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                    Retail outlet or office choice

                    Icon depicting a building
                    The first step to being more sustainable also makes it easier for you to be sustainable. And that’s choosing the right place to run your business.

                    Whether you want to own the building or rent out some space, here are some questions you can ask real estate managers to help inform your choice. The more questions answered with a yes,the more sustainable your building. Importantly, where energy and water efficiency is concerned you can also save a lot of money on your utility bills!

                    Retail outlet or office space checklist

                    Energy

                    1. Does the building have energy efficient measures in place for lighting and ventilation? 
                    2. Is the building well insulated, have good draught seals and entrance doors that minimise heating / cooling loss?
                    3. Is the building powered by renewable energy?  

                    Water

                    1. Is there a drink tap available for staff and customers to fill with their own bottles? 
                    2. Does the building have dual flush toilets and use water efficient appliances?
                    3. Does the building have a rainwater tank?

                    Purchasing habits – coworking spaces or centrally managed

                    1. Does the building manager try to source more sustainable supplies in general, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paper products, fair trade, carbon neutral, environmentally friendly alternatives (for example, environmentally friendly cleaning products)? 
                    2. Does the building manager try to minimise single use plastic items? For example, straws, balloons, bottled water, take away coffee cups and plastic bags where relevant? 
                    3. If there is catering or a cafe on site, do they provide vegetarian, local and seasonal catering options?

                    Waste and resource recovery

                    1. Does the building have recycling facilities? 
                    2. Does the building manager try to reduce paper printing (such as marketing materials) and single use decorative items?
                    3. Does the building manager use upcycled or recycled products and materials, where possible?
                    4. Does the building have an organic waste facility?
                    5. If there is catering or a cafe on site, do they promote the use of reusable / BYO cutlery, plates, bowls and cups?

                    Transport

                    1. Is the building easily accessible by public transport (within 300 metres)?
                    2. Does the building have bicycle parking facilities?

                    Measurement and reporting

                    1. Can the building manager support you to collect environmental performance data? 
                    2. Is the building carbon neutral? 
                    3. Does the building have an independent rating for environmental performance?

                    Download the checklist

                    Sustainable business: Retail outlet or office choice checklist
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