The subject of energy efficiency is a hot topic in the UK. As the government continue to push carbon reducing initiatives and with a notable rise in utility bills, a cut in fuel consumption is becoming vital for homes and businesses across the country.
For businesses, a change to more energy-efficient practices could help to save hundreds of pounds a year, increasing profit margins and reducing carbon emissions in the process.
However, these changes don’t need to be a grand or expensive installations. Even simple changes can be hugely beneficial.
Here are some top-tips for making green changes to your office environment.
Lighting the way for a green office
Consider how much light you require in the office on a daily basis. In most cases, the lights are kept on from the start of the day until hometime.
Increased lighting is key to helping concentration and increasing productivity levels in the workplace, so cutting down on how much light you use is ill-advised.
However, the type of lighting you use could help in the reduction of electricity consumption on a daily basis.
For example, commercial LED lighting can help to cut emissions by as much as 60 per cent for the average installation.
Furthermore, the lighting could be less harsh than the standard strip-lighting applied in offices, whilst still effectively keeping a room bright. LED lighting also has a longer lifespan, so it will need fewer replacements in the long term.
If you’re looking to install LED lighting in your commercial property, click here to find out how EvoEnergy can help.
Be more energy-conscious!
Boardrooms, smaller office rooms and the kitchen are often areas that are not used all the time. So why are the lights and air conditioning or heating always on in these spaces?
Remember to turn off the lights in all rooms when they are not in use. Air conditioning and heating can also be a real drain on energy, especially when it is used at times when it is simply not needed. Opening windows or relaxing the office dress code could help on warmer days, whereas wrapping up in the winter could prevent using the heating.
In regards to lighting, consider motion activated technology to ensure that lights are only on when rooms are in use.
Remember to recycle!
Recycling is not necessarily a new concept, but it is one that is still hugely important.
When it comes to an office environment, the amount of daily waste produced by yourself and co-workers can be truly enormous.
Reams of paper, food waste and wrappers, and drinks bottles or plastic cups will mount-up over the nine-to-five period. In a five-day working week, this could see the rubbish pile become enormous.
By simply setting aside different coloured bins for different kinds of waste – e.g. one for food, one for paper, one for plastics – you could help make a noticeable change to your recycling activity.
Also, using old paper as scrap will save on wasted materials, whereas keeping paper clips, bulldog clips, pens and other stationary equipment will help you to cut down on new-orders of these and help the environment in the process.
Energy-efficient commuting
An energy-efficient attitude could be implemented as part of your daily commute to the office.
In larger cities, public transport links are usually excellent, both in terms of availability and frequency. Check to see if your route is covered by a bus, tram or train, reducing your need to take the car through the city. This could save you petrol, money on parking and, of course, reduce carbon-emissions.
For the fitness-freaks, considering cycling or jogging to work in the morning. Most modern offices come with showers for the workers, so you can freshen up before you sit at the desk.
Your energy-efficient activity could save you money on both transport and a gym membership!
Be a green champion!
Don’t keep your energy efficient activity to yourself! Be sure to tell your co-workers about your activities and suggest ways in which they can do the same.
Making carbon-reducing suggestions to your bosses will also do no harm, and could see your office become a much greener environment to work in.