Energy saving in the office: in a time when environmental awareness is on the rise and financial challenges are becoming more common, it’s no surprise that businesses are seeking ways to save resources, preferably in an eco-friendly manner. One impactful approach to achieve this is by optimizing the energy efficiency in your office buildings. Our division Maintenance Masters discusses various simple ways to save energy in your office buildings.
Switch to LED lighting
Saving energy in the office can be accomplished in various ways, with one of the most obvious being the adoption of LED lighting. It is one of the simplest and most effective methods for energy savings. Therefore, replace your traditional incandescent bulbs (or other types of bulbs) with energy-efficient LED lights. LED lights consume significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan.
Did you know that an LED bulb consumes 85% less power than a halogen bulb? By switching from incandescent to LED bulbs, your savings can reach up to 90%. Moreover, a LED bulb lasts up to 15 times longer than an incandescent bulb, which means that the higher initial purchase cost is recouped over time.
Are you still with the right supplier?
Changing your energy supplier is easy and can have a significant impact on your energy costs. Many companies stick with the same supplier for too long, missing out on better offers. Therefore, compare the difference between your current supplier and alternative providers. Some suppliers even offer various rates for energy consumption at different times of the day. Quick comparisons can be made, for instance, using the V-test from the VREG.
Avoid wasting unnecessary energy
Every day, a considerable amount of energy is wasted on unnecessary activities. Cooling, heating, lighting, or devices that are not in use continue to run. Here are some tips:
- Turn off all computers and external screens at the end of the workday. Electronic devices consume only about 15% less energy in standby mode, so put your desktops, laptops, and monitors in standby mode only if you’re leaving your desk for a few minutes.
- Also, switch off coffee machines, printers, microwaves, scanners, and other devices at the end of the workday.
- If your laptops or other devices are fully charged, unplug the chargers from the sockets.
- Don’t leave unnecessary lights on, even in restrooms or meeting rooms.
- Avoid placing objects on radiators to prevent heat obstruction.
- Ventilating your office spaces for about 15 minutes daily is more energy-efficient than keeping the windows open or on a slight tilt all day.
Promote awareness in the office
Saving energy in the office is a collective effort. The best results can be achieved when all employees contribute. Therefore, fostering awareness among everyone in the office is essential. Conducting an awareness campaign in the workplace or providing training to your employees can encourage them to be more conscious of their energy consumption.
Choose laptops over desktops
Laptops consume significantly less energy than desktop computers. According to energids.be, a desktop computer running for 8 hours a day consumes nearly 600 kWh and has a CO² emission of 175 kg per year. A laptop running for the same 8 hours consumes only between 150 and 300 kWh and has a CO² emission of 88 kg per year.
Investing in laptops for your employees is highly recommended. Furthermore, it enhances productivity, as your employees can work from different locations. In an era of increasing remote work, a laptop is far from being an unnecessary luxury.
Think twice about your office layout
A well-thought-out office layout can result in significant savings. Desks near large windows receive more natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Consider quality sunshades for (large) window areas to prevent excessive air conditioning use during hot weather.
Get customised advice for energy saving in the office
With these simple tips, you can take action in your buildings. Of course, there are many other ways to save energy in the office, from good insulation to well-maintained HVAC systems, smart building technology, and green power. Maintenance Masters are ready to provide tailored advice for your office spaces and maintain your facilities with the utmost care.
