Updated: 2021-06-23
Office buildings utilize an obscene amount of power. In fact, an average of 18% of office energy expenditure derives from office equipment alone.
Today’s office buildings have continued to grow in size and complexity for decades without any corresponding increase in energy efficiency. Building energy consumption is an irreversible trend, and it’s not like we can just stop using all these things. But we do have options.
Companies need energy-efficient office equipment
The number of staff at each individual office certainly plays a factor in how much power is being utilized. Still, the fact remains the same that companies can reduce their energy bills by being more efficient with their use of office equipment.
Over the years, a common refrain in the energy conservation conversation has been that it is important to focus on reducing the demand for energy, as opposed to the supply. Building owners and managers can make all the changes they like, but if they continue to run the lights, computers, and other power-hungry devices, the energy expense will continue to increase.
What are those power eaters at your office?
When it comes to energy, there are many ways to save. By investigating all the power-saving options available, designers and contractors can help to ensure that the office team is not left with debilitating debt or no electricity.
On the market, there are a number of power saving products that can be installed in the office to help reduce energy usage without having significant disruption. For example, there are various ways that power consumption can be reduced with timers, switches and even adding electric heating mats to certain locations.
What are some of the additional ways to cut down on energy use in the office? Try these tips:
Turn Things Off
Energy use, especially in the US, has become a huge issue. A great way to waste energy is to simply let your lights burn all night when you are not at the office. The first thing you should do is turn off your lights after you finish working.
Surprisingly enough, what would seem as the most obvious tactic to save on office power isn’t done as frequently as it should be. While there are certain pieces of equipment that can’t or shouldn’t be turned off such as servers and phones, the most commonly used office equipment serves no purpose by being left running after business hours.
Timers are your friends
We all know that the world of energy has become a challenging place to live in. But when all you’ve got is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. And sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you’re chasing a battery or a savings account.
The high cost of energy is often the number one complaint voiced by homeowners or office building managers. However, it is important to know which resources are the most wasteful and how to decrease those costs.
Digital thermostats, desktop computers, office printers and other equipment should be unplugged, or set on a timer to use minimum power or deactivate at a certain time. This can save hundreds of dollars on annual energy expenses.
Utilize Energy-Efficient Office Equipment
Not all office equipment is made the same. For example, older models of printers and copy machines don’t meet Energy Star compliance and run off heftier amounts of power than some of the newer models. Office equipment that meets Energy Star compliance can save 50% or more on energy costs. They regulate internal heat temperatures much better than equipment that isn’t energy efficient and range anywhere from copiers to lighting and HVAC systems.
Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Have a technician perform regular checks on office equipment and clear up any dust from the HVAC system, as well as dispose of old air filters. The harder the HVAC system has to work to regulate air temperatures, the more it costs a company in energy expenses. It also helps to replace light bulbs that are flickering and anything else that may be worn down or old.
