5 Ways to Make Your Office More Energy Efficient

Perhaps one of the greatest reasons to go (green aside from helping the environment) is that going green often keeps some green in your wallet! Power and energy are expensive, so naturally, saving them not only gives back to nature, it also gives back to you. Companies and offices are expensive enough to run as it is. To help you keep hold of your green, here's some green, eco-friendly tips to help make your office more energy efficient!

Timer On Thermostat

Setting a timer on your thermostat is a great way to keep things green in the office, and save yourself a bit of cash too. Instead of leaving the AC on to cool endless rooms of modular cubicles for business use when no one is there, put some money back in your pocket by saving the energy. Simply set your thermostat on a timer so that it cuts off after closing time. This way it won't be cooling a workplace with no people in it. Then set it so that it cuts back on a little while before opening time. This way, the office is nice and cool when everyone walks in the next day - and you can finally pay for some comfortable new office chairs!

Use LED and Incandescent Lighting Instead of Fluorescent

Being brighter, more energy efficient, and less costly, LED lighting for office desks is the way of the future! Rather than spending a bundle on traditional desk lamps and lighting fixtures for the office, go ahead and replace your old fluorescent bulbs with these newer, more efficient styles. With an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, LED is definitely the longest lasting and also the cheapest lighting source, averaging around $30 per year to operate, even if it does cost more at the store. Furthermore, LED and incandescents do not contain dangerous mercury like fluorescents do, which can cause serious damage to the environment, your pets, and you. If you choose to go fluorescent, be prepared to call the hazmat team to clean your desk should you break the bulb. Yikes!

Change Computer Settings

When computers are constantly up and running, the bright screens can suck a lot of power as opposed to being in "sleep mode." Setting your computer's screen to go black after the shortest amount of inactivity time it offers is an excellent way to save power and money when away from the desk. Some computers even offer an "Eco" feature in the settings that also saves power by adjusting brightness by sensing the surrounding lighting conditions (which is also better for the eyes)! Doing this and turning your computer completely off at the end of the day might eventually save enough money so that you can finally get some energy efficient accessories for computer use in the office!

Plant Trees Outside Windows

Planting trees is always a good way to help the environment and improve the air quality around your whole facility! The trees are an excellent way to landscape and provide your business with a little extra shade to keep the office cooler and cost less on AC. Visitors love the view of the birds and greenery from the eco friendly waiting room furniture, and the pretty trees improve the appearance of the whole workplace. You may not even have to do the work yourself! See if any local schools have a green group to see if they're interested in gaining some community service time!

Plug In Timers

Few people stop to consider how much power is drained by vending machines, water coolers, and coffee makers, but it can be significant. These devices, while tasty, are primarily inactive and always plugged in. But don't worry, we're not going to neglect you coffee for your workday. Instead of spending $80 annually to run these products, save yourself the trouble by putting them on timers. Like the AC, timers will keep them from draining power when no one's around. Choosing environmentally friendly office furniture, Energy Star gadgets, and office products certified by Greenguard can help as well. Together, they ensure that your workplace is eco-friendly and wallet friendly too!