In commemoration of the 40th Earth Day, Jones Lang LaSalle Senior Vice President Anthony Warren is offering 40 tips to make the office a greener place: 



Owners


1. Include sustainability provisions in standard lease agreements.


2. Require management staff to operate sustainably. 


3. Ask propery managers and other service providers how they are operating sustainably.


4. Follow public policy mandates regarding green buildings.


5. Understand the costs and financing alternatives available for sustainability improvements.


6. Conduct a commissioning of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems every three years.


7. Install bike racks. 


8. Institute a building-wide recycling program.


9. Install tenant sub-metering.


10. Choose roofing materials that reduce heat absorption.


Property Managers


11. Install high efficiency/low mercury lighting.


12. Install carbon dioxide detectors to keep fresh air circulating. 


13. Keep the property well insulated and check for leaks.


14. Check and replace filters regularly.


15. Sub-meter equipment to better understand where energy is being used.


16. Use cleaning supplies and restroom paper products that meet the EPA’s guidelines. 


17. Parking-lot lights should focus on the ground -not the sky or neighboring properties.


18. Follow pest management principles that pose the least risk to the environment.


19. Utilize high-efficiency irrigation.


20. If permited, use motion-sensitive lighting in emergency stairwells.


Office Managers


21. Set copiers to print on both sides of paper.


22. Place recycling receptacles centrally and at desks.


23. Use motion sensitive lights in infrequently used spaces.


24. Install task lighting at workstations.


25. Consider recycled and recyclable materials when renovating. 


26. Require contractors to follow sustainable practices.


27. Use non-toxic paint and cleaners.

28. Configure copiers and printers to shut down at a pre-set time.


29. Allow employees to work from home part-time.


30. Maximize penetration of natural light.


Employees


31. Bring lunch.


32. Only print necessary documents.


33. Use recyclable plastic lunch items.


34. Use a coffee mug and reusable water bottle.


35. Turn off and unplug your computer at night.


36. Avoid printing presentation materials. Bring a laptop instead.


37. Afterhours, use task lighting instead of lighting an entire floor.


38. If possible, commute to work via mass transit, carpool, bike or foot.


39. Keep plants in your office to absorb indoor pollution.


40. Turn conference room lights off after meetings.