Supporting Sustainability in an Office Environment

Know how to support sustainability and efficiency in an office environment.

Learning Outcome 1: Indicative Content 

Reasons for keeping waste to a minimum in an office environment may include:

• impact on the environment
• reduces cost
• more efficient
• meet business objectives 

Main causes of waste and how to minimise it may include:

• excessive use of paper - print double-sided, avoid printing, reuse where possible
• computers - standby mode
• lighting - switch off when not required, sensors to switch off after inactivity
• thermostat management - effective temperature control
• water management - low flow toilets and showers, install aerators
• transportation - walk, cycle or use public transport to work

Safe and efficient ways to deal with waste in an office may include:

• recycling bins
• bottle banks
• safe disposal of clinical waste

Ways to improve work efficiency may include:

• working from home or a site nearer to home
• use of technology for meetings eg Skype, google hangout
• send emails rather than letters, where appropriate

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Outline why it is important to keep waste to a minimum in the office environment.
• 1.2
  Identify the main causes of waste in an office environment.
• 1.3
  Describe how to minimise waste in an office environment.
• 1.4
  Describe safe and efficient ways to deal with waste in an office environment, including any hazardous waste.
• 1.5
  Describe ways to improve work efficiency in the office, including through the use of technology.

Be able to support sustainability in an office environment.

Learning Outcome 2: Indicative Content 

Learners must provide sufficient and valid evidence to achieve this outcome.

Evidence may include a log/diary, witness statements or an employer’s report.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Keep waste to a minimum.
• 2.2
  Follow procedures for recycling.
• 2.3
  Follow procedures for the disposal of waste, including any hazardous materials.
• 2.4
  Follow procedures for the maintenance of equipment.
• 2.5
  Make best use of technology to work in an efficient way.