward the global switch in LED. Changing a conventional light bulb to an LED option is likely to result in improved eye comfort and can help one save on electricity bills by up to 60 percent right away.
With this, we aim to create better environments that are not only conducive for living and playing, but also for working.
- Switch to renewable energy
Green power sources, such as solar and wind energy, are now commonplace and affordable choices with options from rooftop installations to commercial wind farms. Everyone can choose to use renewable-energy sources. Most suppliers now offer a green plan, but there are many schemes worldwide that offer renewable sources of energy. At Philips Lighting globally, 78 percent of its electricity now comes from renewable sources, and it is aiming for 100 percent by 2020.
- Get everyone to go green
Making the personal choice to go green is a great first step, but by sharing these tips with your colleagues and building on them will make a much greater change far more quickly.