Designers and architects are putting a lot of effort into environmentally friendly design. Much of this is motivated by cost-cutting measures, or a desire for good publicity, but there are other benefits to be had from eco-friendly offices too. Environmentally friendly offices tend to be healthier, and more enjoyable for the workers that spend their nine-to-five days in them.

What Goes in to Eco Friendly Offices?

Some eco-friendly buildings are designed from the foundations up with mother nature in mind, but it is possible to convert even the oldest, draftiest building into an eco-friendly working space. Try the following tips to improve the atmosphere in your office:

1. Save water: Put a water-saving brick in your cistern to reduce the amount of water used when you flush.
2. Get insulation: Loft insulation is inexpensive, and will reduce the amount of heat lost throughout the day.
3. Get energy efficient bulbs: Fit energy efficient bulbs wherever possible. It’s a good idea to offer a choice of bulbs for each room, however, especially if any of your employees suffer from migraines. Some brands of energy saving bulbs can aggravate migraine symptoms.
4. Get a recycling bin, and use it.
5. Fit automatic sliding doors: Not only are these convenient, and helpful for disabled persons, an automatic door opener will also serve as an automatic door closer – so you won’t end up with a cold office thanks to someone propping a door open while carting in a delivery, only to forget to close it.
6. Use eco-friendly cleaners: Some cleaning solutions are thought to contribute to “sick building syndrome”. Eco friendly cleaners do the job just as well, and aren’t likely to aggravate allergies.
7. Get double glazing: This is an expensive upgrade, but if you plan on keeping the office for a few years, it will pay for itself.
8. Open the blinds: During the day, why not open the blinds instead of turning on the lights. Natural light improves your mood, and doesn’t add to the electricity bill!
9. Encourage car-pools: Try to encourage your colleagues to car-pool with each other. They’ll save money, and save the environment too.
10. Avoid carpets: Try to use wood floors wherever possible. Chemically treated carpets are bad for the environment. If you must get new carpets, air out the building before bringing people back in to work.

There are lots of ways to reduce your environmental footprint, the above are just a few ideas. It may seem like it would be expensive to get automatic sliding doors or double glazing fitted, but consider the cost over the long term. You’ll save a lot of money on heating bills, and you may qualify for some government incentives to help you “go green”. In addition, the good PR you will be able to get as a result of your waste reducing measures will really help your business. When you consider all of the potential benefits, the question becomes “Why didn’t I do this years ago?”

This article was written by James Harper on behalf of Automatic Access; manufacturers and suppliers of automatic doors. James has a keen interest in environemental issues and is always looking for new ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.