Energy Star certification can be found on computers, printers, copiers, refrigerators, televisions, windows, thermostats, and ceiling fans, as well as other appliances and equipment.
It can also help to use a power strip for each group of electronics in the office. You can then use the strip’s on/off button to turn off the power to all the appliances at once when they are not in use. Remind everyone in the office to unplug “vampire electronics” once they are fully charged, like your cellphone or your laptop computer. Once your cellphone is fully charged, unplug the charger from the electrical outlet, as it will still draw in energy if it is left plugged in. You can also encourage everyone in the office to make sure their computers have the power down option set as well as the hibernation option set. Screen savers do not save energy. In fact, they are considered energy wasters. Your computer must provide twice as much energy to light up your computer screen when the screensaver option is turned on as it normally does when your computer is running.
GreenPower providers are part of a government-accredited program to offer clean, renewable electricity in offices in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Your supervisor can contact your office’s energy company and ask them if they offer GreenPower for the office to reduce the office’s energy consumption on a day to day basis.
During the day, maximize natural daylight by using natural light instead of overhead or fluorescent lights. Turning off one fluorescent light for an hour a day can save 30 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Consider areas in the office where there is excessive lighting or lights that are turned on in rooms that are barely used. Remove these lights or suggest not using lights if daylight is enough. As well, switch the light bulbs to energy-saving bulbs, such as compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED bulbs, to save more energy.
You can also prevent drafts in the office by keeping the front doors of the office closed and making sure the door shuts firmly behind someone as they leave so heat or air does not escape to the outside. You should also clean and repair your office’s heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system on a routine basis, or hire a repairman to come at least once a month. A clean and working HVAC system will help reduce your energy bills and make it easier for your office’s HVAC system to cool or heat your office. Make sure all air vents are clear of paper, files, and other office supplies. Blocked air vents means your HVAC system has to work harder and use more energy to circulate cold or warm air in the office.
During the winter, keep shades and blinds open in the office during a sunny day. This will heat the room naturally. Close the blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat lost via the windows. In the summer, keep shades and blinds closed to avoid overheating the room. As well, after office hours and during weekends, energy can be saved by increasing the temperature of the thermostat during hot weather, and by lowering the temperature in cold weather.
