Consumer Habit Questionnaire Yrkeshögskolan Arcada Ab

Business computers often come from an IT service provider, so it's important to make sure that the energy saving features are set for the devices. For example, you can set the computer to "go to sleep" when it has not been used for 15 minutes. When going to "sleep mode" the computer retains all the active jobs.

Electric appliances always consume some power on stand-by mode, which is indicated by a little light. Screens should be turned off every time you leave computer for at least ten minutes. It is advisable to connect the workstation equipment to a single extension cord with a switch - then all devices and their standby modes can be easily clicked on and off at once.

Remember the ten-minute rule: When you leave the space for at least ten minutes, turn off the lights. Modern lamps do not consume significant amounts of energy during ignition. They can also be safely shut down when they are not needed.

Plugged in chargers consume electricity even when the device is not connected. The centre for Sustainable Energy Research estimates that smartphone chargers are plugged in 24 hours a day, by 49% of users. Chargers draw about 0.1–0.5 watt hour when a phone is not connected. This can account for a significant energy consumption over a yearly period. The easiest way to shut down all electric consumption is to use extension cords equipped with a power switch.

Depending on the building type lifts and escalators can use up to 3–5% of the building's energy consumption. The use of lift is especially ineffective if they are not used by many people at once. Using the staircase can reduce electricity consumption, and increase the small exercise acts of everyday life.

Almost all communication, finances, billing and archiving can be managed electronically. Electronic data management makes information processing more efficient and saves time.

Paper consumption can be decreased by modifying printer settings: Making double-sided printing default setting and printing several pages on one sheet are easy ways to decrease paper consumption. Security printing also reduces printing and makes it more secure.

Clear visual instructions help with waste sorting. For instructions, please contact your waste disposal company. Mixed waste (unsorted waste) goes to incineration and cannot be utilised as material.

All electronic devices, e.g. smartphones, screens, computers, headphones and computer mouse, are electric and electronic waste (WEEE). The collection point can be e.g. at service lounge or office supply room. If office devices are leased,  they will be returned to the device supplier at the end of the contract period.

Waste legislation in Finland requires consumers to reduce the amount of waste. Giving up the use of disposable dishes reduces the amount of waste at the office and can lead to cost savings. When using disposable dishes, make sure they are biodegradable and that waste sorting is taken care of.

It is sensible to replace some travelling with teleconferences from emissions and time use point of view. There are various types of web-, telephone-, and video conferencing, such as Lync, Skype and Webex.

By telecommuting one can avoid traffic jams and reduce traffic-related emissions, which are the major source of emissions associated with office work.

Business trips include e.g. longer business trips or missions, but for some, it may mean also frequent short distance travelling. Travelling can be more environmentally friendly by introducing a shared travel card and office bicycle. If one compensates the emissions of travelling, WWF recommends using Gold Standard certified compensation projects.

Business travel include e.g. longer business trips or missions, but for some, it may mean also frequent short distance travelling. If one compensates the emissions of travelling, WWF recommends using Gold Standard certified compensation projects.

The employer can support the emplyees' commuting with commuter vouchers or the like incentives. Staff can be encouraged to participate e.g. in the cycling challenge Kilometrikisa.

The employer can support the emplyees' commuting with commuter vouchers or the like incentives. Winter cycling is a good way to reduce emissions from traffic between home and work, and maintain fitness. It is a good idea to keep the bike in order without forgetting the studded tires, lights and reflectors.

Economical driving habits save fuel and reduce emissions. It also improves road safety, reduces maintenance, repair and tire costs. Driving during rush-hours in city streets generates many times more emissions than outside rush-hours. Also, traffic lights and crossroads cause stops and accelerations and increase the petrol consumption - emissions are directly related to the petrol consumption. Flexible working hours makes it easy to travel outside the rush-hours.

Meat production requires a lot of cultivated area and generates a lot of emissions that accelerate climate change and eutrophication of water systems. Plant based food production has almost invariably less harmful impacts to the environment than meat production. One can significantly reduce environmental impact by preferring food with lower impacts. Locally produced food does not guarantee that the food has low climate impact, as transportation causes quite small part of the overall climate impact of the food.

In Finland alone about 400-500 million kilograms of food waste is generated annually. About 88 million tonnes of food is thrown away in the European Union. Per capita this means 173 kg per year. The value of this food waste is around € 143 billion, accounting for about 20% of the food produced. Avoiding food waste is a very simple way to reduce the environmental impact of food.

In matters of the environment even the small things count, e.g. showing a good example and encouraging others. Working together makes small things grow bigger at the office and home, too!