How to Conserve Energy at Work
Energy conservation and "going green" are concepts continually increasing in popularity in an effort to save our planet. As a business owner, it's important that you set an example for your staff. If going green is an ambition, then take it beyond your home and implement energy-conserving strategies in your business as well. There are several ways you can make your business as energy friendly as possible. The following steps will help you start a new earth-friendly business.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Thermometer
- Caulking
- Weather stripping
- Programmable thermostats
- Recycling receptacles and bins
Instructions
-
Conserving Energy
-
1
Replace all of the bulbs in your office with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. They are a bit more expensive than typical incandescent bulbs, but they only use a quarter of the energy and last up to 12 times longer.
-
2
Set restrictions for use of the office kitchen. Use a thermometer to set your refrigerator at the right temperatures (37 degrees for the refrigerator and 3 degrees for the freezer) to conserve energy. Employees should run a dishwasher only when it's full. Turning off the drying cycle conserves more energy.
-
-
3
Hire a company to clean the air ducts in your building annually or semi-annually. Also, replace air filters as directed (usually every three to six months, depending on the filter). Keeping these things clean helps your heating and cooling units to work well while using less energy.
-
4
Weatherize office openings, such as windows and doors. Have them tested to see if they leak air in or out. Leaks mean that your heating and cooling units have to work harder to maintain the chosen temperature. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal the leaks.
-
5
Install programmable thermostats in your office building. In the winter, program them to cooler temperatures at night (around 55 degrees) when no one is in the office and then set them to 68 degrees during work hours. In the warmer months, program the thermostat to 75 to 78 degrees during work hours and 85 degrees when everyone goes home. Allow employees to bring in personal heating or cooling units to be more comfortable.
-
6
Implement an incentive program for employees who carpool, use public transit, walk or bike to work. Possible incentives may include offering an extra 30 minute paid break for every five days an employee uses those means of transportation, purchasing a new bike for an employee that racks up six months worth of energy-conserving transportation or reimbursing gas for carpoolers or public transit fees for those taking public transit.
-
7
Start a recycling program at work. While this doesn't conserve energy directly, it does help the planet. Set up recycling receptacles next to trash cans in break rooms and other popular mingling/eating locations. Give each employee a container for recyclable paper to keep at their desk. Designate one or more people to gather the recycling and take it to the appropriate drop-off location once a week (during business hours so they receive pay for the task).
-
8
Meet with your staff to discuss the importance of conserving energy in the work environment and the new policies you plan to implement.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure that employees don't put sensitive and confidential documents in their paper recycling bins. Instead, have shredders available for such documents. Once employees shred these papers, they are safe to send to the recycling center. Consider hiring an outsider that specializes in helping individuals and businesses implement energy-conserving habits. That company may help you recognize other areas where you can save energy.
Implement rules regarding the use of personal heating/cooling units for employees. Make sure employees unplug the units when not in use (such as during lunch breaks or at the end of the day), not only to conserve energy but also to prevent fire hazards.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stock.xchng
