This week Design House (Fraser Coast) has been approved as an ecoBiz Queensland partner and is one of only 23 businesses in the Wide Bay area. ecoBiz assists businesses to identify efficiencies in waste, water and energy for financial and environmental benefits.
“ecoBiz has allowed us to record and register our improved environmental practise in the office. Design House can now continue to grow in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner”.
Jeanette Maynes General Manager | Design House
Design House have committed to continual improvement as part of their commitment to the ecoBiz program. Current initiatives include:
- Improved thermostat settings 250C
The use of protective film and blinds on windows- Windows are opened during cooler weather to take advantage of natural ventilation.
- The airconditioning is turned off after hours
- Outsourced server function to a host server in another location, no longer require a second airconditioner dedicated to cooling the server 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Energy efficient lighting
- Setting computer defaults to black and white printing
- Providing paper recycling bins at all printers and desks
- Utilizing old sheets of paper for writing notes instead of purchasing writing pads
- Reduction in printing of emails, by saving straight to the clients file
- Proofs, proposals and invoices are delivered electronically saving on paper, ink cartridges, postage and envelopes
- New campaigns and important news are communicated via email (eg. monthly enewsletter) over printed material wherever feasible
- Mbox fax system, faxes are received via email and saved straight to the clients file
- Clients are encouraged to pay online via credit card or direct deposit, once again to save on paper
- Request all incoming invoices (Telstra, printers etc) are electronically emailed or uploaded rather than printed and posted via Australia Post
- Environmentally aware behaviour in the office has led to reduced energy usage and a reduction in paper use
- Carbon offsets are purchased on all airline flights & travel tickets
Design House also utilizes printing companies that believe in being environmentally responsible by:
- Using soy based inks
- Producing plates through the Agfa Azura chemical free plate processor
- Offering a range of specials printed on 100% RECYCLED STOCK
Design House communicates new campaigns and important news via email (eg. monthly enewsletter) over printed material wherever feasible. We also forward proofs, proposals and invoices electronically.
On Saturday 28th March 2009, Design House will take part in Earth Hour. On that day, people in Australia and around the world will turn off their lights between 8:30-9:30 pm for one hour — Earth Hour — showing their support and sending a powerful global message that it’s possible to take action on climate change and succeed.