Energy saving tips for your office

#1 Work on notebooks

#2 Upgrade monitors to energy efficient monitors

#3 Enable energy savings or use a TrickleStar® USB Motion Sensor

If you have a desktop PC or a notebook with a large external display(s), a TrickleStar® USB Motion Sensor is a simple, easy to install solution that can optimize energy at the desktop and pay for itself in less than a year.

#4 Install simple weekly timers on devices such as vending machines, coffee machines, water coolers and photocopiers

#5 Encourage staff to switch off lights in rooms when not in use

Even better, install an occupancy sensor to automatically switch off lighting when a room is not in use. For entrance and external lighting, install simple timers to automatically switch lighting on and off at present times and ensure that the office does not remain lit at night. Installing small signs at light switches and around the office can help drive positive behaviour.

#6 Install a Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

Wi-Fi smart thermostats are a great fit for many small businesses with regular operating hours. Setting up schedules to fit with opening hours, and ensuring the HVAC system is not left running unnecessarily overnight is a great, easy way to save energy. Employees don’t pay the utility bills and they commonly set the set-point lower than what is needed in the summer months and higher than needed in winter months. A smart thermostat that automates schedules and locks set-points is a simple way to optimize energy use and lower energy bills.

#7 Get an Energy Audit.

Before you can find ways to conserve energy, you need to know your energy weak spots. An energy audit company can examine your office and evaluate your overall efficiency. Once the inspection is done, use the report to guide your energy-conscious actions and changes—and to keep track of your improvement.

#8 Include Energy as a topic in company communications

The best way to get your employees to be more energy conscious is to provide ongoing education and encouragement. Include eco-friendly tips and advice in regular newsletters and offer facts about the environment, energy consumption, and company trends. Don’t get too heavy or technical, though—keep the tips quick and easy to implement.

#9 Create an Employee Energy Committee

Some companies have energy committees. These groups, made up of a few volunteer employees, focus on creating and managing energy-saving initiatives. An energy committee can also be in charge of finding new ideas for conserving energy and monitoring the office’s energy-saving initiatives.

#10 Be an Energy Role Model

As a manager, it’s important to set a good example for your peers. Inspire action by serving as an energy role model who promotes positive energy practices for the office. Work with your management team or energy committee to brainstorm energy-saving strategies. The more your employees see you taking eco-working habits seriously, the more inclined they’ll be to follow suit. Employees and managers can have a huge impact on their companies’ energy use through simple ongoing initiatives, both big and small. Try launching a few of these practices at your workplace as soon as possible. You’d be amazed at how quickly you can start seeing results.