Minimizing Your Carbon Footprint in a Coworking Environment

As we all become more aware of the environmental challenges facing our planet, individuals and businesses alike are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Shared coworking office spaces offer both flexibility and collaboration opportunities to diverse professionals, from freelancers to small business owners. However, they also present opportunities for collective action in reducing environmental impact. Here are some tips for minimizing your carbon footprint in a coworking environment, individually and within your coworking community:

Choose Green Coworking Buildings Close to Home

Look for coworking buildings that have earned certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or other sustainability ratings that focus on energy conservation, waste reduction, and green building practices. If you’re unable to find that information, check for EV charging stations in parking areas, rooftop solar panels, and LED lighting. These items are a good indication that the coworking business you are aligning with is conservation conscious.

Be Energy Conscious

If there are desk lamps in your work area, opting for LED lightbulbs ensures longer lightbulb life using less energy than traditional bulbs. Turning off or even unplugging computers and office equipment when not in use is a great way to save electricity. Remembering to switch lights off when leaving rooms goes a long way toward minimizing your carbon footprint.

Reduce Usage

By using digital documents, cloud storage, and collaboration tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Teams, you can reduce the need for printing. If you do need to print, try setting your printer for double-sided printing and opt for recycled paper. Bringing reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils to work eliminates the need for disposable paper and plastics. Also make use of paper and plastic recycling receptacles if available.

Mindful Transportation to Minimize Your Carbon Footprint

Using a coworking environment that is close to home at least a few days a week, and carpooling on the days you go into the office reduces the number of commuters, lowering overall energy consumption and carbon emissions. Even more effective is to use public transportation, cycling, or walking to get to the office. Many coworking spaces are located near public transportation, and some even offer bike storage to encourage cycling. Some parking areas even offer EV charging so drivers can charge their vehicle while at work.

These small but impactful changes can help create a more sustainable work environment and reduce the overall carbon footprint. By sharing and encouraging the adoption of the tips in this article, and being mindful of your own consumption, one person can make a difference.

Red Oak Coworking Office Suites at 409 Elm Street in Manchester NH are luxury lifestyle office suites, many with floor to ceiling or oversized windows, where you can be successful and productive.  Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s largest city, this location offers office suites, Team Suites, conference rooms and dedicated desks. Amenities here include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, business center, quiet room, and a reception area with greeter. This building was designed to be energy efficient with rooftop solar panels, a state-of-the-art air exchange system, LED lighting and EV charging stations in the complimentary parking lot.

Also available is our 66 Hanover Street location downtown, which offers a variety of workspaces ranging from private or shared offices to open space coworking desks with parking nearby.  Both locations have kitchen space, free coffee, tea and filtered water, free utilities and WiFi, and janitorial services.  Lounge areas, a private phone room, and conference rooms are also available.  Contact Red Oak Coworking