Top 10 Energy Saving Tips for the Office

If you run a business then you know you’re in it for profit. Wasting energy is costly and saving energy will save your business significant amounts of money.

Office Heating

  1. Thermostat – Set the office thermostat to no more than 19°C.
  2. Radiator Valves – Set your thermostatic radiator valves to position 2-3.
  3. Doors and Windows – Keep doors and windows shut while the heating is on.
  4. Radiators – Ensure radiators are not blocked with furniture, this makes them less efficient.
  5. Heating – Avoid heating unused spaces such as corridors and storerooms. Set them to a lower temperature.
  6. Heating Controls – Check that heating controls match your office hours.

Office Lighting

  1. Lights – Switch off lights in empty rooms. It is a popular myth that it is cheaper to leave a light on.
  2. Daylight – Use daylight where possible. It’s free and more pleasant than artificial light.
  3. Lights – Only use the lights you need.
  4. Low Wattage Lights – Slim line fluorescent tubes can often be used as direct replacements for older tubes, and use 25% less electricity. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 80% less energy than a tungsten bulb and less ten times longer.
  5. Outside Lights – Ensure outside lights are only on when required.

Office Electrical Equipment

  1. Computers – Switch computers off when not required. Even switching a monitor off over tea and lunch break prevents excessive heat build up in a room.
  2. Standby Mode – Don’t leave equipment on standby mode. They continue to us up to 70% of normal power consumption at no use.
  3. Energy Efficiency Rated Equipment – Buy energy efficiency rated equipment when replacing items.
  4. Energy Saving Software – Ensure in-built energy saving software is activated. A screen saver is not a power saver.

Office Water

  1. Taps – Don’t leave a tap dripping. Each cubic meter of water costs nearly £2.
  2. Water Temperature – Ensure water temperatures are set correctly. Water should be heated to 60°C to protect against legionella. Water at hand washing sinks should ideally be blended to 43°C.
  3. Urinal Controllers – Check urinal controllers are fitted and operating correctly. Cisterns only require to fill and flush when the building is in use. A defective battery may mean they are filling continuously.