15 sustainable office ideas that businesses should explore

1. Reduce paper waste

Globally, the second-largest component of global municipal solid waste is paper and cardboard, only behind food and garden waste, according to "Beyond an Age of Waste," published by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Solid Waste Association. In North America, paper and cardboard together form the single-largest component of municipal solid waste.

Paper is energy-intensive, as well.

The pulp and paper industry is among the most resource-intensive industries, according to the Environmental Paper Network. The production of paper emits carbon, while pulping uses a lot of energy -- it takes as much energy to make a metric ton of paper as it does to make a metric ton of steel. Paper production is also a major source of air, water and soil pollution, partly due to toxic chlorine-based bleaches released during the process.

The ultimate goal of waste management is to reduce waste by preventing it in the first place or reuse materials that would otherwise become waste rather than produce waste and then recycle it.

With this in mind, office leaders and workers can create a culture of smarter paper use by ensuring they take actions such as the following:

• Considering whether they need to print a document.
• Reusing paper where possible.
• Printing double-sided.
• Reducing the default width of margins to use more space per page.
• Recycling paper that's no longer usable.
• Conducting a paper and cardboard procurement and usage audit.
• Digitizing reports, forms and other documents.
• Using lower-weight papers.
• Investing in paper-saving digital technologies.

Workplaces can encourage recycling by using recycling companies that are committed to sustainability and by placing bins in convenient spots.

2. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning supplies

Many common cleaners contain harmful chemicals that are dangerous to both human health and the environment. For example, while cleaning supplies can remove allergens and infectious agents in an office, some may contain ingredients that cause eye, skin or respiratory irritation, among other health issues.

Certain ingredients in cleaning products can also present environmental hazards. For example, volatile organic compounds in disinfectants and air fresheners can affect air quality and smog formation, and ingredients containing phosphorus or nitrogen, often found in dishwashing detergents, can lead to adverse effects on water quality.

Office leaders can look for ecolabels to help ensure the health and safety of employees and office cleaning staff and minimize environmental harm.

Ecolabelling is an environmental performance certification that identifies products proven to be environmentally preferable in a specific category, according to the Global Ecolabelling Network, a nonprofit organization that sets the benchmark for ecolabel excellence. All GEN member ecolabels have adhered to the International Organization for Standardization's 14024 standard, which contributes to the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals. Such products are certified against science-based standards and address multiple environmental and health issues, including toxicity, air quality, use of natural resources and other areas of concern.

Those in charge of office cleaner purchasing can look for products with ecolabels, such as Green Seal-certified products. Choosing disinfectants, sanitizers and other cleaning products with these labels can help protect the workplace from harmful chemicals and avoid damaging the environment unnecessarily.

3. Use smart tech to cut heating and cooling waste

Companies can save energy and cut costs by getting smarter about heating and cooling the office.

Smart thermostat usage could help avoid 6.91-7.25 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions through reduced energy usage by 2050, according to Project Drawdown, a nonprofit organization that promotes the adoption of science-based climate solutions worldwide.

Certain smart thermostats can automatically analyze data, such as occupancy and temperature trends, over time and adjust demand accordingly. They can also be programmed to reduce consumption at times of peak energy use and peak emissions. This being the case, smart thermostats could help save 10%-15% of energy needs, according to Project Drawdown projections.

In addition to smart thermostats, office leaders can conduct an assessment of current HVAC technology in the building and explore options to increase sustainability. This can include upgrading equipment to more efficient and eco-friendly systems with more automation and intelligent control, transitioning to renewables, like solar panels, where possible, investing in smart sensors and analytics to help track and optimize energy usage patterns, and more.

4. Use plants to promote cleaner air

Indoor air quality can be a health and environmental concern in office buildings due to contaminants from electronics, furniture, paint, cleaning products, HVAC systems with fossil fuel-based sources and more. This is a concern because, when at work, employees are often indoors for long periods, which can increase exposure to indoor contaminants. Plants can not only improve the aesthetics of an office but also help purify the air.

Through photosynthesis and a process called phytoremediation, plants can filter the air and reduce carbon dioxide, indoor ozone, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, according to the journal article "Psychological and physiological benefits of plants in the indoor environment," published in a 2021 issue of the International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability.

This can help prevent "sick-building syndrome," which can occur when working in a poorly ventilated environment and trigger various symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and respiratory irritation.

Here are some examples of purifying plants:

• Bamboo palm.
• Croton.
• Date palm.
• Dracaena.
• Snake.
• Spider.

Still, plants alone cannot purify low-quality office air.

