Plan, Design, and Operate Sustainably

Companies both large and small are learning that sustainable business practices not only help the environment but can also improve profitability by supporting greater efficiency, less waste and better community and employee relations.

When creating a sustainable workplace, you should consider the following aspects:

1.  Planning 

2. Design and build

3. Operations

Each of which brings considerable savings to your bottom line.

Let’s take a look at each aspect.

1. Workplace Planning

Planning enables you to develop a workplace ideal to your expectations, while being viable and resourceful for your business and towards the environment.

When looking for premises, consider retrofitting an older style property instead of occupying new office blocks. An architect can help you think outside the square on how space can be best utilised for your needs.

If it’s a new build, select offices with plenty of natural sunlight so you can work longer before turning on lights. You can create more sources of natural light via large windows and atriums in your building design.

2. Design and Build

A number of design principles can be applied to produce a space that is unique and efficient.

A new trend emerging recently is in re-purpose shipping containers. This concept is particularly great if you have vacant space on your property and need to build an extension or more storage space. It is also a suitable idea if you need to build a home office in your backyard.

Take a look at a recent Starbucks store that was constructed from recycled shipping containers. 

    Image: Starbucks in Tukwila, Washington     

You may consider using old, discarded or pre-loved furniture and fixtures. Restored or recycled furniture and fixtures create not only environmental benefits, but restored pieces can be a real focal point in design.

3. Operational

When it comes to operating your business, there are a number of simple things you can do to create cost efficiencies through sustainable practices.

Ensure switches are labelled, so employees understand which are relevant to minimise excess lighting and appliance use.

Install dimmers on your lights where possible, so you can adjust for varying levels of natural light in the room.

Display lighting should only be installed for spot lighting selected displays and not as general illumination.  If you are in retail or hospitality, keep lighting on a reduced level and only switch on display lighting just before opening time or put them on a timer.

Energy light bulbs – invest in LED light bulbs to capitalise substantial long-term financial savings that should compensate for their higher prices.

Install motion sensor lighting, especially for storage cupboards, plant room lighting and other rarely used rooms, which are switched off by default.

Creating a sustainable workplace in design and operations is highly recommended as the benefits significantly exceed the monetary investment. 

The Great Energy Debate – Gas, Electric or Solar

Keeping your home cosy through the chill of winter and cool in the hot summer is a challenge for many – especially while trying to avoid high energy bills. It’s a balancing act that raises the question of whether to choose gas, electric or solar power. 

Given that heating and cooling amounts to approximately 23 per cent of Australian household energy use, homeowners need to consider their home heating requirements and choose a system that delivers the right amount of warmth and coolness to avoid energy wastage and bill shock. 

If you are building or renovating, you have a number of energy options and therefore different options for your heating and cooling. Depending on where you live, you will generally be able to choose from:  

▪     Electricity – traditional heaters, air conditioning, fans

▪     Gas – widely available in capital cities, though limited supply of piped or main gas in regional and rural areas, generally used for heating

▪     Solar – widely available, however, the benefits of installing solar panels will vary depending on a number of environmental factors. Usually used to supplement the electricity grid and reduce energy costs for heating and cooling

    

    Gas heating        

Advantages and Disadvantages

All three energy sources – electricity, gas and solar – have advantages and disadvantages.

Electricity is the most widely available energy source and can run all household appliances, but can be a more expensive source of energy.

Mains gas can be less expensive than electricity and kinder to the environment than electricity, generating around one-third of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. It is frequently used for heating water and room heating. It easily copes with heating large spaces quickly. Mains gas, however, is not as widely available as electricity.

Solar     

Solar energy is a renewable energy source and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during the generation of energy. It can be used to either supplement or replace gas and electricity. Although, solar energy systems require a significant upfront investment and cannot be installed at all premises.

Effective heating and cooling can be custom designed to suit every house and getting your requirements right the first time is essential if you want it to be cost effective.

 

     Electric heating and cooling