You don't have to be a tree hugger or corner-office visionary to devote yourself to greening your workplace. Still, if you want to have maximum impact -- by minimising the impact of your office's operations on the environment, that is -- you've got to do more than just drop a few sheets of paper into the recycling bin every day. Writer John Rosseim suggests five spheres of white-collar environmentalism to which you can pledge your efforts. Colour your cube green The greening of the workplace certainly doesn't end with individuals' efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their own office productivity, but it's a good place to start. So minimise printing, maximise recycling, turn off devices and task lights when you won't be using them for a while, and see that your obsolete PCs and tech gadgets don't get trashed. Spread the green wealth by educating your office manager about donating some of the proceeds to charity organisations (there are plenty, they advertise and waiting for your response!). Attention work-at-home professionals: You are not off the hook. You can also green your home office. You might even be able to go 100 per cent digital, like Jennifer Goodwin, owner of InternetGirlFriday.com, a virtual assistant firm. "I use no paper or ink," says Goodwin. "I don't own a printer or fax." Good girl! Put green building issues on the table Urge your employer to be environmentally conscious from the get-go when planning a renovation, relocation or expansion of office space. Offices are energy hogs, and buildings overall account for 30-40 per cent of global energy use, according to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme. Even when businesses are tenants rather than building owners, they can substantially reduce environmental impact by adopting standards which covers everything from materials reuse to low-emitting paints to controllability of lighting systems. Maximise telecommuting; minimise business travel The savings in transportation emissions -- not to mention fuel costs -- may be the best reason to work from home one or more days per week if the system allows that. Never stop building the case for creating or expanding a telecommuting program. And for each proposed business trip, ask yourself and your organization if it's really necessary. Consider the full range of alternatives, such as Web-based videoconferencing and reorganising sales territories. When you do travel for business, consider the specific environmental impacts of the trip. Travel by train (less emissions per passenger than air or auto, get a better quality time for work and actually enjoy the ride!). Paint every corporate department green When it comes to reducing workplace environmental impact, it shouldn't just be between you, the office manager and the facilities department. Market researchers and product development specialists can ask consumers what value environmental consciousness might add to company's products. Sales and marketing can exploit green practices and products to differentiate your brand. Public relations and community relations can trumpet all your green triumphs. Information technology can demonstrate how sophisticated, networked environmental controls can cut utilities costs. Finance can promote green investments that will produce a positive return. "You can establish a green committee in your workplace to explore how to reduce energy use and provide options to management," says Rozanne Weissman, a spokeswoman for Alliance to Save Energy in Washington, DC. Even HR has reason to promote green business practices. "Being green is a great way to attract, retain and motivate employees," says Ushma Pandya, a client-engagement manager at management consulting firm Katzenbach Partners. Final words: In countless ways, green workplace programmes depend on the everyday actions of individual workers. But sadly, while 69 per cent of workers know that their company has an environmental policy, only 32 per cent even know what that policy is, according to a survey by staffing firm Adecco. Communication is probably the biggest way to help change people's behavior.
