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There are several ways that the impact of buildings can be reduced:
Energy
Use energy efficient appliances
Turn off appliances rather than using standby
Use programmable on/off timers
Use energy saving settings on computers and appliances
Where implement renewable energy sources to reduce energy consumption from non-renewable sources. Some technologies to consider include: Solar panels for energy or hot water, micro-wind, biomass boilers or heat pumps
The Carbon Trust’s ‘Better Business Guide to Energy Saving’ helps to identify where energy and cost savings could be made.
They also have energy efficient guides outlining some more specific ways that you can improve the energy efficiently of office buildings.
Additionally, The Carbon Trust has a tool that can be used to assess the potential for investing in more energy efficient solutions.
Plymouth Energy Community offer the opportunity to implement solar panels on the roof of your organisation and benefit from lower energy bills while also helping to tackle fuel poverty within the community. Additionally, they can help provide advice on energy efficiency and run training for you employees on energy efficiently.
The Energy Saving Trust provide information on energy efficient and clean energy and have several resources that can be used to inform you about the different actions you could be taking to ensure you buildings are as energy efficient as possible. They also offer advice and training to organisations. Water
Fit water saving devices on taps (e.g. flow regulators)
Install dual-flush toilets
Fix leaky taps and pipes
Utilise rainwater harvesting
Heating
Keep boilers in good working condition
Utilise heating controls, such as timers or thermostats, to heat buildings effectively
Fit insulation around hot water pipes
Ensure your building is well insulated
Insulation
Ensure that the roof, walls and floor of buildings are well insulated
Seal gaps around windows and doors
Fit double glazing
Lighting
Use LED lighting
Implementing a ‘switch off’ policy
Plymouth energy community offer a free lighting survey to help you switch to energy efficient LED lighting Plymouth Energy Community | LED Lighting Materials
Limit paper use, only printing when absolutely necessary and utilising both sides of the paper.
Remove disposable paper, cups and utensils
Provide recycling facilities and encourage employees to use these
Communicate your material conservation commitment to employees by including this in you environmental policy and action plan
Purchase from sustainable supplies were possible
Develop a waste policy that looks at how you can minimise waste throughout your organisation and ensure that any remaining waste is recycled to work towards a circular economy
WRAP have a range of resources that can help you to reduce the level of waste you produce and work towards a more circular waste model, with a particular focus on food and plastic waste. WRAP - Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency Experts
The world green building council outline a few other important changes that can be considered: How can we make our buildings green? | World Green Building Council (worldgbc.org)