Green Check List

SAVE ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

First of all, ask staff what they can do to make the workplace greener. You will probably find a few individuals who are really passionate about t he subject and will help drive the initiative through your business or organisation. You could even reward your staff when they hit set targets

Introduce a recycling imitative into your workplace. Place recycling bins in every department - separate cans, plastic, glass and paper - and talk to your local council about recycling collection services they offer. Also look to use scrap paper for note [pads and replace the vast volume of post it notes we use on a daily basis.

Buy a good quality fan rather than using an air conditioning unit on hot days. Keeping blinds and windows shut to keep the heat in. Ensure your building has sufficient insulation.

Instead of using a vending machine that dispenses a polystyrene cup with every drink, use a kettle and bring in your own mug. This reduces amount of rubbish you produce and means that you can get a bigger cup of tea.

Consider using email and electronic methods to communicate with clients. You'll save paper and ink and it's much more reliable. As much as possible Pristine use electronic method for client communication.

Encourage employees to reduce their dependence on their car to get to work. Encourage car sharing schemes and gives incentives to you more sustainable transport methods. The Government are offering a number of incentives for employees such as ‘cycle to work' schemes which are all tax deductable. http://www.dft.gov.uk

Save electricity - it's the biggest contributor to global warming! Buy energy saving lights bulbs, and actively encourage staff to turn lights and computers off when they leave in the evening - signs placed near the door are a great reminder. The average business spends £6000 a year by leaving the electricity on over the weekend and Bank Holidays.

http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy/startsaving/top_tips.htm

For further ideas and information on going green and saving energy Pristine recommend the following sites.

Carbon Trust ( www.carbontrust.co.uk)

Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk)