Energy efficiency has been a huge topic not just for residential homes but also for business spaces like offices. Fortunately, many companies realize the importance of controlling and minimizing energy usage in their workspaces. Your energy consumption can have a direct impact on your company’s finances. It can be bad or good news, depending on the amount of consumed energy.
On average, non-domestic buildings can save around 39% of their electricity bills through energy efficiency practices. But those financial perks are just the start. Incorporating an environmentally conscious practice like benign energy efficiency can help enhance your company’s reputation. If you’re ready to take on energy-efficient improvements in your office and reduce costs, here are some ideas to consider.
1. Upgrade your office equipment
Your entire office equipment and workstations are probably the biggest consumers of energy. Regardless of the size of your office, plenty of energy may be wasted on devices that aren’t energy efficient. PCs, for instance, can consume wasted electricity when not in hibernation or sleep mode. Expert higher energy bills if you’re using old computer models. Consider investing in modern models like mini computers that either have energy-saving modes or are designed to be energy efficient.
For this, you can find a reputable mini PC builder who can customize mini computers based on your needs while consuming less power. Also, try to minimize the use of printers when you can access the files online or digital version is enough. You can use different digital platforms to curate and share content without having to print out or photocopy them for distribution.
2. Check your electricity waste
Many offices these days are unaware of their own electricity waste. Ideally, you should have rules using your heating and cooling system. Doing so will help you figure out the optimal temperature to maintain during winter and summer. For instance, your heating system should only be turned on to keep the workplace comfortable. Improper room heating can also have a negative impact on your team’s focus and productivity. At the same time, try to minimize the use of air conditioning even during summer.
Opening your office’s windows isn’t just an excellent way to save on cooling costs. It’s also a healthy method to improve the quality of indoor air in your office. Moreover, ensure to maximize the natural light coming into your office, which is beneficial for increasing energy levels and boosting employee health. Open up your blinds or consider installing skylights for a long-term solution.
Other smart ways to reduce your electricity waste are switching off computer workstations at the workday’s end, unplugging devices when not in use, and installing light motion sensors.
3. Cut off costs in your kitchen
Modern offices today have their own kitchens to provide more convenience to the employees. While this encourages healthier eating habits, it may also lead to added costs on your energy bill. Poor kitchen or food preparation practices can result in excessive electricity consumption.
For instance, if you have a fridge, ensure it is at least ten centimeters far from the wall so the heat can easily flow. To avoid overheating, ensure to clean and replace the filters regularly too. When using the kettle, remind your employees not to boil too much water more than they need. If you have a dishwasher in your office kitchen, only use it when it’s full to save energy.
In addition to that, it’s best to purchase insulated cooking equipment, from ovens to fryers. Always follow the recommended cooking or preheating settings on the owner’s manual.
4. Involve your entire team
Those energy-saving practices would be useless if your team will not fully participate or do their part. Aside from your departmental staff, talk to faculty personnel, maintenance offices, security personnel, and custodians about conserving electricity. Give them instructions about what to check when they are monitoring the office building. For instance, your security officers should ensure all equipment and devices are turned off after the staff leaves.
Also, your custodians should finish their room cleaning by switching off the lights, the heaters, and the air conditioning system. You can conduct a short meeting to explain your plan to conserve energy or print out office guidelines to remind every staff member what they should check before leaving their workstations.
Operating an energy-efficient office can go a long way in your company’s reputation, as well as the health of your team and the planet. Plus, if you’re looking to reduce costs and save more money for investments and business improvements, it’s best to start with your energy usage. Take part in preserving the environment and enjoy energy savings by following the tips in this guide.