How to save energy in the workplace

In a bid to reduce their carbon footprint, many people are looking for different ways to make tweaks to their everyday life - from their commute, right down to their choice of lunch.

But some people may be unsure as to how they can reduce energy usage at work in order to minimise their impact on the planet. Our energy saving tips at work will help you to take small steps towards being more environmentally friendly in the office.

The Best Energy Saving Tips at Work 

Unlike your home, when you’re in the office, you have very little control over the main factors that can contribute to global warming, such as electricity, heating and water usage. However, there are a few tweaks you can make as an individual which can lessen your overall impact on the environment.

Always Turn off Unused Appliances

You may not be able to control the energy usage for the entire office, but you can do your bit to reduce your own impact. 

Leaving your appliances on standby is one of the biggest energy wasters and has been estimated to account for up to 40% of a device’s energy consumption and a whopping 10% of all electricity used worldwide.

But it’s not just the environmental impact that’s an issue - it’s an expensive habit to get into. A 2018 study estimated that office computers left unattended for two hours a day during meetings and breaks use 0.2 kilowatts of electricity, costing 1.5p an hour. 

Although this may not sound like a huge amount, for a company with just 100 employees, this can add up to nearly £700 being wasted each year. When you factor in other appliances, such as photocopiers, which are estimated to waste £320 of electricity per year - it can turn into a huge business expense.

With this in mind, you should always endeavour to switch off your appliances when they’re not in use - especially overnight or at the weekends. However, if you want to have even more of an impact, try to encourage those around you to do the same, whether they’re colleagues or fellow hot deskers. 

Do Your Research Before Committing 

If you’re really committed to reducing your carbon footprint, then the office space you choose can really make all of the difference.

It goes without saying that not everyone will have the option to choose where they work from, but if you’re a business owner, freelancer or have adopted a flexible working pattern and can work near home, then you should endeavour to pick your office space or coworking space wisely. 

Plus, if you’re a business owner running an office, then turning down radiators and draft-proofing office spaces can help you save up to £70 per month on energy bills.

There are a number of office providers that are committed to sustainability - take the Ev0 building as an example. This groundbreaking development is set to be the UK’s lowest carbon new build workspace, with sustainability at its heart. 

Perfect for those looking to save energy in the workspace, some of Ev0’s energy demand will be met by solar panels, alongside green energy from Bruntwood’s very own co-operative wind farm.

But for those conscious about their individual energy usage, the building will also feature smart metering for all electrical, heat and water, allowing you to track your own consumption, so you can see where you can implement changes.

Whether you’re an individual or business owner, there are a number of different ways to save energy in the workplace, helping you to reduce your carbon footprint and potentially save your business hundreds of pounds each year. 

If you’re looking for an office space or coworking space with a huge commitment to sustainability, then look no further than Bruntwood. From coworking options to serviced offices - our spaces can assist businesses small and large to be kinder to the environment. 

Contact us today to find out how we could help you to reduce your carbon footprint at work.