How to turn your rented space into a green space
Turning your factory and office into an environmentally friendly and green space can be quite costly, but if you’re renting, is it possible to make changes that won’t affect the building or cost you too much money?
Ithala Development Finance Corporation has been working in this industry for decades and boasts one of the largest rental property portfolios in the province. Speak to them and let them help you find a green space that will help your business become more environmentally friendly.
Read: 6 things to look for when renting an industrial property
Here are a few things you can do to your rented factory and office space that can help you go green without breaking the bank or jeopardising your deposit.
1. Be energy efficient
Change all your lightbulbs to energy efficient or LED bulbs. Energy efficient lightbulbs can use from 25 to 80% less energy than normal lightbulbs, so it saves you some money on electricity costs too.
2. Watch what you print
Encourage your staff to print less and store more. Those important emails and memos can easily be stored in a cloud for future reference, it’s not necessary to print everything and file every single piece of paper. Your office will look less cluttered and you’ll save money on toner and paper while doing your bit for the environment.
3. Unplugged
Unplug everything electrical not in use, or not vital to day to day running. Encourage staff to switch off their computers, fans, printers and machinery, and to switch of lights in areas not being used at that time. Switching off will save you some money and greatly reduce your electricity bills.
4. Buy green
If you’re planning on buying new furniture or redecorating, invest in eco-friendly pieces, or recycled items. Buying ethically means you also have a story to tell customers or clients who walk into your premises and shows staff that you’re serious about doing your bit for the environment.
5. Recycle, reduce, reuse
Recycling your waste is not hard, there are plenty of recycling collection companies who you can pay a monthly retainer to collect your recycled waste. Ensure you provide staff with clearly marked recycling bins to ensure that it’s made easier for them to participate. Make staff mindful of their waste and encourage a culture of reusing. Your factory could be reusing packing materials like boxes and crates for other purposes on the factory floor, rather than just throwing it away.
6. Add some greenery
Don’t be afraid to add a few plants to your office and factory, and encourage staff to bring a desk plant as well. Plants help purify the air, as well as help increase productivity and the general mood. They also brighten up the space.
7. Consider work from home initiatives
While many are still uncomfortable allowing staff to work from home, it might be a consideration to help your business go green. Staff working from home means fewer cars on the road which decreases emissions and less electricity usage in your office. While you may not be able to allow everyone to work from home very day, draw up a roster which allows staff who are able to work remotely, to work from home on certain days. You’ll probably find that productivity will increase while some of your costs decrease.
If you’re still looking for your perfect business premises, contact Ithala Development Finance Corporation. Ithala has a portfolio of properties in various KZN locations to suit your needs and meet all your requirements. Developments such as Paramount Park and Isithebe Industrial Estate will leave you spoilt for choice.
For more information visit www.ithala.co.za or visit their blog www.myithalastory.com for inspirational stories.