As a business owner or office manager, you are probably tasked with finding ways to cut back on energy use in your building. You will also be aware of the enormous costs of running an office, day in and day out. And while there will always be energy use – and, therefore, payments to make – there is actually a lot of energy that is wasted, and it could be costing you as much as 20 percent extra. So, the next time you are going through your environmental policy or performing an energy audit, take a look out for these significant contributors to your energy expenditure.
HVAC inefficiencies
Want to know how much it costs to keep your office warm or cool, dependent on the seasons? The average cost comes out at something like 40 percent of your energy – and a lot of that will be down to waste. HVAC systems are an excellent tool, but they need to be used correctly, which few businesses do. Whether it’s down to a particular device not working efficiently, or staff leaving doors open, it’s just money being spent on waste. Make sure you have a regular service plan in place, choose the best electricity provider with a competitive plan to save on your energy bill and ensure everyone understands it is their responsibility to keep doors and windows closed in winter.
Old and inefficient equipment
There’s nothing wrong with buying used equipment for your office, and it’s a great way of keeping down capital costs. But you still need to be careful that whatever you buy is running efficiently, or you will end up spending more on energy bills than you saved in the original purchase. Heating systems, computers, and even the fridge in your water cooler room can all chew up energy – and burn money, efficiently – incredibly fast. It might mean a little more upfront investment to replace faulty or inefficient gear, but it will undoubtedly be worth it in the long-term.
The small stuff
Energy waste isn’t restricted to your office, either – you also have to bear in mind it’s broader impact and carbon footprint. All the office products you use on a day-to-day basis might be small, but their impact on waste and energy in their production process can be significant. Start making a real difference by using recycled paper, buying refillable ink cartridges, and also look into upgrading your lightbulbs. Not only will you be saving money for your office, but you’ll also be helping to save the planet.
The empty office
In an empty office, everything should be turned off completely, unless it needs to be on for a particular reason. That means lighting, air con, and anything connected to the power. But the reality for most offices is somewhat different. People leave lights on overnight. They forget to shut down their computers properly and leave them in standby or sleep mode. If every office ensured only necessary electrics were on overnight, they could save an astonishing amount of money.
Do you have an energy saving plan for your office? We’d love to hear about it, so let us know your ideas in the comments section below.