Most companies today are taking part in some sort of green initiative as they become more aware of the need to reduce their carbon footprint. One way for businesses to “go green” is by going virtual. A virtual office space can assist in the evolution of environmental consciousness in the workplace. Thanks to the Internet, smart phones, tablets, and laptops, the way we work and the options to work more efficiently and sustainably are a changing landscape. The virtual office is the future.
The Traditional Office Problem
The major drawbacks of traditional offices are the excessive amount of energy needed for them to run sufficiently, and the requirement that the workforce must travel to them. Lighting, heating and air conditioning, computers, printers, refrigerators, etc. all run on electricity. This places a major strain on the environment, as well as your wallet. Additionally, each employee is required to commute to work each day, creating vehicle emissions that harm the environment. The more environmentally aware society becomes, the more traditional office space becomes a problem.
The Virtual Office Solution
A virtual office is the perfect alternative to traditional office space. Not only can it reduce your business costs and improve your image, but it can also help you reduce your carbon footprint. For businesses focused on going green, consider the ways virtual office space can help.
- Less Commuting: When you switch to a virtual office, you cut back on commuting. Less commuting equals less gasoline, which will reduce the vehicle emissions that harm the environment. When employees aren’t required to commute every day, they put less wear-and-tear on their vehicles, allowing the same vehicle to last longer (rather than becoming part of a landfill).
- Less Waste: The materials that go into running a traditional office are greatly reduced by going virtual. With the ease of communicating in today’s digital world, it is unnecessary to print out paperwork and memos. Therefore, paper and plastic are nearly eliminated as most things are handled digitally.
- Less Energy: Remote workers use their own space and equipment – and only power these items when they’re actually using them. At a virtual office space, electricity, air conditioning, and other energy related outputs are also reduced substantially. Less energy = reduced carbon footprint.
If you are interested in going green, why not try going virtual? Making the switch from a traditional office space to running a virtual office will not only benefit you and your employees, but also the Earth and the environment. Contact Intelligent Office today to find a virtual office space near you!
