Top Tips
Walk or ride to work. Car travel accounts for 11% of the average Australian's greenhouse gas emissions.
Makes for a healthier you and a healthier environment.
Turn off appliances such as computers and printers at the power point at the end of each day.
Yes it is safe to do so and all our stand-by power adds up!
Set screen savers on computer monitors to 'none' or 'blank'.
Monitors waste considerable amounts of energy when on but not in use.
Read documents on screen and file documents electronically. Electronic files are a legitimate form of record-keeping.
Increase font size for reading on screen.
Print double-sided and re-use any single sided printed paper by making office pads.
Saves trees and paper can get another go before it is recycled!
Buy appliances with high energy and water efficiency ratings.
Energy Star rated office equipment, WELS rated water fixtures and Energy Rated appliances give you assurance of electricity and water savings.
Report water leaks, broken toilets, wasted electricity and environmentally hazardous incidents. Email maintenance@scu.edu.au!
Switch off lights and air conditioning when not required.
Using just a bit of your energy you can save a lot!
Use public transport or carpool to work and to meetings.
Easy, friendly and reduces emissions.
Take your own mug when heading out for a cuppa.
Tastes so much better, saves water, trees and energy; and reduces waste to landfill.
Offer items of equipment, furniture and stationery no longer in use.
Re-using our resources before we recycle or waste them goes a long way to reducing our footprint.
Tele or videoconference instead of travelling to meetings.
Travel contributes to a large proportion of our carbon emissions.
Take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation whenever possible.
Feels good and is the healthiest option.
Consider second-hand furniture for your next office fit-out.
Save loads of raw materials, water and energy required for the production of new furniture.
Wear clothing appropriate to the weather instead of utilising fans, air conditioners or heaters.
Bring layers for all seasons to save energy!
Air conditioning thermostats should be around 18-21 degrees in winter and around 23-26 degrees in summer.
A difference of one degree between outside and inside temperature changes energy consumption levels and greenhouse pollution by up to 10%.
When due to replace, consider a laptop instead of desktop computers.
Laptops are much more materials and energy efficient.
Use recycled paper and recycle your paper.
The amount of energy required to produce recycled paper is up to 50% less than required to produce virgin paper.
Updated: 29 August 2011