How to Save Energy in the Office
There are plenty of ways employees and business owners alike can help to save energy in the office. From simple, eco-conscious behavior to minor maintenance practices, it's easier than ever to conserve. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn off lights that aren't in use. This is especially important in rooms that are empty for significant portions of the day, such as office kitchens, copy rooms or bathrooms. Consider installing timers or motion sensors to save energy and money.
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Change the lighting system used in your office. Get rid of costly and inefficient incandescent bulbs, and replace them with compact, fluorescent lights. Not only do compact fluorescents use a quarter of the power of traditional bulbs, but they can also last much longer.
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Block direct sunlight from entering the office during the summer months. By using blinds and curtains, you can cut the amount of time you'll have to run an air-conditioning system. Use window overhangs to help block unwanted sunlight.
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Configure computers to enter sleep mode when they're not in use. While it's generally a good idea to turn off electronic equipment, computers waste more energy by rebooting than they do in the hibernation mode. Only turn off computers and monitors at the end of the day, as they won't be used for many hours.
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Unplug unnecessary electronic equipment when it is not in use. This is especially important for devices like cell-phone chargers, as they can be a constant drain on power throughout the day. Unplug radios, coffee machines and printers until they're needed.
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Replace old office equipment with newer, more energy efficient equipment. New printers and fax machines are designed to enter sleep mode when they're not in use. This simple feature can help to cut dollars from your monthly power bill.
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Pay for a professional energy audit to be performed on your office. An auditor will examine your office and help spot ways you can save even more energy.
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Change filters in your ducts. Replace dirty furnace filters at least once a month when your heater is being used. Add extra insulation to your ducts as necessary to eliminate costly leaks and drafts.
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Recycle paper whenever possible. Configure office copy machines to print on both sides of pages. Encourage employees to use scrap paper to take notes.
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Organize an office carpool system. Employees waste untold amounts of money and gas by driving to and from work alone. In addition to carpool systems, suggest that employees ride bicycles to work whenever possible.
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Tips & Warnings
Save additional energy by converting your commercial-automobile fleet to energy efficient hybrid vehicles. These vehicles can help you save money on gas bills and possibly earn tax credits from the government.
