Energy-saving upgrades for your office
We’re all expecting this winter to be a tough one, as the energy crisis bites. By investing in energy-saving office equipment, your business can keep fuel bills down over the longer term. It’s good for your company’s bottom line, and the environment too.
So wrap up warm, and read on for our top tips!
How much energy can my business save?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average SME could reduce energy usage by 18-25% through energy efficiency measures plus behaviour change.
To identify where your own business could make savings, it’s best to carry out an energy audit. By installing smart controls and sensors into your building management system, you’ll gain clear insights into what needs to change.
You’re likely to find that the following areas could do with an energy-saving upgrade.
1. Computing
According to the Carbon Trust, computers account for an average of 60% of IT office equipment energy use, with monitors racking up another 15%.
But did you know that laptops use far less energy than desktop PCs? They’re better for remote or hybrid working, too.
If you decide to upgrade, consider what your staff really need. High-spec video cards are a big drain. LED laptop screens are more efficient than older LCD models. So look into the specs, and choose wisely.
Tablets are even more energy-saving, and less cumbersome for staff who are out and about a lot.
2. Printing
Printers and multi-function devices (which include scanners and photocopiers) are another major energy user, accounting for 20% of office IT energy usage.
At DMG Office, we’ve partnered with Ricoh, whose printers have one of the lowest energy usages in the industry. Plus, they’re super-speedy and reliable too. A top quality choice to minimise your workplace carbon footprint.
3. Kitchens
Everyone loves a good lunchtime natter in the kitchen! But are your old kitchen appliances costing your business dear?
By upgrading your fridges and dishwashers, you’ll be benefiting from the new energy efficiency ratings. These are more stringent and cover more factors than the previous ratings system.
And do you really need a cooker in your kitchen? Microwaves use less energy. They’re also far quicker, leaving you with time to catch up with your colleagues.
4. Heating and cooling
Government figures show that heating the UK’s offices uses 9,320 GWh of energy per year. That makes it the biggest single area of energy usage, ahead of ICT equipment (6,950 GWh per year). Cooling and humidification uses a further 2,270 GWh per year.
So consider replacing your old boiler with an energy efficient model, or even a low-carbon alternative such as a heat pump. And install smart heating controls so you’re never heating your premises more than necessary.
For air conditioning, make sure your system is correctly configured to the size of your spaces, and look for models with a good energy efficiency rating (EER).
5. Lighting
Lighting is another big source of energy consumption – but there are several innovative lighting solutions on the market.
Daylight harvesting is the term used to described measures which cut the need to use artificial lights. These include sensors which adjust lighting in response to the availability of daylight; and light tubes to bring sunshine into gloomy rooms.
And simply by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lighting, your company can save up to 85% in energy costs.
Contact DMG Office today
At DMG Office, we put sustainability and energy efficiency at the heart of our services. That’s why we’ve partnered with Ricoh to offer high quality, rapid, reliable and energy-saving print management services. Contact us to discover how we can support your business today.
