How to Achieve a Zero-Waste Office Renovation

At Green Donation Consultants, we recently underwent an office redesign, thanks to our growing team! We approached this office renovation with the goal of making it zero-waste, utilizing what we had, and reusing office furniture from other businesses. Not only did we end up with an excellent outcome, but it was incredibly affordable as well! We wanted to share some tips and tricks on how to achieve a zero-waste office renovation for your business!

Repurpose What You Have

It is so tempting to say “out with the old, in with the new” when redesigning your office. However, so much office furniture can be painted or reconfigured to feel new without having to create unneeded waste.

Scratched desks? Sand off the top layer and re-stain using a few simple tools from your local hardware store. If the top of your desk doesn’t match a new aesthetic, you can always remove the top to be used elsewhere and replace it with reclaimed wood, cork, or other eco-friendly materials for a fresh new look!

Old plastic boxes that are missing tops can be repurposed for organization, broken furniture can be recycled, and any old electronics can be donated to organizations that disassemble and use for repair parts.

Improve Your Tech, Improve Your Footprint

Many businesses are making strides towards paperless and cordless operations, which can help cut down on waste substantially. Adding some additional tech-savvy touches to your office can help the environment and save your business money.

• Replace old thermostats with digital energy-saving ones like the Nest. They can provide you with more control over the energy usage within your office.
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances, like refrigerators, while donating your old ones to those in need. The goal is to keep waste out of your local landfill.
• Minimize the use of printers and copiers. Instead, share online documents and use phones or tablets.
• Consider a day or two of virtual work from home to save the environment from carbon emissions.

Choose Deconstruction for Major Renovations

If your office is undergoing a significant renovation, the absolute best way to minimize waste is to utilize deconstruction. Unlike demolition, where all the old materials are discarded into a landfill, deconstruction teams take your office apart carefully, piece by piece. The usable materials are donated to a local non-profit that can reuse them towards their particular mission. In exchange, the business can receive a hefty tax deduction that can off-set the cost of renovation. It is a win/win situation for all involved, especially the environment!

Are you interested in how deconstruction can work for your office renovation? Contact Green Donation Consultants today! Call 800-870-3965 to speak with our team today!