Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open to visitors by appointment only. Please call or email from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
703-324-7136 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 533
Fairfax, VA 22035
John Morrill
Director

Creating a Greener Workplace: Simple Steps to Lower Your Business's Carbon Footprint

Green business partners program logoAs businesses strive for sustainability in their operations, small changes can make a big impact. Our Green Business Partners program — which recognizes and supports local companies for their emissions reduction efforts — recently shared an article with practical steps any office can take to shrink their carbon footprint and promote greener practices. 

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can do:

  1. Office Supplies: Start with a Green Procurement Policy (GPP) to guide sustainable buying habits and reduce unnecessary purchases. Prioritize reusable, recyclable items and make use of E-cycling stations for electronics. Even small changes, like reusing office supplies, can add up!
  2. Food and Drinks: Ditch disposable cups and single-use coffee pods by providing reusable mugs and exploring alternative coffee options. Offer healthier, compostable snack choices and consider locally sourced foods for office events.
  3. Workplace Culture: Create a Green Team to drive eco-friendly practices and encourage energy conservation and alternative commuting methods. Simple tweaks like adjusting thermostats and promoting flexible dress codes can also make a significant difference.

Creating a sustainable workplace doesn’t require a massive effort — just a series of intentional, practical changes. Start making a difference today!

For more detailed steps and additional resources, read the full story.

photos of an office supply store, reusable mugs in a cabinet, and a woman getting into a carpool

Climate Matters is the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors. To read all blog posts, visit Climate Matters.

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