The office energy bill isn’t something that people usually think about unless your job is to find cost-saving opportunities at work. If so, you definitely need to examine the habits of employees as it relates to equipment and lighting. Why? Because there are many ways to boost energy efficiency and lower your operating expenses. Check out the tips below on things you can do to keep your office energy bill down.
Choose Energy-Efficient Equipment
Computers, printers, copiers, monitors, scanners, and fax machines are just a few examples of office equipment that can raise your energy bill. For starters, the type of equipment you choose will make a difference. It’s best to choose Energy Star equipment because that means it’s certified and complies with the highest standards. Another important component is whether or not you shut down appliances that are not in use. While it might seem like a waste of time, some appliances should be turned off or unplugged when possible to save energy.
Turn the Lights Off
There has been a long-standing myth that turning lights on and off repeatedly can cost more money than just leaving them on all day. As it turns out, that information is incorrect because you can save money by turning the lights off every time you leave a room. It’s a good idea to put signs on the wall reminding employees to turn the lights off. What’s even better is assigning someone to the role of light monitor. This is simply a person that’s responsible for making sure lights are off at the end of the day. They can also check to make sure appliances are in the off position or unplugged when it’s appropriate.
Use Automatic Dimmers
Since lighting is a significant part of most office energy bills, it’s important to find creative ways to address the issue of lights being on in rooms that are empty. A simple solution is the use of automatic dimmers that can adjust based on natural lighting. Sometimes there is a dual system that includes motion detection. For instance, they can immediately turn on when you walk into a room and shut off when you exit a room. Motion detectors can also be used in hallways, staircases and other areas of a commercial building that might not always be used. You can also set the lighting system on a timer based on the office schedule.
Optimize Use of Natural Light
Working in a room with blinds can be great because you get to enjoy natural light, which is good for your overall mood. It’s also good for lowering the energy bill if you open the blinds. You may need to encourage employees to keep their blinds open and minimize the use of office lights whenever possible, especially during the day. As with other initiatives in a business, it can be helpful to use signage that provides a reminder to open the blinds.
Install Energy Efficient Lights
The installation of energy-efficient lights in an office building can save thousands of dollars each year, especially if you choose to use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs or compact fluorescent lights (CFL). Since replacing just one light bulb can make a difference, imagine the impact of using energy-efficient bulbs throughout the office. It’s also worth noting that LED bulbs can last for two decades. Basically, energy-efficient lights can save money over short and long periods of time.
Not implementing an energy efficiency program is like throwing away money. Sometimes it happens due to lack of knowledge. You might benefit from an audit that analyzes how much can actually be saved on your energy bill. This is a great way to jumpstart the process of lowering your expenses. By positively impacting the bottom line, you can position your business for success.
