How VOIP PBX can lead to greener office?
For many businesses, going green is not only an option, but a necessity. Aside from contributing towards a more sustainable environment, incorporating Earth-friendly practices also lets businesses enjoy cost savings, increase staff productivity, and build better relationships with clients and communities.
When it comes to going green, the first steps companies usually take include going paperless, encouraging green transport, and using energy-efficient equipment. Rarely does it involve changing phone systems. But did you know that switching from your traditional landline service to a VoIP solution can actually help improve your overall environmental impact?
Below are four ways VoIP helps businesses go green:
VoIP cuts down on employee travel and reduces carbon emissions
Whether by car, plane or public transport, traveling to and from the office (and other out-of-office appointments) greatly increases a business’ carbon footprint. Companies can dramatically reduce the impact of business travel by using VoIP features to stay connected regardless of distance. VoIP technology enables employers and their staff to communicate, collaborate, and work from virtually anywhere. Through cheaper calling rates and VoIP features such as video conferencing and mobile apps, it’s possible to get work done without traveling or commuting. Not only does it reduce carbon emissions, it also saves on travel expenses and frees up valuable time for employees.
VoIP needs fewer resources
Unlike landlines, VoIP systems are greener because they don’t require additional equipment and lines to maintain. PSTN systems rely on large infrastructures such as dedicated copper lines, communication satellites, telephone exchanges, undersea telephone cables, and microwave transmission links to work. VoIP service, meanwhile, relies on an internet connection to function. Businesses simply need to choose between softphones or deskphones (or use both types of VoIP equipment) for their VoIP system.
And because VoIP allows companies to offer remote working opportunities, businesses may only need a smaller physical space to house operations. This cuts down on the energy costs and lease costs of a large office space.
VoIP reduces paper use
Using VoIP (and cloud-based services as a whole) reduces paper consumption because everything can be stored and accessed online. Tasks such as sending and receiving faxes, for example, become easier and more streamlined with VoIP.
Many providers offer Fax over IP (also referenced as Paperless Faxing). This VoIP feature lets users send faxes without the added expense of supplies like paper, toner, and ongoing maintenance of a clunky fax machine. No need to print the document and then use a fax machine to send it. Users can simply use their desktop or smartphone to fax documents. Incoming faxes are then delivered either as paper faxes or as email attachments.
VoIP reduces hardware waste
One of the biggest downsides of traditional phone systems is that they need to be upgraded periodically because they may lack features that many businesses need, such as video calls and conferences, screen sharing, and chat capabilities. Upgrading legacy phone systems isn’t only expensive, but it also generates a great amount of waste. Each time a traditional system is replaced, old lines and equipment need to be removed and disposed of in a landfill where it will take hundreds of years to break down. And the process repeats itself each time you upgrade your existing traditional phone system.
VoIP services, on the other hand, don’t contribute to landfill waste. IP phones are wire-free, and upgrading your VoIP service usually involves only a phone call to your provider. The popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in workplaces also proves advantageous for businesses who want to go green. By letting employees use their own laptops, smartphones or tablets, businesses can avoid the need for duplicate devices. This also helps consume less power. And, because these smaller devices require fewer raw materials, this can translate to less landfill waste when the device has reached its useful life.
Many businesses are now doing their part to become more environmentally responsible. In a world where “going green” is treated not merely as a slogan but an initiative to keep the planet healthy, transitioning to VoIP is one of the best contributions a business can make.
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Posted by : Muhammad Shahril Amin, Product Engineer
