Running a business is very expensive, there are several exits to consider, from employee salaries to office building maintenance. As a business owner, you need to find ways to save by reducing the amount of energy you and your employees use. This foresight allows you to reduce your electricity bills and your environmental impact by producing less greenhouse gases. There are several solutions you can put in place to consume less energy, upgrading equipment to changing the office environment.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Refurbish the Equipment
Step 1. Upgrade equipment to adhere to new energy saving models
Some older computers, printers, copiers, and other office devices can consume 50% to 90% more electricity than high-efficiency models. Look for tools with power-saving features, such as those with TCO certification that are designed to consume less.
The TCO certification is available for computers, printers, copiers, mobile phones, monitors and in general for all office supplies
Step 2. Remind all employees to turn off their electronic devices at the end of the day
It is important that they turn off tools even when they are not in use; Contrary to popular belief, turning off the computer at the end of the day does not reduce its life and can save a lot of electricity.
- You can also use multiple sockets for each type of electronic device in the office; by doing so, you just need to press a button to turn off all those that are not in use.
- Remind each employee to unplug all "energy consuming" equipment when fully charged, such as cell phones and laptops. When the phone's battery is at 100%, unplug the charger from the socket, otherwise it continues to absorb energy.
- You can also strongly advise all employees to check that their computer is set for automatic shutdown, as well as for hibernation. Screensavers do not save energy, on the contrary they are considered "waste" of electricity. When the screen saver is activated, the computer needs to use twice as much energy as in ordinary operation to keep the monitor on.
Step 3. Suggest to switch to laptops and delete desktop templates
If you're considering upgrading your office computing equipment, switch to laptops that consume less power than desktops.
Step 4. Evaluate renewable sources
You can suggest that all the energy that powers the office comes from renewable sources, such as wind or solar; contact different suppliers to find the one that guarantees this type of service and thus limit the carbon footprint of your company.
Electricity managers are increasingly sensitive and attentive to the environmental issue; for this reason, you can find suppliers who guarantee that most of their energy comes from sustainable sources. It is also possible that one of the company's engineers will inspect the office to give you more tips on saving energy
Method 2 of 2: Change the Office Environment
Step 1. Make sure all lights are off at the end of the day
To save energy, you can develop a company policy that requires all office lights to be turned off, including those in the bathroom, canteen and meeting rooms. You should inform all employees to also turn off the lighting system in the rooms when they leave them for more than a few minutes.
- During the day, make the most of natural light instead of chandeliers and fluorescent bulbs; turning off such a light bulb for one hour a day saves 30 kg of CO emissions2 in a year.
- Evaluate the areas of the office where there is too much artificial lighting or the little used rooms where the system is always on; remove these lights or suggest not to use them when the lighting provided by the sun is more than enough. Replace regular bulbs with high-efficiency ones, such as CFL or LED bulbs to save even more energy.
Step 2. Install window and door seals
By doing this, you prevent air from leaving the office when the air conditioner or heating is on. This is a key detail for buildings located in regions subject to extreme temperatures.
- You can avoid drafts by keeping the main door closed and making sure everyone closes the door behind them to minimize hot or cold air escaping.
- You should have your office heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems cleaned and repaired on a regular basis; alternatively, appoint a maintenance technician to take care of it at least once a month. An efficient HVAC system reduces energy costs by heating and cooling the office more easily.
- Check that all vents are clear of papers, documents or other office supplies; those blocked force the system to work harder to circulate hot or cold air, with consequent energy waste.
Step 3. Change the ambient temperature according to the season
Reduce heat energy by setting the thermostat to different levels in winter and summer. During the cold months it should not exceed 20 ° C during the day and 12 ° C at night (or when no one is in the office). In the warm months, set the thermostat to at least 25 ° C to reduce the energy needed to condition the air.
- Keep the shutters and shutters open on sunny winter days; in this way, the environment heats up naturally. Instead, close them at night to minimize heat loss from windows. In the summer, close the shutters to protect the rooms from the sun and avoid overheating.
- Plus, you can save energy during closing times and weekends by setting the system thermostat to higher temperatures in summer and lower temperatures in winter.
