When it comes to being eco-friendly, our first thoughts are of the “big R’s:” Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. But did you realize that working from home is also environmentally sustainable? It’s true! Not having to drive to the office daily has lessened the environmental impact of working. But with a few additional tweaks, you can make working from home more efficient.
Here are some easy sustainability tips on how you can greenify your home office.
Make the most of natural light
Maximizing the power of natural light means you’ll need to rely less on artificial lights. Choose a room with south-facing windows so you can enjoy the natural light during traditional working hours, especially during the spring and summer months. Consider painting the walls white or a lighter shade to better reflect the light or add a mirror to capture the light from the window. If your office doesn’t get a lot of natural light, swap in energy-efficient light bulbs to reduce your energy consumption.
Choose sustainable materials
If you’re setting up a new office, or looking to replace your current furniture, choose pieces made from sustainable materials like cork, bamboo, or reclaimed wood. Another eco-friendly option is renting or purchasing secondhand furniture. This could be a wise investment if you plan on returning to the office.
Look for VOC-free paints
Green paints (not the color) are great if you decide to repaint your office to better fit your vision of the perfect workspace. Look for paints that are low- or zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds). These paints release less or no harmful compounds that could be hazardous to your health and the environment.
Create sustainable printing habits
We may live in a digital and paperless world but sometimes you still need to print stuff for work. Do your best to limit the amount you print, opting to stay digital as much as possible. When printing is unavoidable, implement sustainable printing habits: use recycled paper, print on both sides of the page, choose eco-friendly inks and toners, opt for an energy-efficient printer, and recycle used products as much as possible.
Be energy-efficient
Working at home often means using more energy than you did before since you’re home more often. Stay mindful of your energy use, turning off lights in empty rooms, using smart thermostats to regulate the internal temperature, using energy-efficient devices as much as possible. Unplug equipment you’re not using to save additional energy.
These are just a few ways you can create a green and sustainable home office. If living an environmentally friendly life is a priority, you’ll be happy to know that many of our communities have received Build It Green’s GreenPoint-rated certification for their energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor air quality, and water conservation efforts.
Visit us at SummerHillHomes.com to learn more about new home communities throughout the Bay Area, like Nuevo in Santa Clara. Our homes at Nuevo come with flexible spaces that are perfect for your home office or studio. We’re available for private in-person and virtual appointments so schedule a tour today.