Space for Energy Savings: The Break Room
Every space in your facility has space for energy savings. Take for instance your break room.
Break rooms aren't used the entire work day. In fact, there may be a significant amount of time when they are empty. So why pay to light them? Vacancy sensors save energy by automatically turning lights off when everyone leaves the room. But, they require manual switching to turn the lights back on when they're needed. When lights are on, use LEDs for higher efficiency, longer life and superior light quality.
Occupancy sensors work best for vending machines. Machines stay off — except to keep cold things cold — until someone approaches for a pick me up.
A central refrigerator is a great way to reduce energy waste from smaller fridges at employee workstations. Upgrading from a standard refrigerator to an ENERGY STAR®-certified model will reduce energy use by 10% or more.
They say you pay for water three times: once to use it, once to heat it and once to dispose of it. If that's true — and it is — switching to water-efficient faucet aerators saves you money those same three ways by reducing water use.
The same goes for fixing leaks. Water leaking at a rate of one drip per second can send more than 1,600 gallons down the drain every year. And that will be seen on your energy and water bill.
Look around your facility. Do you see more space for energy savings?
There are hundreds more ways you can save energy at work every day. Check out ElectricIdeas.com/WorkTips for video resources, tips and calculators or easy ways to cut your energy costs and pick a few to work into your routine.
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