The corporate world sometimes can’t help but be destructive. Whether it be due to shortsightedness or greed, companies have been known to ruin the environment in pursuit of money. Even with rules and regulations meant to protect the planet in place, businesses often don’t care enough about environmental footprint to make a change. And this apathy has led to pollution, deforestation, depletion of natural resources and more.
Human communities as well as wildlife is damaged because of these practices. The numbers are out there, and it is evident that things are looking really bad for sustainable future of our planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the US has published data to show that 2023 was the warmest year so far, since 1850!
Something that’s long overdue is for businesses to start prioritizing social responsibility, over profit. They need to think about what their actions will mean for the future and do what is right. Of course, they aren’t alone in this fight — there are government officials and consumers who will hold them accountable for their choices.
Finding environmental enthusiasts
A greener, sustainable coworking spaces and space simply cannot exist without employees who care about the environment. One person cannot change everything, but if every person spreads awareness to at least a few coworkers, things would look more optimistic. Maybe there is at least one fellow volunteer in all of our work circles. It is important to reach out to like minded individuals so that you don’t feel alone in your campaign for greater sustainability.
Passionate Leadership
If you want people behind you, you first have to show that you’re genuine. When you approach your coworkers for suggesting sustainable practices, lay out your reasons for why you think this is an important issue. There is a solid body of research backing up several serious alerts about climate change and environmental destruction.
There is also a body of research about how small steps at home and work can take us closer to our sustainable goals. A passionate leader is a rebel, but with a cause. They know what they want, why they want it, and are able to convey this understanding to their coworkers.
Reducing waste
Start small by implementing recycling programs or promoting reusable containers instead of plastic ones. In a recycling program you will be setting up separate bins for recyclable waste like paper, plastic, and glass. By doing this, you will lessen the amount of garbage you dump in those government designated pits or grounds that leave a putrid smell for long stretches. Though audits may be tedious, they can help identify areas where unnecessary waste is being created within a coworking space.
Also, you can use office supplies made of recyclable materials. There are some companies out there that sell biodegradable pens, diaries, etc. By doing business with them, you will be helping the environmental cause, and also supporting local businesses!
Manage Energy Consumption
Energy usage is one of if not the biggest factors impacting carbon footprint and a workspace’s carbon emissions which makes it an important aspect to focus on.
Renewable energy sources
Some sources of energy, the more conventional ones, are non-renewable. It means that they can be used only once. Take coal, for example. Once burnt, you can’t use the same piece of coal again for running a steam engine. Or, take the fuel we put in our vehicle. Once used, it turns into gas and can never be used again in liquid form.
Some sources, on the other hand, are renewable, meaning that they can be reused infinite number of times, and we won’t ‘run out’ of them as such. For example, solar panels use the sun’s heat to heat water and run appliances. Now as long as your panels are basking in the sun, they won’t “run out” of sunlight, you won’t have to “refill” sunlight after a certain period of time.
Another example is wind energy. Wind mills are powered by gusts of wind. As long as the wind is blowing, you won’t have to worry about “having enough wind” or using “too much wind in a day”. As you can see, renewable sources of energy are much better alternatives to the conventional sources we use.
True, they could be more expensive than other sources of energy, but let’s be honest, companies spend tons of money on buying the most expensive, latest tech, software and devices for the comfort of their employees. Co-working spaces can certainly hike up their membership fees for using the most high tech source of energy out there- renewable and sustainable!
Energy efficient devices
LED lights use less energy, and last longer. They are the buzzword in sustainable energy circles. It is not even that hard to get green coworking spaces and switch to LED lighting- as long as all the members are onboard, your coworking space is set to achieve it’s sustainable goals!
Moreover, you can also use smart devices that switch off on their own when not in use, so that you don’t waste energy. Smart thermostats also adjust temperature as per outdoor weather and your preferences during different seasons. Not that it makes any difference to environmental sustainability- but just a little something to think about, while you’re at it.
Sustainable transport
Most Americans are used to driving around in car all their adult life. A house and a car have become the basic necessities of a “decent” life. Well, you will be surprised to know that this is not the norm in many other countries. Elsewhere, people are leading a perfectly comfortable life without burning fuel day in and day out just to get to their workplace.
What if there was a sustainable alternative? Well, there is. You can always take a bike to work- it will reduce pollution , and it’s also a great form of exercise! Co-working spaces can arrange bike racks, so that members will be encouraged to start taking bikes. Moreover, once a few members start doing it, it becomes cool, and hopefully everyone will join in!
For those who can’t take a bike for health reasons, car pooling can always be an option! A co-working space can organize car pool groups for people who are senior citizens, those who can’t ride a bike, or cannot engage in physical activity for medical reasons.
Enhancing indoor air quality
Keeping indoor plants will not only make a coworking space look aesthetically pleasing, it will also circulate more oxygen into the space. Breathing fresh air can certainly improve your health, and make you feel pleasant. In fact, apart from indoor air quality, planting trees in the surrounding outdoor area also makes the place cool and shady, especially during hot summers.
To conclude, sustainability in coworking spaces is long due. For years, private enterprises have messed with the environment. Now that we have gotten ourselves into this mess, it is high time that we do at least the bare minimum to take care of the environment. We owe it to our planet.
We don’t have to move mountains to achieve this goal- we can start small. A little encouragement, understanding and compassion goes a long way in creating a positive impact and change. The first step is to recognize our role in environmental destruction. The second step is to take positive action, and motivate others to do so. Coworking spaces are a place where unconventional ideas are exchanged. Surely, these spaces can and should understand the crucial issue of sustainability!
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