A large number of plants would be required to reduce indoor particulate matter significantly, according to a study published in the Building and Environment journal. Instead, plants should be considered part of a wider effort to promote cleaner air within the office, working alongside other sustainable office ideas and efforts, such as switching to eco-friendly cleaning products and energy sources.

In addition, workplaces that include pets should only have pet-safe plants.

5. Buy more sustainable coffee

Seventy-five percent of American adults drink coffee on a weekly basis and 67% drink it daily, according to the National Coffee Association.

That's a lot of coffee, but unfortunately, coffee production can have many negative environmental impacts, contributing to everything from deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions to soil degradation, water pollution, biodiversity loss and waste. Coffee production can also be prone to farmer exploitation in areas with weak labor laws.

However, efforts like the Sustainable Coffee Challenge, an initiative being driven by the nonprofit group Conservation International, are working in line with the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals to meet coffee demand in smart, sustainable ways. This includes addressing climate change and nature loss through forest conservation and restoration as well as protecting farmers through fair wages and safe working conditions.

With so much coffee consumed at work, companies can make a big impact by purchasing coffee brands that have earned certifications from the Fairtrade Standards, the Rainforest Alliance, 4C, the Regenerative Organic Alliance and the Smithsonian. Brands with these certifications have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability in the coffee industry.

In addition, office leaders can help coffee drinkers learn about the complex issues surrounding coffee and its supply chain by sharing resources from About Coffee, the National Coffee Association's consumer website that explains everything that goes into a single cup of coffee.

6. Reduce single-use packaging and plastics

The kitchen or break room is a popular spot in any office, but it's also a source of food waste, carbon emissions and negative environmental impact. By making a few changes, staff can minimize the trash that ends up in landfills, rivers and oceans for hundreds of years (or longer) and help create a more sustainable office.

Reducing single-use packaging and plastics is one of the main goals to target. These include single-use plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, straws, takeaway containers, packaging from deliveries, product packaging, grocery bags, food packaging, bottles and more. Single-use materials can be hazardous to humans, ocean life and environmental health because they are often not recyclable and either dumped in landfills or burned, which can release harmful chemicals and gases into the air, or end up in oceans where they accrue at the expense of marine life.

To help, office leaders can do things such as provide real dishes and reusable cups and water bottles to employees in eating areas. They can install water filters and dispensers in meeting rooms, kitchens and break rooms. Companies can also encourage staff to bring their own reusable kitchen supplies to work or procure more sustainable products, like bamboo utensils, compostable plant-based cups or recycled napkins and paper towels.

That said, office leaders will need to make sure cleanliness is maintained. This may necessitate installing a dishwasher in the kitchen, establishing a shared cleaning schedule among employees or encouraging everyone to commit to cleaning up after themselves.

Another sustainable office idea is to adopt reusable plastic packaging where possible.

Returnable plastic packaging could lower greenhouse gas emissions and water use by 35%-75% compared to single-use plastics, according to the "Scaling Returnable Packaging" study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

7. Reduce office food waste

Food waste is a global sustainability problem. According to the U.N., more than 50% of global municipal solid waste is food and garden waste. Dumped food waste can lead to issues like local flooding due to blocking drains, the fostering of breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and vermin, and marine pollution. And about 10% of all global greenhouse gases come from growing, storing and transporting food that's never even used, let alone consumed.

Everyone needs to work together to combat food waste. To do so in the office, businesses can start by making waste management a priority. Sustainability or corporate social responsibility teams can set goals related to creating a more sustainable supply chain and experiment with different sustainability ideas for the office to reduce food waste. Office leaders can also encourage converting unavoidable food waste into compost by partnering with a composting service.

They can also look to technology to help reduce food waste. For example, a variety of smartphone apps, such as Too Good to Go, are designed to help good food from going to waste. FoodCloud is another example that can help connect your business with local charities and community groups to donate surplus food, perhaps after an event such as an all-company lunch or a meeting with catered food.

In addition, business leaders can seek guidance from partners or use free materials that advocate taking a multifaceted approach to reducing food waste, such as by raising awareness around the issue and designating a food waste champion in the office who can organize events that aim to educate employees about sustainable habits and best practices.

8. Reduce lighting energy use

Lighting makes up about 17% of all electricity consumed in U.S. commercial buildings, according to Energy Star. Since a large chunk of global emissions comes from electricity generation, finding ways to reduce energy usage is key to sustainability and protecting the planet. The good news is that reducing electricity usage can also save businesses money, so it's a win-win from both an environmental and operational perspective.

