03 Nov 2012 Small changes make big difference
Energy conservation is very important when it comes to protecting the environment, but it’s also good business. By reducing excess usage, companies can eliminate unnecessary costs and increase savings. Cutting back unnecessary energy use keeps hard-earned money in your pocket.
No matter what size your office is, by making just a few small changes you can make a big difference in your energy usage. Talk it over with your colleagues and employees. You’ll be surprised how many would like to help the environment and have already made the changes in their homes.
Not all businesses are alike, but these basic energy-saving tips can help with little to no additional cost:
Turn off all lights and unplug the electronics when you leave the office for the night. Computers and other equipment use energy even when they’re switched off. To make it easy, plug all your appliances into a power strip and you’ll only have to flip one switch at the end of the day.
Replace all your high-use incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. A compact fluorescent light uses up to 75 percent less electricity to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.
Clean the lighting fixtures in your office and production areas on a regular basis. Dirt can absorb as much as 50 percent of your lighting.
Replace exit signs with light emitting diode (LED) exit signs. An ENERGY STAR labeled LED exit sign can last up to 25 years and save almost $25 per year.
Stop lighting rooms that don’t need it. Occupancy sensors are inexpensive devices that can reduce lighting costs by up to 40 percent by turning off lights in unoccupied areas.
When it’s time to buy new computers, consider switching to laptop computers. Laptops use up to 90 percent less energy than a standard computer.
Eliminate screensavers, which can increase energy costs by up to $50 a year, and set computers to hibernate when they’re inactive. Want to save more? Look for other power management features on the Control Panel for Windows or in System Preferences for Macs.
When upgrading or purchasing new office equipment, choose ENERGY STAR products whenever possible. Most major brands carry energy-saving models marked with the ENERGY STAR label.
Keep your exterior doors closed as much as possible. This includes reception, office and all freight doors. Do the same for windows that can open.
For additional information on energy efficiency, contact Conway Corporation at 501.450.6000 or visit conwaycorp.com and click on the Energy Smart quick link.
