By Hannah Phillips
With the arrival of the cold winter weather, now is a good time to think about the ways in which you can be saving energy as a business.
And the good news is, you can do this by making a few simple changes around the office to make sure you’re doing your bit to keep your energy consumption as low as possible.
- Encourage staff to switch off lights in unoccupied areas or where daylight is sufficient.
- Make sure that computer units and monitors are switched off, along with other office equipment such as printers and scanners – don’t leave them on standby. A single monitor that is left on 24 hours a day can cost around £50 a year.
- Ensure taps in staff toilets and kitchen area are turned off fully when not in use.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent heat loss and draughts.
- Turn down your thermostat by 1⁰ to save around 10-15% on your heating bill a year.
- Use energy efficient light bulbs where necessary – cutting your lighting bill is one of the easiest ways to save energy and money.
- Keep radiators and heaters clear of furniture to ensure heat is emitted evenly.
- Promote energy efficiency within your business – make your staff aware of how they can save energy by making a few simple changes. Reminders around the office such as notes by the light switches can be a good way to prompt staff to make a conscious effort to help reduce your energy usage.