When it comes to kitting out an office, you’re probably aiming for something stylish, but practical. You want to create a smart, inspiring environment. But you don’t want spiralling energy bills. Here are some top tips to help you boost efficiency in the office and save on energy bills.
Shop around
Have you had the same energy provider for years? Have you noticed your bills creeping up? Have you ever received any incentives or loyalty bonuses? Often, it can pay to switch the energy firm you use from time to time. Many companies offer deals for new customers, and you may find a more favourable tariff. You can phone around different providers or compare prices online. Many of us assume that it’s a hassle to switch, but it’s actually fairly simple. You usually find that our new provider takes care of everything for you.
Energy efficient upgrades
Has it been a while since you redecorated or bought new appliances? If so, you may wish to consider investing in some energy efficient upgrades. If you browse consumer electronics online, you’ll find energy ratings. You can swap older models for more efficient versions. You may also consider using LED downlights instead of strip lights. LED lights are safer, more environmentally-friendly and cheaper to run. They also last longer than traditional bulbs.
Install an energy meter
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Most of us have no idea how much energy we use until a bill arrives. With an energy meter, you can see your consumption at all times. If it spikes, this can alert you to a device that has been left running, for example. You can also determine peak times of the day. Once you know how much energy you’re using at certain times, you can check prices and try and reduce your usage during high tariff periods.
Switch everything off
How often do your employees leave computers or printers on standby? When you leave, make sure everything is switched off at the socket. This will reduce your costs significantly.
Cut down on paper usage and recycle
Nowadays, we can use computers to do almost everything, and this means we can cut down paper usage. Swap paper files for online documents. Use software to keep a diary or run an appointment book and do the accounts. Make sure you have recycling systems in place for water, plastic and glass.
Promote green initiatives
It’s important that we all make an effort to live a greener life. Try and encourage your employees to support green initiatives, such as recycling and turning off lights. You may also wish to think about offering schemes such as carpooling or incentives to walk or cycle to work.
If you run a business, the last thing you want is to be wasting money on soaring energy bills. There are often steps you can take to reduce your spending and create a more efficient workplace. Take these tips on board and try and encourage our workforce to follow suit. You may be pleasantly surprised at the difference a few minor changes can make.
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