Savvy consumers are aware of the best ways to reduce their domestic energy bills, thanks to price comparison sites like MoneySupermarket.com. But what can be done to extend good practice beyond your home? Read on for some suggestions on how to bring your MoneySupermarket.com savviness into the workplace.
Bringing energy awareness to the workplace
1- Health and Safety regulations set 16 degrees Celsius as that the minimum temperature at the workplace. However, during the winter, a significant number of offices keep their thermostats well over 22 degrees.
Lowering the temperature to 19 degrees will greatly reduce carbon emissions as well as energy bills.
To make these measures even more cost-effective, ensure that windows and doors are locked while the heating is on, and report any draughts or malfunctioning you become aware of.
2- Talk to your boss about the possibility of installing energy-saving software. This simple step could result in hundreds of pounds in savings over a year, especially if you work in a large office. It is estimated that power management software can save up to £50 per workstation per year.
3- Switch off printers, water coolers, photocopiers and any other equipment that does not need to be in use throughout the night and at weekends.
This measure alone can result in annual savings of up to £500.
Whenever possible, use double sided printing and recycled paper. Taking green measures will contribute to reducing waste and energy, therefore cutting down on the cost of your bills.
4- Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer, since the former consume up to 85% less energy than the latter. And whichever computer you use, remember not to leave it on standby when it is not in use.
5- Make the most of natural daylight and do not switch the lights on unless it is strictly necessary to do so.
