Introduction
Most organizations utilize some type of office equipment, from basic necessities like computers to more complex products like teleconferencing facilities. Many consumers, however, are unaware that their equipment consumes a big amount of energy and costs a significant amount to operate.
There are basic actions you may take to cut energy consumption if you utilize office equipment in your business. Making little changes to how you use your equipment can cut your energy use by up to 70%, saving you money and increasing profitability.
This article will show you how to reduce your energy expenses by running office equipment more efficiently and investing in new energy-saving items.
Reduce the amount of energy utilized by office equipment
Office equipment is a significant and growing source of energy consumption in enterprises. Nonetheless, by carefully monitoring your office equipment, you can lower the amount of energy it needs by up to 70%.
Energy efficiency benefits for office equipment
In addition to saving money by lowering your energy expenditures, optimizing your equipment usage and boosting efficiency can provide the following extra benefits:
extended service life for your equipment;
more mobility – moving to laptop computers, which use far less energy than desktop computers, for example, can mean that employees are more flexible in terms of where and when they work;
reduced requirement for mechanical ventilation and cooling – energy-efficient equipment and machines in stand-by mode operate at lower temperatures;
reduced carbon emissions and less environmental effect.
Quick wins for office energy efficiency
Simple methods can be taken to lower the amount of energy used by your office equipment. Most of these are low-cost or free to execute, involve minimal effort, and require no specialized knowledge. Even minor changes in how you maintain and use your office equipment can result in huge energy savings.
Some basic but efficient methods for reducing office equipment energy use include:
Computers and monitors – make sure monitors are turned off when people leave their desks for more than ten minutes. Wherever practical, use power-saving settings to do this automatically. Always turn off computers and monitors at the end of the day, unless they are required to be left on.
Printers – Just like PCs, turn off all printers at the end of the day. A plug-in seven-day timer could assist in ensuring that they are not left on after hours. When printing, use the most energy-efficient option for the work – low-quality, black-and-white, and double-sided printing are all more energy-efficient. Avoid any and all unnecessary printing.
Photocopiers – Always ensure that copiers are turned off after hours. Enable all energy-saving standby options, and encourage employees to copy in batches. Avoid any and all superfluous copying.
Vending machines: lower the storage temperature for hot water and increase it for chilled water where possible. Do not keep refrigerated vending machines colder than necessary. Remove any unneeded lighting from the machine and provide reusable mugs and glasses in place of disposable things.
Long-term energy savings at the office
After you’ve settled on the simple steps you can take to lower your energy consumption, you may look into ways to save even more money. These are some examples:
if appropriate, upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment;
establishing a maintenance program for equipment – well-maintained equipment lasts longer and functions more efficiently;
creating a workplace energy efficiency policy and ensuring that everyone follows it;
Increase employee understanding of the importance of office equipment efficiency.
Your employees may not be as motivated to save energy as you are, especially if they do not directly benefit from cost reductions and increased revenues. As a result, it is critical to clearly communicate the benefits of energy conservation in the workplace and to successfully manage employees in order to get them interested in your energy-saving effort.
Explicitly stating the advantages of office energy efficiency
Explain to employees why you are attempting to save energy in the workplace. In addition to strengthening the firm by saving money, improving energy efficiency will result in:
a more productive and healthy workplace;
a lower ‘carbon footprint’ for the company, allowing you to do your part to help the environment;
improved business image – this can be especially advantageous for sales personnel.
Staff participation in workplace energy efficiency planning
Make it obvious that you are personally committed to decreasing energy consumption and that you will require the participation of your managers and personnel if you are to meet your objectives.
Encourage employees to participate by soliciting their ideas, thoughts, and criticism, as well as urging them to examine their own working habits. You could also use contests, campaigns, and group initiatives.
Setting realistic energy reduction targets and choosing an “energy champion” will help keep employees focused. A written energy policy will assist in informing employees about energy-saving requirements and best practices.