“Going Green” is a popular trend happening across the globe. “Going Green” means taking steps to reduce one’s negative effect on the environment. Odds are you’ve already incorporated some green methods into your household, so today let’s look at tips on how we can turn your office green. Depending on the physical and employee size of your office, you may have to make special adjustments.

1. Cut Down on Transportation – Carbon dioxide is the number one contributor to the greenhouse effect, and cars produce about 30 percent of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions. Offer your employees incentives for carpooling or riding a bike to work.

2. Monitor Lighting Usage – According to a US Department of Energy (DOE) end use study from 1995, lighting accounts for about 29 percent of the energy use in a typical office. Replace your old lightbulbs with new energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. Also, make sure lights are turned off in non-working space and during non-working hours.

3. Monitor Paper Usage – A ton of 100 percent recycled paper saves the equivalent of 4,100 kWh of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions, and three cubic yards of landfill space. Several ways to monitor your paper usage include: making hard copies only when needed, use double-sided printing, and buy recycled paper.

4. Monitor the Thermostat – Heating, cooling and ventilation accounts for 39 percent of the energy use in a typical office. This tip not only helps the environment but also means big savings on your electric bill. Try using automatic setback thermostats to adjust the temp during non-business hours. Also, keep the blinds closed in the winter time to conserve heat.

All offices can “go green” by following the simple tips above. The best way to get things rolling in your office to to put one person incharge of “going green.” He or she can monitor thermostats and paper usage, help set up carpools, and turn off the lights before leaving the office.