Make your business more energy efficient

Lighting

To be more energy efficient:

turn off lights when not in use
replace standard light bulbs with compact LED lamps
upgrade older T12 lamps with more efficient T8 lamps with solid-state electronic ballasts
install sensors in locations to turn off when no one is present and on when people return

When it's cold:

adjust the thermostat to as low as is comfortable, the room will not heat up quicker just because the thermostat is turned to its highest setting
do not use extra electric heaters, they are expensive and can also be a fire hazard
keep curtains or blinds open at windows that face the sun to heat your office with solar radiation and reduce the pressure on your heating system
ensure heaters and vents are not blocked by furniture or other items
adjust your dress code according to the weather

When it's warm:

keep curtains or blinds closed to block direct sunlight from heating the building during warm days
open the windows in the evening
keep areas in front of vents clear
keep external doors closed when the building’s air-con is on

To save energy when using office equipment, you should:

unplug battery chargers and any machines when not in use
use ‘stand-by’ features to turn off computers and monitors to reduce annual costs from £50 to £15, and this may also prolong the lifespan of the equipment
upgrade to laptops, they use less energy than desktops
always keep the AC adapter connected to a laptop, or unplug it when not needed for charging, to maximise savings
ensure equipment is off at night, weekends, and during holidays, even if you switch something to ‘stand by’ or ‘hibernation’ modes it will still use a small amount of energy

You should:

book your HVAC inspection at the beginning of heating and cooling season
ensure your air conditioning is adjusted both for heating and cooling, winter set to between 18°C and 21°C and summer set to 22°C
consider installing solar screens or solar films to your windows
plant vegetation around the buildings as this can keep them cool
avoid heating and cooling areas that are not frequently used

You should:

make sure that everyone knows that saving energy will help the company, and ask your colleagues for their ideas on how you could all save energy
display posters, internal messaging and quick facts sharing energy saving tips
appoint a green ambassador within your company

More information on sustainability legislation for business can be found on the following websites: