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Energy Tips
Manage Office Equipment Energy Use
Office equipment and electronics use energy even when idle or on stand-by. To save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at work, always activate the power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Consider using a power strip (or surge protector) that can be turned off when you're done using your computers, printers, wireless routers and other electronics. This may be a simpler solution to remembering to turn off all your electronic equipment every day.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Office equipment and electronics use energy even when idle or on stand-by. To save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at work, always activate the power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Consider using a power strip (or surge protector) that can be turned off when you're done using your computers, printers, wireless routers and other electronics. This may be a simpler solution to remembering to turn off all your electronic equipment every day.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
ENERGY STAR in the Office
If you're interested in improving the efficiency of your office, check out the ENERGY STAR Low Carbon IT Campaign, a nationwide effort to assist and recognize organizations for reducing the energy consumed by their computers and monitors. According to the EPA, over 11 billion kWh –equivalent to $935– million would be saved if the 55 million office computers in the U.S. used ENERGY STAR power management controls. That’s comparable to taking 1.5 million cars off the road or planting 2.5 million acres of trees! An ENERGY STAR computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without this designation. Also, ENERGY STAR computers enter a low-power mode when not in use, and consume 15 watts or less. Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves energy, but helps the equipment to run cooler and last longer.
Learn more at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and ENERGY STAR
If you're interested in improving the efficiency of your office, check out the ENERGY STAR Low Carbon IT Campaign, a nationwide effort to assist and recognize organizations for reducing the energy consumed by their computers and monitors. According to the EPA, over 11 billion kWh –equivalent to $935– million would be saved if the 55 million office computers in the U.S. used ENERGY STAR power management controls. That’s comparable to taking 1.5 million cars off the road or planting 2.5 million acres of trees! An ENERGY STAR computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without this designation. Also, ENERGY STAR computers enter a low-power mode when not in use, and consume 15 watts or less. Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves energy, but helps the equipment to run cooler and last longer.
Learn more at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and ENERGY STAR
Lighting
Commercial buildings consume more than 33% of all energy generated in the United States- and lighting is the biggest culprit. Quality office lighting is an important factor in employee satisfaction and productivity, but quality doesn't have to be sacrificed to save energy.
Commercial buildings consume more than 33% of all energy generated in the United States- and lighting is the biggest culprit. Quality office lighting is an important factor in employee satisfaction and productivity, but quality doesn't have to be sacrificed to save energy.
- Switch all lights to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which are three to four times more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. Try ordering in bulk and negotiating a competitively bid contract.
- Consider energy-efficient electronic ballasts, which allow employees to control workspace lighting by increasing dimming capabilities and reducing start-up time, noise, flicker, and heat output.
- Encourage others to maximize natural lighting and to turn off lights when leaving a room.
- Using motion and occupancy sensors can cut energy use by 10%. Ask your employer to consider installing motion sensors in lesser traveled hallways, restrooms, conference rooms, and storage areas.
Heating & Cooling
Space heating and cooling consumes nearly 30% of primary energy used to condition and power commercial buildings. Upgrades to heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that improve comfort and air quality while reducing energy consumption 40% or more are commonplace. Providing optimal comfort in a building will boost productivity and decrease employee absenteeism and sick-leave numbers. Steps building owners can take include installing individual thermostats around the office and high-efficiency windows that pass visible light but fend off heat transmission, or running ventilation systems under raised floors instead of above dropped ceilings. These types of systems facilitate increased flexibility for thermal comfort, make for easy computer and telecommunications wiring, and expedite office shifting.
Learn more at Cool Companies
Space heating and cooling consumes nearly 30% of primary energy used to condition and power commercial buildings. Upgrades to heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that improve comfort and air quality while reducing energy consumption 40% or more are commonplace. Providing optimal comfort in a building will boost productivity and decrease employee absenteeism and sick-leave numbers. Steps building owners can take include installing individual thermostats around the office and high-efficiency windows that pass visible light but fend off heat transmission, or running ventilation systems under raised floors instead of above dropped ceilings. These types of systems facilitate increased flexibility for thermal comfort, make for easy computer and telecommunications wiring, and expedite office shifting.
Learn more at Cool Companies
Purchasing New Products
When buying new products for your office at work or at home, you can get the features and performance you want and still help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment, such as computers, copiers, printers, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, commercial appliances and more. Another resource to look into is the New American Dream’s Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) – a network of procurement-related professionals dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing. RPN offers detailed purchasing guides and assistance on buying environmentally-friendly paper, office electronics, vehicles, and many other products. Learn how your business can join RPN at www.responsiblepurchasing.org.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Wildlife Fund
When buying new products for your office at work or at home, you can get the features and performance you want and still help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment, such as computers, copiers, printers, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, commercial appliances and more. Another resource to look into is the New American Dream’s Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) – a network of procurement-related professionals dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing. RPN offers detailed purchasing guides and assistance on buying environmentally-friendly paper, office electronics, vehicles, and many other products. Learn how your business can join RPN at www.responsiblepurchasing.org.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Wildlife Fund
