It all starts with You. Once you take an active role in reducing energy costs, you’ll start to see improvements in your office’s energy consumption, and as a result, a reduction in your utility bills. Get everyone on the same page as you and a landslide of cost reductions and great ideas will result.
At Pridgen, we have incorporated several energy savings ideas in our office with energy efficient fixtures, motion sensors, reduced lighting in hallways, task lighting, and even solar power. But in the end, we saw our largest improvements when everyone became aware of how much energy they were using.
Not only did the team want to help the company save on overhead costs, but they were also concerned about environmental implications, and were therefore very willing to modify their behavior to limit energy consumption. Many of our team members even brought some really great energy saving ideas to the table.
We’ve compiled our favorite easy-to-implement tips on how to save energy throughout the office. Try adopting a couple of these simple habits and see how your office reacts. After you’ve seen results in cost savings, be transparent with the entire team. Share how much you’ve saved, and you may be surprised with how willing people are to help.
1. Turn it off
Turning off lights, turning down air conditioning when spaces were not used, and turning off computers and power strips at night are all simple changes everyone can make that will have a huge impact. Consider installing timers for your office equipment, shutting them down at a certain time each day. Just be sure to provide your team with instructions on how to override the timers if need be.
2. Switch to laptops
Laptops aren’t just more mobile than desktop computers, they’re also more energy efficient. And less power means less money spent on electric bill. If you’re stuck on desktops, consider switching to newer, more energy efficient models.
3. Buy Energy Star equipment
When you’re in the market for new office equipment, look for the Energy Star logo. Energy Star, a joint program between the U.S. Department of Energy and the USEPA, rates products according to their energy efficiency. An Energy Star-rated scanner, for example, is about 50% more efficient than a non-Energy Star-rated scanner, according to LegalZoom.com.
4. Use the power management settings on your laptop
If you step away from your computer for a few minutes, save electricity by using your computer’s low-power sleep mode. According to Energy Star, doing this can save $50 on your electricity bill each year. And remember, your screen saver does not save energy.
5. Make the switch to CFL or LED bulbs
By making the switch from traditional incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL), you can save as much as 75% of your energy costs. They also last up to 10 times as long, saving you additional costs. Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are even more efficient than CFLs and last longer, but are a little more expensive. However, the price of LED bulbs continues to decline as they start to become the industry standard of bulb choices.
6. Move your workspace next to a window
If your office is rich in natural light, take advantage of it in the cooler months. Move your desk or desks closer to the natural light source rather than using a harsh overhead light or lamp. Not only will you save in energy costs, but you may also reap some emotional benefits offered by the sunlight. Then in the summer, install blinds and shutters on windows to block out direct sun and reduce the need for air conditioning.
7. Save on water
Install low-flow water-saving taps, showerheads (if your office has showers), and low-flush or dual-flush toilets.
8. Think before you print
Inkjet printers use up to 90% less energy than laser printers. Additionally, color printing can also use more energy than black and white. Remember to use double sided printing if your printer has this capability to save paper.
9. Start an ideas box for energy savings ideas
To truly get your office team involved in saving energy saving, encourage their ideas for how to cut back on consumption. You’ll likely end up with a great list of ideas you’ve never thought of!
Do you have any energy-saving ideas or tips to add? Please leave them in the comments below!
If you’re looking for energy-efficient office space in Tampa Bay, contact us today and we’ll help you find or build the perfect office space to meet your company’s needs.