m'illumino di meno

M'Illumino di Meno 2024: Markas’ decalogue for sustainable workplace behavior

12.02.2024 - Italy

On February 16, 2005, coinciding with the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol that formalized the commitment of developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the first edition of ‘'M’Illumino di Meno’ was held. The project, created by Caterpillar and Rai Radio 2, constitutes a moment to raise awareness of certain issues such as environmental sustainability and saving resources. This year, the National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles turns 20, and more than ever before, climate change is at the heart of the global agenda. This day has also been officially recognized by the Italian Parliament: so let's mark this important occasion on the calendar!

With colleagues representing 90 different nations and offices all over Italy, Austria, and Germany, we believe that through collective action and unity, we can create a better future that we can all be proud of and that we can pass on to generations to come. That's why we have always placed great emphasis on fostering sustainable corporate behavior by sharing, with the staff, a series of best practices to be applied at work or at home. These are part of a much broader and up-to-date environmental management system that is designed to minimize environmental impact and optimize resources and consumption.

So here is Markas’ decalogue for sustainable workplace behavior!
Markas and M'illumino di Meno
Electricity and lighting
We make maximum use of natural light during sunny days.  In this way, electric lightning is used only when necessary.
 
Office temperature
We make sure that less energy is used due to heating and cooling by maintaining an appropriate temperature in our offices and by avoiding opening the windows while the heating and cooling systems are on.  In fact, heating and air conditioning systems are a major cause of air pollution in big cities across the world.
 
Computers and electronic devices
We turn the power saving mode on when it comes to our laptops and other devices. We have eliminated screen savers. Instead, we put the computer to sleep or hibernate mode.
Let's all remember to turn off our screen after turning off the pc, instead of leaving them on standby mode at the end of the day or during weekend.
decalogue Markas
Printing and paper
We save paper and ink by printing double-sided in black and white. We reuse one-sided printed papers and we turned them into our personal ‘green notebooks’.
 
Recycling stations
We sort waste according to guidelines, remembering to rinse containers before disposing them, so that they can be properly thrown away in the appropriate recycling bins.
 
Stairs and elevators
When possible, we raise awareness about the benefits of taking the stairs instead of the lift, especially when going from one floor to the other; a zero-impact habit that helps the environment, prevents cardiovascular diseases and keeps us fit!
 
Avoiding plastic
We always encourage the use of more sustainable materials in place of plastic. At work, but also when we are out and about, we carry a reusable water bottle and we fill up at drinking water taps located across our offices. This way we can reduce the use of plastic and, therefore, CO2 emissions.
sustainable corporate behavior
Transportation
We walk or cycle to work and we use public transport. Alternatively, we help the planet by sharing a car to work with our colleagues; a great way to reduce our individual environmental impact and get to know better each other!
 
Other Materials
We always remember to consume consciously when it comes to hand soap, paper towels and wipes. In fact, every year each of us consumes an average of 1400 wipes!
 
Water consumption
Leaving the tap running, even for a minute, wastes 2 to 6 liters of water. That's why, when we wash our hands or teeth after our lunch break, we avoid letting the water run unnecessarily.
 
Moreover, since January 2022, we have launched concrete initiatives in order to further reduce our environmental footprint, combat light pollution and face the energy crisis.
More precisely, we have reduced the number of illumination hours of Markas’ building signage as well as the lights during night hours at our Bolzano headquarters.
In addition, a utility monitoring system which allows us to reduce our environmental impact has been introduced across all the locations where we operate.

Let’s all remember that small acts can help us adopt a more sustainable behavior at home or in the workplace and can have a big impact on our planet!

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