Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at Work, Rest & Play

As more of us begin to worry about our carbon footprint, employers and householders are increasingly realising that “sustainability” is becoming a very hot topic, both in the working environment, and the home.

Mark Austin, Marketing Director for leading home improvement specialists Hazlemere Windows, Doors & Conservatories says: “This is a subject that is growing in importance to employers. Thinking more about the future today is now an essential part of the planning process for businesses, as it can affect staff productivity, if the right impression is not given in the workplace.”

As Mark says, “with the majority of us in the UK being householders we all realise the importance of protecting the environment for future generations, but thinking “green” at work will improve a company’s image, reduce its operating costs and impact positively on productivity with a happier, healthier workforce. Plus there is 100% enhanced capital allowance in the first tax year on investments in energy saving equipment.”

Some simple steps can help greatly with reducing energy usage. By using high efficiency fluorescent lights, more of the consumed energy is converted to usable light and less to heat, which also means less work for air conditioning units. Dimmable and individual controls help to reduce unnecessary usage, or consider automatic switching by movement sensor in open plan areas where practical. You can also lower energy use by making the most of the natural light available, rather than relying totally on artificial lighting.

Having well insulated windows and doors can make a vast difference to premises as each part of a window and/or door contributes to its overall insulation, dependent on their quality, design of the seals and the thermal performance of the frames and type of double glazed unit.

A building prone to heat gain can reduce reliance on the cooling system with the use of specialist paints. You could always go literally “greener”, the right trees and shrubs outside can provide shade for a building where heat gain is a problem and of course indoor plants aids air purification. Often overlooked but an effective measure is to simply check your systems’ timers are adjusted to the optimum for how the building is actually used.

Windows and doors that have the largest expanse of glass will naturally allow more light into the home and workplace, and therefore benefit the most from “solar gain”. Heat gained in this way reduces reliance on central heating, reducing both costs and emissions.

Last year Hazlemere Windows, Doors and Conservatories became the first company in the UK to design, manufacture, supply and install a dual frame aluminium window system that achieved an ‘A’ Window Energy Rating from the Energy Saving Trust, who estimate that up to 20% of energy lost through un-insulated homes is through windows.
Hazlemere’s Eco-friendly windows are made from aluminium which has a positive environmental effect. Apart from having a long life in use, once aluminium reaches the end of its life it can be infinitely recycled. Recycling aluminium uses just 5% of the energy needed to produce the original material, plus the finished product has all of the same qualities as the original, so can be recycled time and again.

Pilkington manufacture a self-cleaning glass which is excellent for the environment, as only small amounts of cleaning agents are ever needed. This highly efficient self-cleaning glass called “Pilkington Activ” can be combined with other glass products in insulating glass units to provide benefits such as thermal insulation, noise reduction, solar control and fire protection.

Other ways to reduce your carbon footprint include fitting washrooms with efficient low flush toilets, reduced flow taps and sensor taps to save on water consumption. Purchase energy efficient kitchen equipment as appliances are replaced and even simpler; avoid overfilling kettles when preparing tea and coffee. Ensure any furniture you purchase is hardwearing and easy to maintain to ensure longevity plus do your bit for the environment/ those less fortunate by donating unwanted furniture, IT equipment and appliances to charity. So don’t be mean “go green”.