Reducing energy consumption in your office could help you to save money while also reducing your company’s carbon footprint. There are many ways in which you can cut energy consumption within an office. Below are just a few ways to cut your energy consumption.
Invest in energy-efficient machinery
When it comes to computers, printers and other office machinery, it’s worth considering the energy rating. Older machines are more likely to guzzle electricity, while newer machines tend to be fairly energy-efficient. Consider whether it’s time to replace your ten year old printer or old office refrigerator - switching to a newer appliance could save you a lot of energy.
Turn off and unplug machinery when not in use
Many machines can still continue to use energy while in standby. Consider turning off or unplugging all machinery when not in use - this could ensure that your machines aren’t still using up energy.
Consider which machinery you actually need
You may be able to save money by getting rid of some machinery completely. For instance, a lot of companies are realising that they can do away with printers by going paperless - by sharing all information digitally, you can reduce the need to print off documents. You should also consider if you need a separate kettle and coffee maker - an all-in-one machine could use up a lot less energy.
Make sure the building is well insulated
Insulating a building can help to prevent heat loss - by helping your office to stay warmer longer, you can reduce the need to use heating as often. There are lots of ways in which you can insulate an office building. This could include using PVC roofing to stop heat being lost through the roof or switching to double-glazed windows. If you lease your office and don’t own it, you may be more limited as to which improvements you can make (options such as window insulating film could still be an alternative to double-glazing).
Use heating and cooling appropriately
Heating and cooling systems can consume a lot of energy. Be careful about which temperatures you select and when. If no-one is in the office, then you don’t want to be using unnecessary heating or cooling - it could be worth turning it down to 10 degrees.
Use LED bulbs
LED bulbs cost a little more to buy than incandescent bulbs but are a lot more energy-efficient. As a result, you could save a lot of money in the long run. Many modern offices have switched to LEDs - if you’re based in an older office building, you may want to double check that there are no old bulbs still in use.
Allow people to work from home
A lot of companies are allowing employees to work more flexibly. This includes allowing employees to work at home. This could reduce office energy bills considerably. You may even find that you don’t need such a large office if many of your employees are regularly working from home.
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