On this page, we deal with the following ways in which you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions at work:
Click a link in the list above to jump to that topic on this page.
There are many types of work out there and each requires its own particular changes to combat climate change. How can we fight climate change while we do our regular work?
Some changes just require a fresh way of thinking and willingness to try something new. Many are made possible or easier with new information technologies.
Transportation
Transportation accounts for about 1/3 of Manitoba’s greenhouse gas emissions. Much of this is created during the daily commute. Besides, driving alone in your car is expensive and often stressful. Here are some alternatives.
Telecommute
It may be possible to work from home. Some people with office jobs are able to connect to work over the internet. Talk to your IT people and then talk to your boss. Working from home one or a few days a week could allow you to get caught up on those reports and e-mails.
Teleconference
Rather than flying or driving to meetings, you could make a virtual connection. Skype is free and works well for many one-on-one meetings. For connecting groups, there are more sophisticated videoconferencing systems that allow people to participate in virtual meetings that are almost like being there.
Bus
This can be a relaxing way to travel and do more reading. Try using Winnipeg Transit’s on-line tools to plan your commute. Your company can post copies of bus schedules on bulletin boards or near employee entrances or time clocks. Some companies subsidize monthly bus passes.
Bike
You can plan your route with a Winnipeg Cycling Map.
Does your company have secure bike parking? There are terrific bike racks available locally from Rackworks at Woodcock cycle. To be secure, bike racks should be bolted down and should be in a well-travelled, well-lit area near an entrance. It’s best if the rack is visible from within the building.
Does your company have shower and change facilities? These are nice to have but not essential. If you take it easy on your ride, probably don’t need to shower most days. You can use the washroom to change and clean up with a washcloth.
Carpool
If your home is not well served by bus, share a ride with a co-worker. You can arrange this yourself by posting a notice on the lunchroom bulletin board or using carpool networking websites like Carpoolworld.com or eRideShare.com. Your human resources department can get involved by getting people who are interested to sign up and then show the list on the company intranet or match people who live in similar areas together.
Don’t idle
If your work requires you to use a vehicle, don’t idle. If it’s not in use for more than 30 seconds, shut it off.
“Company car”
Many people would like to get to work some other way but feel they need their cars to visit clients or go to meetings during the day. If you only do this occasionally, bus or bike to work and then take a cab to visit clients. If this is true for a number of people in your company, you may designate one vehicle as the “company car” and create a system for booking it.
Deliveries
If multiple departments or people in your company ship or receive things through the day, you may consider coordinating deliveries – make one delivery instead of multiples.
Consumables
These can become part of your company’s culture. It makes people more conscious of their actions and can influence how they approach their jobs too.
Electricity
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Turn off your computer at the end of the day.
Paper
- Shred and recycle all your office paper.
- Go paperless. It is surprising how much time and effort is spent moving, storing, and searching for paper. By redesigning your systems to eliminate paper, you may become a lot more efficient.
Heat
If no one works in your building at night, consider having programmable thermostats installed. Set the heat or air conditioner down at night. You could save a lot of money.
