The Office: Smart Ways to Save Energy

Conserving energy may not be a prime topic of conversation around the water cooler, but office buildings and office areas use a substantial amount. If your entire staff has returned to the office or you're using a hybrid arrangement, here are strategies for cutting down on energy use through a combination of low-cost upgrades and operational improvements.

Computers and office equipment

Energy use for computers and office equipment costs U.S. businesses billions of dollars each year, and much of it is wasted. The following are some simple, low-cost strategies to help you save:

• Turn off equipment when not in use. This action is the simplest and most cost-effective way to reduce energy waste.
• Turn off screen savers. Contrary to popular belief, screen savers waste energy by keeping computers active.
• Switch to laptops. When upgrading computers, consider purchasing laptop models. Today's laptops can perform most office-related tasks while using significantly less energy.
• Use power-management settings. Many computers, printers and copiers are left on all day but see little use. You can save a significant amount of energy by using power-management settings. On average, a desktop computer uses 95% less energy in sleep mode.
• Share printers. Printers use a surprising amount of energy, especially when there is one in each office. Network printers so multiple employees share them. You'll save on operating costs and reduce paper waste.
• Unplug chargers. Battery chargers for laptops, phones and other equipment continue to draw power when not in use.
• Use advanced power strips. Printers, copiers, monitors, speakers and other office equipment continue to draw power when idle, in sleep mode or even turned off. Smart strips remove power from accessories when they are not being used. On nights and weekends, smart strips shut off power to multiple devices.
• Buy ENERGY STAR®. When installing new computers and office equipment, purchase ENERGY STAR-rated models. ENERGY STAR devices use significantly less energy than standard models.

Lighting

There are a number of actions you can take to reduce office lighting energy use:

• Upgrade existing fluorescent lamps with high-efficiency LED replacements. In addition to being more efficient, LEDs provide improved light quality and instant start capabilities, making them a perfect fit for energy-saving controls.
• Install occupancy sensors in restrooms, break rooms and other areas with varying uses. These save energy by ensuring that lights are only switched on when needed.
• Install photosensors and dimming controls to reduce artificial lighting based on the amount of natural light available.
• Use low-power task lighting, such as desk lamps or light fixtures above cubicles, allowing you to dim or reduce overhead lights.
• Replace older, incandescent exit signs with energy-efficient LED models. LED exit signs use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

Take advantage of building automation

Use your building automation system (BAS) to save energy by controlling building systems, such as lighting and HVAC, according to your operating schedule. Make sure to regularly monitor and tune building control settings to account for changing seasons and operational schedules.

Advanced automation systems combined connected Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) analytics to monitor real-time energy use and track trends. Using this information, it can identify energy waste, optimize settings and provide insight for improving building performance.

If you look around your office, you will likely find additional energy-saving opportunities. For example, controls on break room vending machines shut down interior lights and other components when the area is not occupied.

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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