Top Tips From Sustainable Advantage

1. Keep tabs on your energy meter

Ensure your meters are read regularly so that energy bills are based on actual rather than estimated energy used. Being aware of high energy-use areas in the company also enables prioritisation of efficiency improvements.

2. Turn off equipment

It sounds obvious, but how many people remember to put their computer onto “standby” when at lunch, and to turn it off completely when going home for the day? This can add up to significant energy savings.

3. Consider switching your energy supplier to one that uses green tariffs

A number of providers allow you to buy through schemes that use or invest in renewable energy sources.

4. Reduce heating

Turning down the temperature by 1 degree could save up to 10% on heating bills. Encourage staff to dress appropriately for the season and to move around occasionally if sitting for long stretches.

5. Don’t heat unused space

Passages, stairways and storage rooms don’t need to be kept as warm as areas where people are working for long periods of time.

6. Prevent hot water drips

Ensure hot water taps are always turned completely off after use. Fix drips promptly.

7. Use energy-efficient equipment for boiling water

If replacing kettles with boiling water taps, choose one that stores the water cool and heats it only when the tap is in use, rather than one that keeps water at a continuous boiling temperature. The difference in time should only be a few seconds but the difference in energy use is huge.

8. Consider rearranging your office by season

In winter, put heat distributing equipment such as printers closer to where people sit. In summer, arrange desks closer to heating vents.

9. Keep areas around cooling vents and heaters clear

Furniture placed near heaters can absorb the heat, while equipment that releases heat will make the cooling system work harder.

10. Encourage input and initiative

Staff members observe the intimate workings of a company every day. Encourage them to share their ideas for energy reduction with management.