Energy saving for offices

IT equipment

• IT equipment burns energy, even in standby mode
• Encourage staff to switch equipment off when not in use
• Use the energy-saving features on things like monitors and printers
• Shut down equipment at weekends and on bank holidays

Turning computers and monitors off at night can save £35 a year per desk

Office lighting

• Encourage staff to switch lights off when they’re not needed
• Use movement detectors, time switches and daylight sensors
• Install energy-efficient lights – LED lights could reduce energy wastage through heat from 95% to just 5%

Installing the right office lights can reduce your lighting costs by up to 80%

Office heating

• In warm weather, turn down the heating rather than opening the windows
• Close window blinds in the early evening to help reduce night-time heat loss
• Don’t use extra electric heaters – these are one of the most expensive heat sources
• Encourage individuals to turn down the thermostat radiators in their rooms

Raising the temperature by just 1°C can increase your heating costs by approximately 8%

Upgrade your building

• Install self-adhesive thermal strips around doors and windows to reduce draughts  - a door with a 3mm gap can let in as much cold air as a brick-sized hole in the wall
• Fit automatic closers on external doors e.g. fire doors
• Save potentially hundreds of pounds on your energy bill every year with roof insulation

In many buildings, around 18% of heat loss is through windows