Businesses tend to use more equipment than a typical house. Therefore, the energy requirements to keep the business running are usually high. Unfortunately, when energy consumption is high, so is the cost. Now more than ever businesses are looking to save energy.
So, you might be wondering, what uses the most energy in your office?
According to data, here’s a list of electronic office appliances that can cost your business millions of pounds each year:
- air conditioner
- servers
- projectors
- desktop computers
- photocopiers
- light bulbs
- printers
- desk fans
- laptops
- computer monitor
- tablets
- broadband routers
- landline phones
- mobile phones
It pays to know how much energy your office equipment are consuming. When you track your energy consumption, you can adjust and find ways to reduce it. Taking note of the times electricity is more expensive is also a way to monitor your energy consumption.
By tracking your energy consumption, you can make minor adjustments and adopt green practices in the business, reducing energy waste. So if you are looking for ways to save energy and lower running costs, read below.
4 Simple Ways to Save Energy in the Office
Simple Energy Saving Tips
There are several ways to help you save energy, lower your operational costs and at the same time help protect the environment by decreasing your carbon footprint. Here are some tips on saving electricity in crucial areas in and around the office.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and air conditioning require a large amount of energy. On average, an office air conditioner can use up to 4,000 watts and cost £1,460 annually. So businesses need to find better energy-efficient methods. Saving electricity on air conditioning is relatively easy. There are a lot of things you can do such as:
- Encouraging staff to dress for the season
- Keeping doors and windows open when it’s warm and keeping them closed to keep everything cool
- Keeping the thermostat at a comfortable room temperature
- Using an energy management system (timers)
- Checking for air-tightness
- Installing weatherstrip
Having old heating and air conditioning systems can put a massive dent in your profit margins. You may want to look into shifting to smart tech, so you get to control your energy usage.
Lighting
According to data, business’s spend around fifteen (15%) of their annual energy bill on lighting alone. So here are some ways to save electricity on lighting:
- Turning off the lights when not in use
- Using LED bubs
- Setting lights to turn off automatically at the end of the day
- Maintaining light fixtures
- Using natural daylight as much as possible
Office Equipment
Leaving office appliances switched on for hours can put a significant drain on your financial resources. Instead, you can save more money by ensuring that all electronic equipment is only turned on when being used. You can further save on electricity by doing these:
- Setting computers to sleep or hibernation mode
- Setting equipment to energy-saving modes.
- Switch off your computer monitors
- Upgrade your equipment
- Use smart technology
Older appliances can use up to ninety per cent (90%) more energy than newer and more energy-efficient models. If you still have old photocopiers and printers in your office, you may want to upgrade by investing in new ones but make sure to check the energy rating labels.
Go Green
Going green is easy, and everyone can do it. For example, instead of printing paper, encourage everyone to use e-copies. Only print when necessary. Choosing to bring your cup instead of using plastic or paper cups is also a green initiative.
You could look at environmental consulting firms to help you to become more sustainable if needs be. They are specialists in environmental solutions for businesses and will help to ensure that you are environmentally compliant too. In addition, make sure to involve your employees by informing them about green initiatives in your business. Make things fun and exciting for everyone by also introducing incentives when people go green.
When you create a greener and energy-efficient business, not only will you get to minimize your energy bills, improve your business’s reputation in the market and help the environment.
So what’s in it for you when you save electricity?
The most significant incentive when you decrease your electricity consumption is reducing your energy bills and cost. When you use less, you pay less.
Electricity is generated from non-renewable energy sources. Coal, oil and gas are processed and used to supply electricity, and these energy sources produce carbon dioxide. We all know that increased greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming and climate change.
So when you save electricity, you reduce your carbon footprint. Thus, helping the planet.
Aside from burning fossil fuels, electricity also comes from nuclear plants. But, unfortunately, nuclear energy has devastating impacts on the environment. So using renewable sources to produce electricity and reducing energy consumption can reduce health and environmental risks.
Conclusion
Businesses can save a lot when implementing energy-saving measures and initiatives. In addition, by following good practices and investing in energy-efficient equipment and technology, you also get to help the environment.
