Sustainability is not a new concept in the workplace, but in recent years – more businesses have made reducing environmental impact and increasing sustainability a top priority. Heading into a new year, more business owners are adding it to their goals for 2023. Pivoting to more sustainable options in an office setting may seem challenging or too expensive for organizations, especially small and mid-sized businesses. But, there are several easy and inexpensive swaps offices can implement quickly to become a more sustainable environment and lower their carbon footprint. Here are four easy and inexpensive options to help you become more sustainable (and effective) in 2023.

 

Combine Office Equipment Functionality 

Most traditional offices require several pieces of equipment to support daily operations, including printers, copiers, and scanners. Even with an increase in reliance on the digital storage and transmission of information and files, most offices still operate using paper to some extent. Rather than sticking with single-function machines (i.e. a traditional copier), swap those for robust, multifunctional devices.

Multi-functional printers can perform many functions traditionally reserved for separate devices. They allow users to scan, copy and print with ease – while also taking up less space than multiple devices. While multifunctional printers require ongoing maintenance (like most machines), maintaining these devices tends to be much more cost-effective than maintaining multiple, single-use ones.

Kyocera offers several great options when it comes to multifunctional printers, each developed and improved over time to consistently improve agility, efficiency, and productivity in office settings. Also, many Kyocera printers are classified as ECOSYS, meaning that they are built with durable long-lasting components, are economical to run, and produce significantly less waste during use than industry standards. Swapping to Kyocera multifunctional printers means less ongoing maintenance, more freed-up office real estate, and greater operational efficiency.

 

Change up How Files/Information are Stored

For those looking to move away from paper, opting for cloud storage of files and data/information remains a common initial step. This switch provides many benefits for an office, from saving physical (and expensive) storage space to reducing environmental impact by lessening the use of paper and ultimately – reducing or eliminating paper waste.

Adopting cloud services, specifically cloud storage solutions, means you will always be able to access important files and programs – no matter where you are. Not only is this helpful in terms of sustainability, but it also increases accessibility and makes working from home (or on the road) much easier for businesses and their employees.

 

Buy In Bulk, Less Often

Offices require supplies to function properly, including both office supplies like pens and paper as well as cleaning supplies and sometimes food and beverage. Generally, offices partner with external vendors to supply the space with what’s required for normal operations. Transportation is one of the top contributors to a product’s carbon footprint, mostly due to the CO2 emissions that occur while transporting a good from a factory to a shipping address. Buying products in bulk means ordering less often – and ultimately, fewer trips required to get items to an office. That means fewer carbon emissions overall.

Purchasing in bulk also streamlines the relationship between buyer and vendor. A supplier having to deliver less frequently is helpful in terms of efficiency on both sides. So, office managers can work with their suppliers to implement a cadence of deliveries that incorporates buying in bulk less frequently and reduces the transaction’s carbon footprint. Buying in bulk also almost always saves offices money. Suppliers of office products like printer ink and copy toner often offer hefty discounts on high-quantity orders, further incentivizing businesses to buy in bulk quantities whenever possible.

 

Go for Energy Efficient Lighting & Power 

Swapping outdated light bulbs for energy-efficient options is likely the quickest change an office can make moving toward sustainability. Doing so saves both electricity and money over time – not to mention effort on the maintenance personnel’s behalf.

Smart plugs or power strips are other quick swaps to replace outdated power strips. These smart devices turn off items plugged into them either automatically based on a set schedule or via remote shut-off on a mobile device connected to the smart plug. Cutting off electricity to unneeded devices overnight or any time the office is not in use is a more sustainable option than keeping all unused devices receiving electricity 24/7. It also reduces power consumption from the grid and lowers utility costs for businesses. The cost savings associated with the swap will likely cover or exceed the cost of the initial swap over time.

 

Increase Sustainability and Operational Efficiency with Kustura Technologies

Operations are the backbone of a business, and having a strong operational infrastructure and system of processes is key for overall efficiency and success as an organization. Those businesses serious about operating more effectively and increasing sustainability often rely on industry experts rather than implement solutions in-house.  

Why the reliance on external expertise? Technology and best practices when it comes to business operations both evolve rapidly. Prioritizing staying up to date with technology innovations and operational best practices is not something all businesses and their owners have the capacity to take on. Professional IT teams, like the experts at Kustura Technologies, not only remain up to date – they also anticipate innovation to remain ahead of it. Successful IT operations require this proactive approach. If you’re looking to become more proactive, effective, and sustainable in 2023, we encourage you to reach out to the Kustura team today!