Creating a green office at home

Australia is a nation of small businesses and your sustainable energy management, along with those of all the other solo acts, can go a long way to helping the environment.

According to Clare Donovan, Green Home Project Officer for the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), it's the little things that add up. "The main thing is to reduce your energy consumption," she says.

"For a start, turn off the lights, computers, multi-function centres and any other electrical appliances overnight. A lot of the newer equipment is becoming more efficient, but still, it all helps."

Maintain a sustainable office

Great energy savers include switching to green power and setting your office air-conditioning and heating systems at optimal levels. "There are different levels of green power now available, from 100 per cent to lesser amounts, so whatever your business can afford is good," says Clare.

In summer, it’s recommended to set your air-con between 25 and 27°C and in winter your heating system at 18-21°C. "If you dress for the weather, it really helps you to keep the temperatures at these levels and not be tempted to crank them up."

Create a low VOC level environment

When it comes to green furnishings and decorating your space, given you may not be in a position to change your house to get the right airflows and light, there are other ways to make your working environment as healthy as possible.

"Air quality is very important and you really want to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are a major component of indoor air pollution," explains Clare.

According to research by the CSIRO, VOCs can cause asthma or irritation of the nose, eyes or skin and come from all sorts of sources, including house paints, carpets, fax machines, photocopiers and glues.

"There are a number of ways you can reduce the toxicity of the VOCs," says Clare. "Zero-VOC and low-VOC paints are now available, for example, and desks made from low-formaldehyde particle boards are now coming on the market, but the most cost-effective way to reduce VOC concentrations is with indoor plants such as peace lilies, Janet Graig (a type of maize) and Kentia palms."

Install low energy lighting

When it comes to lighting around the home, there are many low-energy light bulbs now available and if you have halogens, there are simple DIY ways to adapt these to energy efficient bulbs.

Minimise waste

Paper and waste should not be forgotten, and Clare recommends you use paper that contains at least 50 per cent post-consumer waste. "And of course there are lots of ways to use paper more efficiently, such as printing on both sides or only printing when necessary," she says.

Contact an energy consultant in your area to find out how you can create a green office at home: