The energy crisis has hit workplaces hard. With large spaces to keep warm and lit, and a team to keep comfortable and healthy, it’s hard to keep costs low. But with a little help, reducing your workplace energy costs is possible.
Here are our 7 top tips for saving energy at the office.
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Upgrade heating and insulation
After a long period of no use over the warmer months, winter is a classic time for boilers and other heating equipment to break down. Check when your heaters and boilers were last serviced and make any necessary fixes. In addition, check what hours the heating is coming on, and where. The last thing you want is for heating and air-conditioning outputs to be competing with each other.
If you have a heat recovery unit, ensure filters are cleaned for maximum efficiency. Otherwise, the unit may not be as efficient because the dirty filter will put more pressure on the fans, which in turn uses more energy.
Finally, insulating roofs and walls, water tanks and pipes ensures your well-spent energy bill isn’t escaping straight out of the building. Though there is an upfront investment for insulating, long-term energy savings are consistently reported by those who take the plunge.
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Block draughts, save energy
To prevent further heat escaping your building, look at blocking draughts around doors, windows, chimneys and gaps in the floor.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, “Professional draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £225, but it can save around £125 a year on energy bills.” However, this can also be done yourself for a cheaper option.
Securely seal all windows and doors that are not frequently in use (excluding emergency exits) and make all employees aware of smarter ways to stay comfortable. For example, turning down a thermostat before considering opening a window.
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Secure an energy contract
Consult with an energy broker to check you’re in a contract, and that you’re set up for your next one if it expires within the next 12 months. Being in contract for your gas, electricity and water can safeguard against fluctuations in the market, reducing your workplace energy costs throughout the year.
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LED lighting uses less energy
The savings will vary depending on your current bulbs. Research shows you could save up to £15 per bulb, per year, when switching from a 100W incandescent bulb to its LED alternative.
Many of us are aware that LED lighting is the future but we may have been putting off switching over, until now. LED lighting requires much less energy than halogen or incandescent lighting. It is well worth considering, especially if you have a large area to keep lit. As part of your new installation, also consider lighting requirements for different areas, as some may require lower levels than others.
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Review electrical equipment
Ensuring all electrical equipment has been PAT tested is important for energy efficiency, as well as being a legal requirement. Check all devices are safe and replace them if faulty. In addition, turn all appliances off at the plug where possible, to avoid hours of energy wasted on devices stuck on standby mode.
Being British we are, of course, also drawn to the brew station. For many offices, the kettle is boiling every hour on the hour and this is a hidden energy cost, especially if it is consistently overfilled. Making use of the minimum fill mark if only one cup is needed, or switching to a flask kettle which keeps unused water warm for hours on end, are easy ways to ensure the team brews are as energy efficient as possible.
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Smart control panels
Smart control panels help you reduce your workplace energy costs without the hassle of manually switching things up and down, or on and off. You also have visibility over where your energy is going and why, and can make changes accordingly. For example, turning the lights off and thermostat down for the room no one ever goes in.
Smart controls often pair well with upgrades to heating and lighting systems. So, if you’re considering making changes such as LED lighting or a new boiler, combining this with a smart thermostat or lighting control panel is an easy choice.
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Make staff aware
Our final tip is to make sure the whole office is playing ball when it comes to saving energy. We must all occupy the office and therefore we’re all responsible for the energy we save and waste.
Communicate the importance of energy efficiency and saving heat this winter. Not only does it help save the business money, but it also makes sure everyone is warm and comfortable whilst present in the office – though we can’t promise arguments over the ‘right temperature’ will ever be truly gone!
Engineering for energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a core pillar of engineering building services. At GLD Technical Consulting, we work with you to construct workplaces that are optimised for energy usage whilst also being functional, beautiful and welcoming.
Talk to us today to discuss your next project.
