Energy saving for offices

IT equipment

• IT equipment burns energy, even in standby mode
• Encourage staff to switch equipment off when not in use
• Use the energy-saving features on things like monitors and printers
• Shut down equipment at weekends and on bank holidays

Turning computers and monitors off at night can save £35 a year per desk

Office lighting

• Encourage staff to switch lights off when they’re not needed
• Use movement detectors, time switches and daylight sensors
• Install energy-efficient lights – LED lights and compact fluorescent products use 80% less electricity than conventional light bulbs

Installing the right office lights can reduce energy costs by up to 15%

Office heating

• In warm weather, turn down the heating rather than opening the windows
• Close window blinds in the early evening to help reduce night-time heat loss
• Don’t use extra electric heaters – these are one of the most expensive heat sources
• Encourage individuals to turn down the thermostat radiators in their rooms

Reducing the temperature by 1°C can save enough energy to print over 40 million sheets of A4 paper

Upgrade your building

• Install self-adhesive thermal strips around doors and windows to reduce draughts
• Fit automatic closers on external doors e.g. fire doors
• Retain up to 25% more heat in your building by improving roof insulation

In many buildings, draughts account for up to 10% of heat loss