Learn how to reduce your energy consumption in the workplace and save on business energy bills.
Running a business can be a complex - and expensive - venture. On one hand you have to juggle your prices to remain competitive. On the other hand you need to invest in technology to get the job done as fast and economically as possible. Add to that the costs of facility rental, raw materials, equipment, salaries, and benefits, and you may be wondering how you can save some money.
Considering energy costs for businesses
Have you ever noticed how many businesses leave their fluorescent lights on even after closing for the night or weekend?
Some may have good reason for it, such as leaving lights on for cleaning staff. In some companies, lights may simply be left on because nobody thinks to switch them off which can increase the electricity cost for a business significantly.
Red Energy, have compiled a list of tips to help you save energy in the office, with many applicable to home-businesses as well. Not only should implementing these ideas save money on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint, but it should in turn make your building more sustainable.
Here's how you can turn the spotlight on business energy savings:
- Conduct an energy, waste, and water assessment to identify areas for improvement
- If possible, open windows instead of using the air conditioner
- When installing ambient lighting, opt for omni-directional lamps, downlights, light fittings or lamp shades that let as much light through as possible
- Replace tungsten halogen spotlights with energy-efficient lighting, such as LED spotlights
- Place "turn off the light" stickers in rooms that are not occupied at all times, or install light-level sensors, motion sensors, and timers on lights in common rooms. Automatic controls can help you realise significant energy savings1
- Label light switches to avoid people switching on every light to find the one they actually want
- Use the power save modes on the printers and photocopiers. Not only will it save a little bit of energy, but the equipment will likely last a bit longer too. Fax-to-email means that you save the energy you would otherwise use to print the document - and perhaps you could even retire the fax machine2
- Switch to laptops instead of desktop computers, as laptops typically consume less power and are more portable3
- Switch off all your office machines at night
- Instead of screensavers, set your monitors to turn off after twenty minutes of inactivity.
For best results, it may be a good idea to involve everyone who uses the building in your energy-efficient activities.
The final word
Office equipment, lighting, and computers make up the largest part of your energy consumption. However, using our tips can save energy and money, while reducing wastage and your impact on the environment. Running a business doesn't have to eat into your profits - save money and energy now.
As a Qantas Business Rewards member, if you are located in NSW, VIC, SA or South East QLD you can turn your business's energy and gas bills into Qantas Points, and earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible energy plans when you pay your bill in full.
Important information
1. Energy efficient lighting: Fact Sheet.
2. Reduce your energy bills | Your Energy Savings.
3. Home entertainment and office equipment | YourHome.
This article was first published by Red Energy in Feb 2018.
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