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Reduce Paper Use

• Use electronic rather than paper faxes and circulate documents by e-mail
• Clip waste paper into pads to use for note taking and passing on messages
• Print and photocopy onto the backs of used paper for drafts and internal notes
• Re-use envelopes
• Stop incoming junk mail by contacting the free Mailing Preference Service on 0345 034599
• Buy printers and photocopiers that have a double sided function - and ensure that people know how to use it
• Put documents on a central notice board instead of distributing multiple copies
• Edit documents on-screen rather than printing unnecessary draft copies
• Review mailing lists to ensure they are accurate and appropriate
• Use the smallest font size practicable and designs that use less paper

Conserve Energy & Water

[Significant savings can also be made by buying resource efficient goods - see Procuring Sustainable Products]

• Ensure you have enough meters installed and read them regularly to check on where most electricity and water is used; then make others aware and take action.
• Switch off lights when rooms are not in use and where security is not compromised (it is more efficient to switch off all lights (including fluorescent tubes) even when rooms are being vacated for a minute)
• Switch off computers and other powered equipment when they will be out of use for any length of time
• Locate desks where they will get most benefit from natural light
• Install thermostats, and ensure that they work, and are used. If people feel the need to open windows when the heating is on, find out why and see if there are more energy efficient ways of making people more comfortable.
• Use water saving devices such as automatic taps, low flush toilets and urinals and low volume showers- and if fitted make sure that they work
• Reduce water and energy use by filling kettles only with the minimum water needed, by mending dripping taps, and by ensuring that water saving devices work.
• Install signs reminding people not to leave lights on or taps running

Recycle And Waste Reduction

• Join a waste paper recycling scheme
• Recycle printer cartridges and other office consumables
• Recycle office waste such as drinks cans, plastic cups and fluorescent tubes
• Send used computers, printers, and other electronic office equipment for refurbishment and recycling
• Recycle furniture - send for refurbishment or to another charity

Transport

• Cut down on travelling to meetings- by holding telephone or video conferences instead - for the price of driving 10 miles to a meeting you can have five hours on the phone!
• Locate meetings readily accessible to public transport
• Where possible use surface public transport before using cars; and if you have to use a car, share it with someone else
• Use train or bus in preference to flying
• Track the use of private cars on business, publicise the people's mileage and reward those who use public transport the most
• Encourage people to walk or cycle to work by providing showers, safe bike storage etc
• Encourage visitors to come by public transport by providing them with timetables and routes of buses and trains.
• Use LPG for your organisation's vehicles- or if you go on many short journeys get a company bike. Visit Boost LPG for details on how to convert to LPG and where you can purchase it.

Procuring Sustainable Products

The underlying principles of sustainable procurement are:

Don't buy, buy less, use recycled or refurbished, acquire from sources managed sustainably that don't damage people or the environment. These principles are expressed in the following check list.

• Buy re-manufactured or re-filled cartridges for printers and copiers
• Buy re-furbished computer and other office equipment
• Buy electrical equipment and light bulbs with the highest energy efficient ratings
• Switch electricity supplies to renewable
• If designing new buildings - use architects committed to sustainable designs
• Buy recycled paper or paper made from pulp coming from forests that are certified to be managed sustainably
• Buy re-cycled or re-manufactured furniture or furniture sourced form sustainably managed forests. Avoid furniture with plastics, MDF etc
• Use fair trade products, or food that is produced in ways that minimise damage to the environment. Use food with low food miles.
• Ensure that external venues for meetings and conference are managed sustainably

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