Is saving energy in your workplace on the top of your to-do list? no? You might want to reconsider that and here’s why. Not only will energy savings allow you to do your part for the environment, but it can also make a real difference to your bottom line.

According to The NSW Business Chamber, workplaces that improve their energy efficiency levels see both a rise in productivity and boost morale. And given businesses have to do more with less, we put together 5 top tips for saving energy in the workplace, so you can enjoy the benefits of greater energy efficiency.

  1. Make the lighting switch

Consider replacing your existing lighting systems with with LEDs or Energy Saver down lights. Energy saving lighting is about reducing the wattage used in a light fitting, while still producing similar output. If you’d like to know more about making the lighting switch, you might read a recent blog on “Halogen vs. Energy Saver Downlights”.

  1. Buy it right

When you’re buying computers, monitors, printers, or any office equipment for that matter, consider the Energy Star compliant models. In 2009, the latest specification for computer monitors, ENERGY STAR V5.0 was introduced. These models power down after periods of non-use. And did you know that inkjet printers use approximately 90% less energy than laser printers?

Image courtesy of www.energyrating.gov.au

  1. Avoid those little green lights

Of course, if you’re not in the market for new equipment, there are still a couple of tricks to making your old ones as energy efficient as possible:

  • Check your office equipment is off after hours – and make sure they aren’t just on standby or sleep mode. You probably didn’t consider that those little green standby lights are unnecessarily draining your power when you’re not in the office.
  • Consider using smart strip power cords – These work to reduce your power usage by cutting power to equipment that goes into standby mode, by sensing when a device is turned off and cutting their phantom power, saving you in the long run.
  1. Use your air conditioner at its most efficient

In any business, small or large, air conditioners can be one of the biggest power vampires. It’s important to implement an energy management system, so that you know the optimal running times of your air conditioner.

According to Origin Energy, you should set the thermostat between 23-25 degrees in summer and 18-21 degrees in the winter. Changing the temperature by 1 degree (increasing in summer and decreasing in winter) can reduce related energy consumption by up to 10%.

Alternatively, why not limit the air conditioner and turn on the fans? Find out Why You Should Be a Fan of the Fan.

  1. Get your staff involved

Creating a culture of energy efficiency in your small business is key to ensuring your processes are successfully implemented and maintained. Saving energy means shared responsibilities – you can’t be the only one running around at the end of the day turning off switches. This can be as simple or as involved a process as you like. From setting daily reminders for employees to “shut down” at the end of the day, to implementing incentive programs or making it an official workplace policy. Your energy savings are up to you!

If you’re looking to maximise your office’s energy efficiency or you’re in need of anything electrical, we’d love to chat! You can call us on 1300 045 103 or get a quote now.

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