To start, company leaders can make small adjustments to lighting to immediately save energy. For example, they can designate someone or ask all employees to turn off office lights at the end of the day to make sure the lights are only in use when employees are there. On bright, sunny days, the lights can also be turned off or dimmed to take advantage of outdoor light. Such actions only require keeping lighting top of mind.

For broader solutions, businesses can conduct a lighting system audit. This can help identify what types of bulbs are being used and if they can be replaced with more energy-efficient options. LED lights, for example, use approximately 90% less energy and last 15 times longer than traditional bulbs.

In addition, companies can explore other sustainable office ideas, such as IoT options for energy savings. Automated energy-saving light systems can be used to turn off lights at certain times of the day. Occupancy sensors can identify when someone is in the room and turn off lights automatically when no movement is detected. Photosensor controls can adjust the lighting in a room based on ambient light levels. Even something as simple as a dimmer switch can give you more granular control over lighting to more optimally manage energy usage.

9. Encourage more sustainable commuting

According to the U.N., most cars, trucks, ships and planes run on fossil fuels, and transport accounts for nearly one-quarter of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Road vehicles are the largest source in this category, as the majority run on petroleum-based products, like gasoline, making them a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

As greenhouse gases rise, so does the global surface temperature, which can lead to a variety of environmental issues, such as more extreme weather events, increased drought, loss of species, rising ocean levels and more health risks. Climate change can also have sweeping financial impacts on businesses.

To help do their part to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, office leaders can encourage employees to choose more sustainable and eco-friendly commuting options. For example, if employees are driving into the office, even part-time, using an electric car is generally better for the environment, as electric vehicles usually have a smaller carbon footprint than cars that use gas.

Incentives can help spur electric car adoption, as well as other energy-saving efforts. For example, company leaders can encourage employees to switch to electric cars and potentially provide subsidies for them to do so. Employee carpools could also help reduce emissions. HR leaders could help create perks for employees who carpool to work, such as offering a monthly drawing for a gift card or organizing groups of employees who are open and able to carpool.

It's also worth looking beyond employee transportation and analyzing the supply chain. Green supply chain management, which can include optimizing for low-carbon manufacturing, opting for green procurement and investing in more sustainable transportation choices, can help reduce carbon emissions significantly.

10. Revise office space needs

Many companies are now giving employees some flexibility in the number of days workers are in the office.

The percentage of U.S. companies requiring their employees to be in the office full-time is only 32% as of Q4 2024, and the average U.S. firm only requires employees to be in the office for 2.78 days per week, according to the "Q4 2024 Flex Report" by Flex Index.

With the majority of companies offering fully flexible or hybrid working arrangements, the entire workforce is unlikely to be in the office at the same time, so businesses can save energy by using a smaller office layout. Less office space requires fewer lights as well as less heating and cooling, which can reduce energy usage and save on operational expenses.

HR and office leaders can help with this by arranging a hoteling desk or flex desk arrangement in which employees who are in the office for the day take whichever desk is open. This way, employees are only using whatever physical and digital resources are available instead of having dedicated workstations that go unused when they're not in the office.

11. Turn off computers at night

It's easy to forget to turn off computers at the end of the workday or fall into a habit of leaving them on for the sake of convenience. But doing so can consume a significant amount of electricity.

One computer left on for 24 hours a day would cost about $115–$160 in electricity costs a year and emit 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, according to Tufts Climate Initiative. Between 100 and 500 trees would be needed to absorb the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to offset those annual emissions.

If an employee works a shift from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then leaves their computer in sleep mode until they return the next day, that's 15 hours of unnecessary electricity being consumed. Now, imagine if every employee in the office did the same. All that extra energy can balloon costs, strain the electric grid and waste resources.

Office leaders can solve this by encouraging employees to shut down computers every day before they leave. This can be done by setting up automatic alerts that go out toward the end of the day to remind employees to shut down before going home.

Modern computer hardware and OSes are designed to shut down much faster than older technology. With stronger CPUs, more RAM and solid-state drives, computers can typically shut down and reboot in seconds. This can also help clean up memory and even flag hardware issues that IT can address, like unnecessary background processes that are slowing down the computer's overall performance.

12. Encourage recycling through accessibility

One key throughline in supporting sustainability in the office is making it easy.

According to the U.N., only about 19% of global municipal solid waste is currently recycled. It's imperative to improve that percentage because recycling reduces demand for energy-intensive and environmentally damaging raw material extraction, enables waste to be valued as a resource and prevents pollution from waste leaking into the environment. Proper waste management and recycling are key to improving global resource efficiency and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.

