Can greening your office actually save money? The answer – it depends. Some measures are surefire money savers, some are break-even, and others are going to cost you.
Strategies that yield savings include recycling (can reduce up to 25% of waste carting costs), supply donation program (tax deduction), double-sided printing (halves paper use), and the purchasing of reusable cups, plates, utensils, etc. Achieving savings through energy efficiency measures (i.e. purchasing Energy Star appliances/equipment and changing computer power settings) is possible if your company’s energy costs aren’t fixed in the lease agreement or can be negotiated.
Green changes that don’t have affect your wallet one way or the other include switching to a green web host, giving carpool incentives (such as the better parking spots), a telecommute program, and improving communication with your building’s manager (to report things like water leaks).
Lastly, there is no shortage of ways to spend money in going green. Recycled paper and other office products are never the cheapest option (but not necessarily the most expensive either). Purchasing carbon or renewable energy credits is a new cost entirely. And food-related green purchasing such as fair-trade coffee, organic milk, condiments, and catering for lunches and events is generally more expensive. But food measures, those that relate to indoor air quality can have a positive effect on the health of employees can yield cost savings in the long run via lower health insurance premiums.
