Ways to Design and Remodel Our Office Eco Friendly

Offices have long been a place where resources are wasted. Now the tide had finally shifted and the need to be more cautious with the environment came into focus on all levels of human endeavor.

However, contrary to popular belief, going green in the office doesn’t have to bring an increase in expenses. On the contrary, in most cases saving the planet also means saving money. With that in mind, here are some simple tips on how to be kinder to the environment from the comfort of your quiet, relaxing home office.

Is it quite necessary?

Obviously, the only thing more environmentally friendly than a green remodeling is no remodeling. With that in mind, consider the scope of changes you deem necessary and reevaluate your decisions before you set about remodeling your home office.

The upside is that you are working from your own home, and thus you are the only one deciding what can be implemented, and how, compared to corporate offices, where the situation would obviously be different.

Let the Sunshine In

Lighting is one of the major costs of any office. Keep that in mind when you start considering the layout of your new home office. Abundance of natural light will not only make your offices look more elegant and spacious. It will also save you a lot of money in the long run and it will have a great impact on overall productivity. Like most organisms on this planet, we naturally thrive under the sun and there is no getting away from it.

Go Solar

Solar power technology had come a long way since its beginnings. Today it is possible for almost everyone to find a suitable way of harnessing the power of the sun in one way or another, as there are companies that tailor the existing systems to client’s needs and limitations. Be sure to check out your options before making any further plans.

Use recycled materials

Days when recycled paper looking like moist newspapers someone sat on was the only recycled material around are long gone. There are now beautiful, durable and interesting recycled materials available for just about any purpose, primarily reclaimed lumber and recycled glass. The first makes for a beautiful, vintage-feel material now modeled in sleek, modern pieces that will add character to the space, while the latter is perfect for counter-tops.

Furniture

Check out the percentage of post-consumer materials used in the production of the furniture you’re considering. There are companies that offer furniture with high percentage of recycled materialsthat is also designed to be recycled at the end of its usage, so make sure you look at what they have to offer before turning to other options, and they would be more than happy to help you with an office fit out to best serve your needs. If you’re bent on using wood, stick to renewable species like bamboo, cork on plantation trees. Hard wood that grows slowly like teak or oak will greatly increase your eco impact.

Literally Go Green

There is not much to say in favor of having plants that is not already known, but it is important you plan a space for them beforehand.

Insulate Properly

About forty percent any business consumes goes to heating and cooling. Good insulation will cut down those costs to a minimum and make the place itself much quieter and more comfortable. Make sure your insulation is green.

Use the Tech

Office occupancy sensors are a great and a relatively inexpensive way to further reduce your electricity bill and, consequently, your carbon footprint. There are many more systems that can help you save money, be kinder to the planet and that will make your office life more comfortable, such as electrostatic air cleansers, dehumidifiers and many more great gismos that are both practical and improve working conditions.

This is by no means a complete list, but only excerpt meant to show you some the possibilities of eco-friendly office practices. However, attitude is the most important factor in changing one’s habits toward a more eco-friendly existence in any aspect of life. Don’t just implement a couple of changes and call it a job well done. Be active and always look for new ways to reduce your impact on the environment, as that is the only way to make the change permanent.