Office leaders can encourage recycling by making it as convenient and accessible as possible using the following tactics:

• Contact the waste hauler or building manager to understand what materials are accepted for recycling.
• Conduct a waste audit to identify current recycling processes and the type of waste being thrown out versus recycled.
• Implement a waste management system and plan that can ensure waste is being disposed of and collected properly.
• Place appropriate containers in all kitchen areas, meeting rooms, desks and anywhere else where people congregate in the office.
• Ensure containers are properly labeled and color-coded, and place signage nearby, such as a poster on the wall above the bin, explaining what type of waste to dispose of in containers.
• Invest in containers that have slots that only accept certain items, such as can slots or paper slots.

In combination, these sustainable office ideas and efforts can help foster a better recycling culture in the office, make it easy for employees to dispose of waste appropriately and simplify sorting for waste collectors.

13. Promote digital sustainability best practices

Many sustainability ideas for the office focus on reducing physical waste, but supporting office sustainability requires focusing on lowering digital waste, and supporting green computing is critical.

For example, according to Digital Cleanup Day, which encourages individuals and businesses to delete unused data to save energy, almost 1.2 million people have joined together to delete more than 14.5 million gigabytes of data since 2020. Combined, these efforts have prevented an annual production of about 3,625 tons of carbon dioxide. These calculations of digital waste are based on the International Energy Agency's average carbon dioxide emission figures, which posits that 4 gigabytes of data stored on servers and other data storage devices for one year consumes 2 kilowatt-hours of energy and produces 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide.

Businesses typically store large volumes of data, much of which goes unused and takes up unnecessary space on servers. To reduce excess data and keep operations lean, office leaders can encourage employees to lower their digital carbon footprint:

• Clean out old emails, especially lengthy email chains or emails with large file attachments.
• Delete unneeded files on computers, especially files stored in temporary folders, like downloads.
• Uninstall unnecessary apps on smartphones and mobile devices and delete old files and conversation histories.
• Empty the cache memory on browsers on a regular basis to improve performance and reduce the amount of data they store.
• Run a disk cleanup on computers to automatically remove unnecessary system files.
• Sort and organize emails and files on computers and mobile devices, and adopt the Inbox Zero approach.
• Keep only essential data and regularly delete obsolete data, perhaps once a week or once a month.

14. Create events that promote conservation

Encouraging sustainable office ideas can be effective, but actively engaging employees with sustainability events allows them to get hands-on and see the benefits of conservation in action. This can foster even better engagement for sustainability initiatives.

Here are a few event ideas to engage employees and collaborate with the local community:

• Participate in eco-friendly-themed local or global events, such as World Cleanup Day or Digital Cleanup Day, two international social action programs aiming to combat the physical and digital waste crisis. These events are typically scheduled for one day of the year and can be a good way to encourage involvement among employee groups.
• Host sustainability-focused lunch-and-learns within the company. Sustainability experts can lead these events, or a sustainability champion within the organization can present their findings or offer quick tips.
• Create an environmental sustainability awareness program within the company's learning platform. This can help teach employees eco-friendly ways to do business and conserve resources individually.
• Reach out to local charitable organizations that host sustainable initiatives. Businesses can help organize events, sponsor initiatives and encourage employees to attend to spread awareness and take part in improving the environment around them.

15. Establish a team of sustainability experts

Creating sustainability ideas for the office is only part of the battle. To ensure these ideas turn into action, businesses can develop a corporate social responsibility strategy and appoint a team of sustainability experts.

A corporate social responsibility strategy aims to integrate social and environmental impacts into everyday business life. By doing so, businesses can foster more sustainable operations, spread environmental awareness and measure the performance of sustainable office ideas and initiatives while also supporting business goals. Establishing a team of sustainability experts or even a single sustainability champion can help keep the business accountable to its goals.

When developing such a strategy, start by setting the business's goals and the metrics that need to improve. Then, identify which employees are passionate and knowledgeable about sustainability and want to help shepherd these initiatives. They can align environmental goals with the company's wider business goals and tie them to environmental, social and governance standards. This will allow the team to measure and report on the overall results of sustainability initiatives.

Having a team, employee resource group or champion in place can help ensure the business is moving sustainability forward, the office is as green as possible and employees are informed about how they can help make an impact, both at the workplace and within their own lives.

Jacob Roundy is a freelance writer and editor specializing in a variety of technology topics, including data centers and sustainability.

Molly Clancy is the senior site editor for Informa TechTarget's SearchHRSoftware and SearchERP sites.

Sandi Schwartz also contributed to this article. She is an environmental author and freelance journalist specializing in nature, sustainability, and home and garden.