Do you want to learn how to save energy at work? Many companies look for ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. They need active participation from employees to do this. Doing this shows corporate responsibility and reverses climate change. Here are ways to help your employer and the planet.
6 Tips to Save Energy at Work
Both large and small businesses want to reduce the energy they use. Many ways to do this are simple, with small steps that add up. Other solutions take some time and require upper management to prioritize these policy changes. Here are a few of both to consider.
1. Turn Off, Shut Down, and Unplug
Encourage your employees to shut down or turn off their devices before leaving the office at the end of the day. This is helpful with energy reduction. However, computers or other devices still consume small amounts of energy even when turned off. Take it one step further and unplug everything. This significantly reduces the amount of energy your business consumes.
Post reminders at exits to turn off, shut down, and unplug, so employees see them as they leave. If your company uses equipment that must stay on, create a sticker system or labels, so no one gets confused. You could place a red sticker on devices that must stay on, while green stickers go on equipment that gets disconnected each day after work is finished.
Workers may still forget from time to time. Therefore, if your building allows it, install sensors that automatically switch off all the electricity in the office when everyone leaves, except for devices that must stay on.
2. Let in the Light
Turn off artificial lighting and make use of natural lighting. Open up blinds and curtains, especially when it’s light or bright outdoors.
This saves energy and increases positive feelings, and contributes to better moods during the workday, especially during colder months when days feel shorter. If it’s dark when the work day begins and dark when it ends, exposure to sunlight during the day helps people suffering from seasonal mood disorders.
Many companies have meeting rooms, bathrooms, or other spaces that remain empty at times. Turn off those lights and remind your employees to do the same. Inquire about sensors that automatically control the lights in unoccupied rooms.
3. Adjust with the Seasons
In the wintertime, make sure your windows close properly. Check for drafts and proper installation before automatically raising the heat.
During warmer months, turn off unused radiators or heating units. Install fans to cool the area before overworking the air conditioner units.
Ask your building managers about automated controls to consistently keep your offices at a comfortable temperature. This is more efficient than changing them manually from day to day.
Programmable blinds or shades on the windows can do the same. They also control the amount of direct sunlight each day.
4. Limit Paper Waste
Stock your kitchen area with reusable coffee cups, dishes, and utensils. If you provide microwaves and refrigerators, stock up on other supplies your employees can use instead of paper products. This includes water pitchers, cookware, reusable bags, and drinking glasses.
Some employers remove straws, napkins, and plastic utensils altogether.
Encourage employees to make use of technology and go paperless when possible. Create a company-wide policy to print only when necessary.
Your company’s computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones can easily show important documents. This makes printing less important. When you do print materials, consider recycled paper or print on both sides.
5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Supplies
Use LED light bulbs and save up to 80% on energy output. Enjoy further energy efficiency by opting for dimmed lighting fixtures rather than brighter options. These can be used with sensors that automatically turn down overhead lights in the morning, utilizing natural light when available. Then they turn up later in the afternoon.
Some companies use focused lighting with desk lamps. This helps employees see their area clearly while reducing overhead lighting that may only reach some places.
Supply your workforce with computers and laptops manufactured with energy-efficient technology. You can also choose eco-friendly equipment or appliances such as printers, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and audio-visual equipment.
6. Regularly Inspect Equipment
Bring in a professional at least once a year to evaluate your office equipment. Technological improvements happen quickly, and it’s hard to keep up.
Professionals ensure your appliances have the most updated energy-saving settings. They recommend replacements for outdated, energy-intensive appliances.
Regularly check your equipment to prevent overheating—clean filters and fans to prevent overheating. A maintenance team can repair or upgrade your equipment onsite. This will help them work more efficiently for a longer period.
How to Save Energy at Work When You Work from Home
If you work remotely, many of the above tips will help you save energy too. These tips work just as effectively at home or in the office. You might also want to consider:
- Switching to eco-friendly pens, pencils, staplers, notebooks, and other supplies.
- Using paper and other supplies made from recycled materials.
- Working with an electricity or natural gas supplier allows you more control over energy needs.
- Bringing in green plants beautifies your home/work space and works as a natural air filter to get rid of pollutants.
- Inspecting ceiling and wall insulation to make the space more comfortable and reduce total energy output.
- Asking your accountant or bookkeeper to investigate appropriate tax breaks. Many local government agencies and utility companies provide incentives through tax savings or rebates.
- Installing solar panels.
- Planting trees outside your home to provide shade in the summer. Trees protect you from fierce winter winds if you plant them strategically.
- Getting a free energy audit. It will help you identify other ways to save energy.
Saving Energy at Work
Whether working at home or in an office, you can save energy every day. Do your part for a more sustainable future and discover more energy saving tips from Kiwi Energy. Contact Kiwi Energy to learn more about our eco-friendly energy plans and how to save more energy at work and home today.
