How to Save Electricity in the Workplace

Saving electricty can be as simple as turning off the lights.

Saving electricity in the workplace is beneficial in a variety of ways. By taking necessary steps to reserve resources, your workplace can become more environmentally friendly. Saving electricity often lowers utility costs, making it a smart economic decision as well. In most cases changing your electricity usage doesn't require major changes or sacrifices. When employees remain mindful of basic tips and tricks, small steps will add up until the workplace has cut down on overall electricity usage.

Instructions

1. 

   Remember to turn the monitor off whenever you are away, even for a minute.

   Switch off computers and computer monitors. If you have a computer at work, get in the habit of turning the computer off throughout the day. Do this whenever you know you won't need the computer right away. In addition, turn off the monitor whenever you aren't actively using the computer. Post friendly signs or notes reminding employees to turn computers off during lunch breaks and every night before they leave.

2. Print only when necessary. Whenever you're about to print an email or other document, consider whether or not a hard copy is essential. You may want to take notes about the most important information in a document, without printing an entire copy. The same idea applies when using the copy machine. Save the copy machine for essential materials. Consider whether every single employee needs a copy of a document, or if you can save electricity by printing and copying only a few copies.

3. 

   Be sure that most light switches are in the off position.

   Turn off lights. Whenever a room is not in use, turn all the lights off. This includes overhead lights, lamps or other sources of artificial light. If rooms feature enough natural light during the daytime, you may be able to keep the lights off even while working. If you notice that the kitchen, break room, copy room or other areas are empty, turn the lights off.

4. 

   Stairs can also be physically healthier than elevators.

   Take the stairs. Since elevators use electricity, taking the stairs instead can gradually cut back on electricity usage in your building. Encourage coworkers to take the stairs with you, or limit your elevator use to once or twice per day.

5. Use the heater and air conditioner sparingly. In warm weather, consider keeping the air conditioner off and opening windows instead. Using floor fans is more energy efficient than running the air conditioner. During very hot weather, run the air conditioner only during the hottest points of the day and keep it off during early morning or late afternoon. When the weather is cold, wear more layers and keep the thermostat at a moderate temperature. At the end of each workday, turn the air conditioner off or leave the heat at a very low temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Saving electricity in the workplace will be easier when you have the approval and help of your coworkers and boss. Be sure to explain the benefits of saving electricity, and consider making a game or challenge to see who can conserve the most electricity. The winner gets a free lunch.

References

• Green Guide NH: Save electricity at work
• Carbon Counted: Reducing Electricity At Work
• Super Cheap Electricity Blog: How to Save Electricity in Your Business