The Journey to Net Zero: Green Office Tips for Businesses and Designers

As global concerns regarding the environment continue to grow, businesses are continuously seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact and attempts to achieve a green office solution in Hong Kong. While the path to Net Zero doesn’t happen overnight, here are some easy tips for businesses and designers on helping to achieve a green office by equipping them with sustainable office supplies in Hong Kong.

Switching to Sustainable Furniture

To create a sustainable workplace in Hong Kong, implementing green office solutions is crucial. A green office, also known as an eco-friendly or sustainable office, is a workplace that is designed and operated with a strong focus on reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Green office solutions involves implementing various practices and initiatives to minimise resource consumption, reduce waste generation, and prioritise the well-being of both employees and the environment. Sustainable office supplies refer to products and materials used in office settings that are designed, produced, and utilised in a manner that minimises their impact on the environment. These supplies are sourced and manufactured using eco-friendly practices, renewable resources, and often involve recycling or upcycling materials to reduce waste.

At JEB, we offer a range of sustainable furniture options from world-renowned brands such as Vitra, Humanscale, and Sedus. These brands are committed to creating furniture that’s made with recycled materials and produced in energy-efficient factories, reducing the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.

For example, at Humanscale, they launched an ocean collection to reflect their commitment to saving our oceans. Each chair incorporates a significant amount of reclaimed fishing nets from the ocean. Widely regarded as the most harmful type of ocean plastic, discarded fishing nets “ghost fish” for years, damaging delicate ecosystems and the marine life that inhabit them. By repurposing these materials, Humanscale is not only reducing waste but also creating beautiful and functional furniture that helps to protect our planet.

These furniture options are also compliant with sustainability requirements. They come with green compliance certificates and test reports to ensure that your project meets its sustainability goals.

Promoting Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is another way to achieve a more eco-friendly, green office. This can be done by using energy-efficient lighting, installing motion sensors to turn off lights when not in use, and utilising natural light. Additionally, businesses can invest in energy-efficient appliances and equipment that use less energy and are better for the environment. Even simple HR initiatives like reminding staff to turn off their computers or going paperless helps!

Using Eco-Friendly Materials

Selecting environmentally-friendly materials is a key aspect of creating a green office. Making sustainability a key objective before the project even starts matters, as this ensures materials are sustainably sourced from the get-go and nothing is wasted during a relocation or renovation. For example, at JEB, we provide an audit of existing products to identify opportunities for reuse and recycling, and offer guidance on specification, design, STC and carbon cost, demountable systems, movable pods, and flexible wall systems. When planning future projects, we also take into account the potential for future reuse and the availability of recyclable materials. Our goal is to ensure that our products and services are aligned with sustainable practices, and we work closely with our clients to help them achieve their sustainability goals.

Recycling and Waste Reduction

Reducing waste and promoting recycling is essential in creating a green office. This can be achieved by placing recycling bins throughout the office, adopting a paperless system, and using reusable dishes and utensils. To make a more significant impact, businesses can also consider reusing, recycling, and donating office equipment and furniture during relocation. Sustainable Office Solution Ltd (SOS), a subsidiary of JEB Group, is committed to promoting and facilitating circular practices in the design and construction industry. SOS provides customized and streamlined services, including a client reuse program and a staff take-home program, to ensure that all office assets in good condition remain in the loop. To regenerate the value of all unwanted inventory, SOS partners with non-profit organisations and creates social impact that benefits local communities through redistribution.

Considering Green Building Certifications

Obtaining a green building certification, such as LEED certification, is an excellent way to demonstrate your workplace’s commitment to sustainability. These certifications assess a building’s environmental impact and provide guidelines for improving sustainability. By implementing sustainable practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting, reducing waste, encouraging sustainable transportation, and selecting sustainable office supplies, workplaces can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and create a healthier environment for employees.

At JEB, we are committed to sustainability and have implemented healthy, efficient, and cost-saving practices across all of our architectural products and services, including acoustic partitions, bespoke facades, and specialist installations. By incorporating these practices, we can help your project achieve or improve its LEED rating. So, if you’re looking to achieve your sustainability goals and obtain a LEED certification, JEB is here to help.

Achieve a green office environment today! Incorporate our line of sustainable office supplies in Hong Kong, can help your workplace achieve a green office solution and promote sustainability.