July 23rd, 2012 
Tushar Mathur Saving energy is a win-win-win situation for your business. You’ll cut costs, thereby increasing profitability; you’ll lower your business’ impact on the environment, and will gain from some very healthy PR because of it if you shout about your green stance. Even small changes can mean big savings and big rewards.
Controlled heating and cooling
Not only do hot and stuffy or freezing cold offices cause staff discomfort, and therefore reduced work efficiency, simply adjusting the thermostat on your heating and air conditioning systems can save you a huge amount of money. Just a 1 degree difference can reduce your bill to up to a massive 10%.
Avoid hot and cold air wastage
Ensure that all doors and windows are closed when the air conditioner or heater is on, seal any leaks and make sure your premises is well insulated. Your electricity provider should be able to perform an audit for you.
Reduce artificial lighting
A simple way to reduce the amount of artificial light needed in your office is to ensure that all windows and skylights are clean so that the maximum levels of artificial light shines through. Be sure to turn off lights in rooms which aren’t always occupied, such as meeting rooms and supply cupboards, and consider investing in motion and daylight sensors which switch lights on and off automatically.
Turn office equipment off when not in use
If it’s not going to be in use for longer than 10 minutes, switch it off! A single computer left running all day can run up a bill of over $200 a year. Ensuring that all computers are switched off out of hours and turned to standby over lunch breaks or during meetings could save your business hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year.
Maintain systems
As in all things in life, if something is operating effectively it will save you money. Ensure that ventilation and compressed air filters, light fittings and windows are all clean and they will work to their maximum capacity. You may find that you need to replace your heating and cooling units but the investment will save you money in the long term.
Monitor your energy usage
Invest in a meter which gives live readings and comparisons so that you can see how much energy you’re using, and where you could cut down. Being informed will allow you to act promptly and efficiently. Contact your electricity provider for further information.
Create an energy efficient culture
Without your staff on board, reducing the energy consumption in your business will be an uphill struggle. Employees need to take on some of the responsibility, from turning off their computers when they’re not using them, to not overfilling the kettle in the office kitchen. Educate them – through emails, posters, a talk, or a video – and ask them to help reduce energy wastage in their place of work. Every little thing helps.
Journalist and copywriter Emily Buckley is passionate about saving energy for a sustainable future and has teamed up with AGL, Australia’s leading renewable energy provider, to write tips about how we can all save both energy and money.
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