Sustainability isn’t just something for global organisations to think about. Making your office more energy efficient is something we should all do. And, in taking steps to reduce and conserve the energy we’re using, we can also save ourselves money. In fact, according to the Energy Saving Trust, the average small and medium-sized enterprise could reduce their energy bills by 18-25% by implementing just a few simple energy efficiency measures.

Heating

1. According to the Energy Saving Trust, heating accounts for around 40% of energy use in a non-domestic building so it makes sense to top up insulation and block any draughts you can to reduce the amount of heat that your office space is losing.
2. Keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature and discourage or prevent employees from turning it up to “warm the room up faster”. Increasing the temperature on the thermostat only serves to warm the room for longer and to a higher temperature before switching off – it doesn’t change how long it takes for the room to the desired temperature. The Energy Saving Trust recommends you set the heating at 19 degrees in an office and if you have air conditioning, 24 degrees centigrade or higher.
3. Ensure windows are shut when the heating is on.
4. Remove obstructions from in front of radiators. Install wall-mounted coat hooks for coats and bags – this can help to dissuade employees from using the radiators to dry or warm coats.
5. Ensure desks and furniture aren’t placed in front of radiators where they could block heat.

Lighting

1. Switch off lights when they aren’t needed. Often, lights are left on unnecessarily in corridors, meeting rooms and storage areas that don’t need to be lit. Consider motion-sensor lighting for areas where use is intermittent.
2. Check your lightbulbs have all been switched to low-energy LEDs. If they haven’t, switch them over and see your energy use decrease right away.
3. Move workstations and desk areas to spaces that benefit from natural light. This is good for both your energy bill, and for your employees.

Power Use

1. Encourage staff to turn off monitors and computers at the plug when they leave as standby mode continues to use energy. If plugs aren’t easily accessible, you can use pop up power units to make plugs more easily accessible and incentivise users to unplug devices not in use.
2. Newer printer and copier models tend to have energy-saving features built into them. If you can’t afford to update older models, consider printer or photocopier management, or alternatively, just ensure your devices are all switched off at night.

Other useful energy-saving tips

Recycle what you can – most things these days can be recycled. Install plenty of recycling bins around the office for different materials. If space is at a premium, an under-desk swivel recycling bin on an arm is a great way to ensure everyone has a conveniently positioned recycling bin to recycle paper.

Encourage walking or cycling to work

By providing bike parking or secure bike storage at work, you can encourage more of your workforce to cycle to work, reducing the environmental impact on the planet.

For more tips on how to save energy in the office, visit the Energy Saving Trust website here.

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