When you’re one of the world’s largest and best known companies the public glare is bright, particularly when it comes to environmental accountability.

Bold statements, corporate philosophies and planned initiatives ring hollow when action, implementation and results fail to materialise. For HP, however, the higher profile and scrutiny that come with it have provided a unique opportunity to lead the way for other companies seeking more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods of working.

Over a number of years, HP has built a solid track record of environmental best practice in the Asia-Pacific & Japan region, earning a reputation as a driving force in the effort to establish green initiatives. In particular. the company looks within the organisation to improve upon internal operations – including the implementation of industry-leading protocols and systems to reduce the company’s eco-footprint.

In Australia, one such building that has been the recipient of the ‘latest green features’ is HP’s new Melbourne office – Woodvale – in the suburb of Forest Hill. Housing over 1,250 staff, Woodvale was completed in February of this year and is the product of a concerted effort to implement sustainable design that reduced energy and water consumption, and used recycled and recyclable materials.

For example, the building was oriented to take advantage of winter sun and to minimise sun penetration in the summer. Air conditioning and lighting was divided into zones instead of one building-wide system. Energy efficient lighting was fitted, and sensors were installed in meeting rooms and against window walls. Sensor taps, dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals were implemented in all bathrooms to reduce water use, and a water retention tank was installed for use in the gardens which are planted with drought-tolerant plants.

As a result of all of the features at Woodvale, HP Australia is forecasting a reduction of 70 percent in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Further evidence of where HP is using new work practices to improve efficiency is in its Halo telepresence and video conferencing technology and Indigo digital offset printing presses.

The Halo technology is a truly remarkable innovation, enabling colleagues from around the globe to meet and interact without the need for business travel.

Halo rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment that enable global video conferences across a number of large displays in high definition – putting staff from different offices, cities or countries, face to face in real time.

The Indigo printing technology is, quite simply, a smarter, more efficient solution for all manner of printing jobs. In essence, Indigo enables short print runs and changes to be made on the fly, without having to stop the press. With Indigo, HP is reducing considerably the amount of waste paper generated in printing runs and, in doing so, paving the way for the transformation of the commercial printing industry.

While HP technology is enabling not only HP but others to reduce their environmental footprint, the company understands that its most valuable contribution to sustainable, environmentally friendly practices is its people.

Already a key supporter of World Environment Day, this year HP launched the Live Green program to support employees in making smart environmental choices every day. Live Green encourages staff members to make a pledge to take action and offers advice on how to use less energy, reduce carbon emissions and save money, both at work and at home. Employees are able to sign up to receive fortnightly emails with useful tips, receive news about speaker events, and share hints with fellow colleagues.

Along with other programs such as its global Recycling Week, environmental product fairs, lectures and volunteer tree planting events, HP is proving that being green is easier than you think.