What is a Sustainable Workplace?

A sustainable workplace refers to a work environment where practices, policies, and operations are consciously designed and implemented to minimise negative environmental impacts, promote social responsibility and foster economic viability.

It involves creating a workspace that balances the needs of the organization, its employees, and the broader community while prioritizing sustainable practices.

A sustainable workplace recognizes that sustainability is an ongoing journey and it requires a collaborative effort from all levels of the organization to create positive impacts on the environment, society and the well-being of employees.

By integrating sustainable practices into daily operations, a workplace can contribute to a more sustainable future while reaping the benefits of increased employee satisfaction, improved brand reputation and long-term business resilience.

Why is Workplace Sustainability Important?

Workplace sustainability is important for several reasons, as it brings numerous benefits to organizations, employees and society as a whole. Adopting sustainable practices in the workplace can reduce an organization’s environmental footprint. By conserving resources, minimising waste generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, workplaces contribute to mitigating climate change, preserving ecosystems and protecting natural resources for future generations.

Workplace sustainability can also lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Energy-efficient measures, waste reduction and resource optimization initiatives help lower utility bills, waste disposal costs and procurement expenses. Sustainable practices often result in increased operational efficiency and reduced resource consumption, translating into financial benefits for organizations.

Ultimately, workplace sustainability aligns organizational goals with environmental and social objectives. It creates a win-win situation by promoting responsible practices that benefit the environment, society and the bottom line. By embracing sustainability, organizations can enhance their competitiveness, strengthen stakeholder relationships and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

What is Included in this Sustainability Checklist?

This sustainability checklist has prompts to review and inspect the following aspects of workplace sustainability opportunities:

• Review electricity contracts and agreements.
• Review gas contracts and agreements.
• Review water contracts and agreements.
• Use renewable energy sources where practicable.
• Use biodegradable products and materials.
• Use energy-rated appliances and equipment.
• Establish an eco-transportation plan for employees.
• Reduce the use of plastics.
• Educate personnel on sustainability.
• Make sustainability part of company updates or meetings.
• Office and Administration
• Digitize all systems where possible and eliminate paper use.
• Compost all organic waste.
• Replace all lights with energy-saving (LED) light bulbs.
• Install lighting time or motion control systems.
• Calibrate assets for optimal performance.
• Fine-tune motors for optimal performance.
• Install variable flow speed drives.
• Repair any water or other fluid leaks.
• Optimise waste (reduce, reuse or recycle).
• Design products for an extended lifespan.
• Be proactive with maintenance to reduce downtime.
• Harvest daylight to reduce energy consumption.
• Use 100% recyclable materials in all packaging.
• Re-purpose packaging where practicable.
• Eliminate toxins with production materials if practicable.
• Set up a waste and energy tracking system.
• Turn off appliances when not in use.
• Capture all stormwater from the roof and reuse it.
• Install water-saving devices.
• Use reclaimed/recycled wood in construction.
• Use green thermal insulation in construction.
• Use reclaimed materials and upcycle into designs.

Why Subscribe and Download this Sustainability Checklist?

This 2-page sustainability checklist can assist you incorporate sustainable practices into workplace operations. The checklist can help you to provide structure, accountability and a framework for an organisation to implement sustainable practices effectively.

With this sustainability checklist you will be able to:

• Very easily edit and customize the template to create your own sustainability checklist.
• Apply your own style, format and brand to the sustainability checklist.
• Use it in any industry or sector regardless of size or type of organization.

Availability and Use of this Sustainability Checklist

• This sustainability checklist is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Become a Member Now’ button.
• The checklist will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
• There are no membership auto-renewals, contracts or ongoing costs.

If you can find HSEQ documents that are of better value than what your Membership offers, we will REFUND YOU double the cost of your membership.

You may also need:

• Waste Register
• Environmental Policy
• Environmental Checklist
• Waste Management Procedure
• Environmental Aspects and Impact Controls
• AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
• AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Internal Audit Checklist
• AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management System with 12 Procedures