Earth Month: Energy Efficiency at the Office
It's an excellent time to start practicing energy efficiency habits as more of us head to the office due to fewer COVID restrictions. We listed a few ways you and your colleagues can start adopting energy hacks this Earth Month!
Go around the room and ask, "How can we do better?"
Whether through your organization’s messaging system or an anonymous survey, you can start by asking your colleagues how your office can cut back on energy use. Getting each person's input is a great way to receive valuable suggestions since everyone has a different role and experience at work. These answers can help you evaluate which solutions will create the most significant impact when implemented.
Have fun incentivizing smarter energy use
Maybe you realize your teammates could do a better job:
- Unplugging their computers when leaving;
- Using fewer disposable items, or;
- Separating recyclables from compost.
Challenge your team to a fun exercise to get them active and informed about better office habits! Starting with an Earth Day bingo or scavenger hunt is fun to get your team onboard and reduce energy use.
Form a sustainability team
Do you have colleagues who are enthusiastic about applying green practices in the office? This might be a good sign to start a team that can drive sustainability practices within your organization. By establishing this unit, you get the right ones to do the job and can get your whole office excited about practicing environmentally friendly habits!
Organize an office Earth Day campaign
Organizing an office-wide Earth Day campaign can be an excellent opportunity to increase team morale! Set a deadline and agree on a team-wide goal your office is excited to accomplish! Here are a few ideas:
- Decreasing the number of disposable batteries used
- Raising money for an organization that your company supports
- Scheduling a beach clean-up day with your colleagues
- Setting indoor temperatures between 68-70 for the next month
Achieving a goal together is always a great feeling!
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Need an office upgrade? Consider these tips when revamping your space to be more energy efficient! |
Maximize natural light in indoor spaces
Using natural light in indoor spaces not only decreases energy use, but it produces several health benefits too! Reduced eye strain, improved mood, and less drowsiness are just a few. If access to natural light is limited, consider incorporating lighting strategies with LED fixtures to reap the benefits of natural light.
Consider upgrading to LED lights
LEDs have a greater lifetime than their incandescent and halogen counterparts. LED life expectancy ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 hours, which is significantly longer than less efficient lights that last 2,000 to 4,000 hours. Although the cost can be a little bigger up front, investing in LEDs reduces costs in the longer term since bulbs are replaced less frequently.
Set the stage for the perfect indoor temperature
Regularly service air conditioning systems, furnaces, and heat pumps to ensure they work correctly. Use weather stripping and caulking to minimize heat loss from windows and doors. To ensure that your thermostat performs at its best, install it away from any heating or cooling appliances or areas that receive direct sunlight or drafts. These tips can help maintain indoor office temperatures between 68 to 78 degrees, which is a great way to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
Look for ENERGY STAR® labels when buying devices
Choosing ENERGY STAR labels ensures that the device you purchase is a certified product backed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR labels let consumers know that a specific product has passed specifications to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a more energy-efficient product.