Every work environment, whether in the office or at home, is a contributor to your company's overall emissions.
As we look towards the future, it is critical that we reduce the emissions of these environments, which can have the dual benefit of generating significant cost savings.
In this article we will highlight 11 clear ways to increase the energy efficiency of your workplace.
Asking people to make changes is most effectively accomplished by first educating them on the "why" behind the changes you're requesting. Teach employees to be mindful of energy use and to take simple steps, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, to increase energy efficiency in the workplace. Consider providing resources and training to help employees understand the importance of energy efficiency and how they can contribute to reducing energy consumption in the workplace. This can include things like sharing tips and best practices for energy-efficient behavior, as well as providing information about the environmental benefits of energy efficiency. By educating employees about the importance of energy efficiency, you can create a culture of sustainability in the workplace and inspire employees to take action to reduce energy consumption.
When shopping for new equipment or appliances, it's important to consider energy efficiency. Look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that a product has been certified as energy efficient by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star products use less energy and can save a significant amount on energy bills. For example, an Energy Star certified refrigerator uses 10-25% less energy than a standard model.
Encouraging employees to use energy-efficient transportation methods, such as carpooling, public transportation, walking, or biking, can help to reduce carbon emissions and save energy. Not only will this help to reduce energy consumption, but it can also improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Consider offering incentives or rewards to encourage employees to adopt energy-efficient transportation methods.
Recycling and reducing waste can help to reduce energy consumption, as it takes less energy to produce products from recycled materials than it does to create them from raw materials. Encourage employees to recycle and reduce waste by providing recycling bins and promoting sustainable practices in the workplace. This can include things like using reusable water bottles and coffee cups, reducing paper use, and composting food waste.
Traditional light bulbs use a lot of energy and need to be replaced frequently. By switching to LED bulbs, you can use 75% less energy and enjoy a bulb that lasts up to 25 times longer. LED bulbs are also more durable and produce less heat, making them a great choice for the workplace. Consider replacing all of the light bulbs in your office with LED bulbs to save energy and reduce maintenance costs.
Many devices, such as computers and printers, continue to use energy even when they are turned off. This is known as standby power consumption. By unplugging equipment when it is not in use, you can reduce energy consumption and lower your electricity bills. Encourage employees to turn off and unplug equipment when it is not needed, and consider installing power strips to make it easier to turn off multiple devices at once.
A programmable thermostat can help to regulate the temperature in your office, ensuring that the heating and cooling systems are not being used unnecessarily. By setting the thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on the time of day and the presence of people in the office, you can save energy and lower your energy bills. Consider installing a thermostat with a smartphone app so you can easily control the temperature from anywhere.
Proper insulation is essential for keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer. By sealing any gaps or leaks and adding insulation to your office, you can reduce the need for heating and cooling systems and save energy. Consider hiring an energy auditor to assess the insulation in your office and recommend any necessary improvements.
Power strips are a convenient way to plug in multiple devices, but they can also help to reduce standby power consumption. By plugging multiple devices into a single power strip and turning off the strip when the devices are not in use, you can save energy. Consider using power strips with a timer or remote control to make it easier to turn off multiple devices at once.
Laptops use less energy than desktop computers, making them a more energy-efficient choice. They are also portable, making them a great option for employees who need to work on the go. If you do use desktop computers, consider using a power management system to automatically turn off the computer when it is not in use.
A power management system can help to automatically turn off equipment when it is not being used, reducing energy consumption. This can be especially useful for devices that are not used on a regular basis, such as printers and copiers. By using a power management system, you can ensure that these devices are not using energy unnecessarily and are only consuming power when they are actually in use. This can lead to significant energy savings, especially in larger offices with a large number of devices.
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Clarasight has dedicated programs that can be efficiently rolled out with employees focused on reduction of emissions and costs through many of the areas detailed above, including energy-efficiency transportation, employee education, recycling & waste reduction, and more. Talk to an Expert to learn more.
