Make your business more energy efficient

To be more energy efficient:

• turn off lights when not in use
• replace standard light bulbs with compact LED lamps
• upgrade older T12 lamps with more efficient T8 lamps with solid-state electronic ballasts
• install sensors in locations to turn off when no one is present and on when people return

When it's cold:

• adjust the thermostat to as low as is comfortable, the room will not heat up quicker just because the thermostat is turned to its highest setting
• do not use extra electric heaters, they are expensive and can also be a fire hazard
• keep curtains or blinds open at windows that face the sun to heat your office with solar radiation and reduce the pressure on your heating system
• ensure heaters and vents are not blocked by furniture or other items
• adjust your dress code according to the weather

When it's warm:

• keep curtains or blinds closed to block direct sunlight from heating the building during warm days
• open the windows in the evening
• keep areas in front of vents clear 
• keep external doors closed when the building’s air-con is on

To save energy when using office equipment, you should:

• unplug battery chargers and any machines when not in use
• use ‘stand-by’ features to turn off computers and monitors to reduce annual costs from £50 to £15, and this may also prolong the lifespan of the equipment
• upgrade to laptops, they use less energy than desktops
• always keep the AC adapter connected to a laptop, or unplug it when not needed for charging, to maximise savings
• ensure equipment is off at night, weekends, and during holidays, even if you switch something to ‘stand by’ or ‘hibernation’ modes it will still use a small amount of energy

You should:

• book your HVAC inspection at the beginning of heating and cooling season
• ensure your air conditioning is adjusted both for heating and cooling, winter set to between 18°C and 21°C and summer set to 22°C
• consider installing solar screens or solar films to your windows
• plant vegetation around the buildings as this can keep them cool
• avoid heating and cooling areas that are not frequently used

You should:

• make sure that everyone knows that saving energy will help the company, and ask your colleagues for their ideas on how you could all save energy
• display posters, internal messaging and quick facts sharing energy saving tips
• appoint a green ambassador within your company

More information on sustainability legislation for business can be found on the following websites:

• Department of Energy and Climate Change
• The Environment Agency

See tips and advice for commercial waste and recycling.