First off, let me say that I am not thrilled about the name, but I am thrilled about the concept.  I’ve been hearing about “Green” for almost 2 year now.  I even blog about Green Office Space a good bit.  However, I personally haven’t done anything to help make my Colliers Atlanta Office Green.  Which leads me to Green Elves…. 

What are the Green Elves?  They’re a group of us, within Colliers Atlanta, that have decided to start a grassroots campaign to reduce the consumption within the office.  Essentially, we are trying to promote a “Greener” office environment, and we just had our first meeting today.

So what?  The so what is this:  We are trying to 1) stay anonymous within the office (creates mystery behind what we are doing) 2) create a fun environment for people to consider what they’re during to reduce consumption within our office (no one will participate unless it is fun).

Will it work?  We’ll see, but you can rest assure that I will blog about our progress from time to time and share ideas with you.  In fact, check out the action items below to help you make your office space “Greener”.  We’re adopting 5 action items and going from there.  The list is from GreenBiz.com

Office Managers

• - Set office copier defaults to print on both sides of paper to reduce paper waste.
• - Post recycling receptacles in central locations as well as at individual desks.
  - Use motion detectors to control lighting in storage and other rooms that are used infrequently.
• - Install task lighting at employee workstations so that late workers do not need full lighting throughout the department.
• - Consider recycled and recyclable materials when renovating space or replacing furniture.
• - Require interior build-out contractors to follow sustainable practices, particularly in ensuring the air quality of adjoining areas where employees are working.
  - Use low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint and formaldehyde-free furniture and carpet in offices to ensure that air quality is not compromised.
• - Investigate the installation of software that automatically turns off copiers and printers at a certain time, and make sure standby modes are set correctly.
• - Consider programs that allow employees to work from home part of the time, reducing carbon emissions from commuting and potentially limiting space needed per employee, thus reducing the amount of space to heat and cool.
• - Design space to maximize penetration of natural light into your space.

Employees

• - Bring lunch from home to reduce cafeteria and restaurant waste.
• - Print documents only when necessary, and use double-sided printing when possible.
• - Learn which plastic lunch items are and are not recyclable, and wash food particles from recyclable containers before depositing
• - Use a coffee mug and reusable water bottle instead of paper cups and disposable plastic bottles.
• - Turn off your computer at night and unplug the adaptor—even an idle adaptor draws energy.
• - Bring your laptop to meetings to avoid printing out presentation materials.
  - When working late, use task lighting at your desk instead of lighting an entire floor.
• - Take mass transit or carpool to work if possible; or better yet, walk or ride a bicycle if you live close enough to the office.
• - Place plants in your office space to help absorb indoor pollution.
• - Turn out conference room lights when meetings are over.

Side note:  I know that I said anonymous earlier, and by writing this blog I won’t anonymous.  That is correct, however I decide it is important to write about this in case it works because it will give others an action plan within their office.  I’ve also crossed my heart to not reveal the identities of the other elves.  Again, not thrilled about the name.

Tags: Atlanta Green Office Space