The annual service charge statement regularly puts a damper on people’s good mood. Additional charges of between one and three euros per square metre of rented space have become a common occurrence in recent years. Rented office space – or rather, the electricity costs associated with it – is increasingly becoming a significant cost factor. Furthermore, more and more customers and staff expect energy to be used sustainably. Companies facing daily competitive pressures are increasingly being forced to take action.
Below, we’ve put together some useful tips on how you can save electricity in the office easily and efficiently.
How to save electricity in the office
1. Using heating and air conditioning correctly
Although every employee perceives the temperature in the office differently, it is not advisable to let them decide entirely for themselves. Individual room temperature control should only be possible within certain limits, which should be set by the employer for the entire office space. The central control system should, in any case, ensure that heating and air-conditioning output is reduced outside working hours. Air-conditioning units should switch off automatically when doors and windows are open. Draughty windows pose a risk of heat loss. Windows should therefore be checked regularly by a specialist. Annual maintenance of the heating and air-conditioning systems saves on electricity and heating costs. And please do not forget the absolute no-go: under no circumstances should you use fan heaters or other radiators. Not only do these increase the risk of fire, but they are also a major drain on energy savings in the office.
2. Effective lighting in office spaces
LED light bulbs are now an absolute must-have and are already in use in most offices. However, no matter how energy-efficient LED bulbs may be, if staff do not switch them off, there will be no energy savings. The lighting should be controlled by motion sensors and timers. Such an automated solution will not only save energy but also prevent frustration in the workplace.
3. Outdated technology
Outdated equipment consumes up to three times as much electricity as new, energy-efficient hardware and should be replaced. This step is essential if you want to save electricity in your office. Even if the initial purchase costs are high, this will pay off over time. By choosing the right equipment, you can save up to 75 per cent on energy costs. Before making a purchase, take a close look at the technical specifications of the new equipment. However, you don’t necessarily need to be an expert: often, a quick comparison of the European energy labels is enough.
Another tip: whilst you’re replacing old equipment, you should consider an inkjet printer. A laser printer consumes a comparatively much higher amount of electricity in the office. Even in standby mode, it can use more energy than an inkjet printer that’s actively in use. There’s certainly no question of savings or energy efficiency here.
4. Energy-efficient computers
Desktop computers should be assessed in terms of their energy efficiency. A computer’s performance should be appropriate for its intended use. Powerful processors and graphics cards consume significantly more energy, even when idle, than less powerful components. Anyone who does not need a high-performance computer should opt for less powerful components that are sufficient for normal everyday tasks. As a rule, the significantly more energy-efficient laptops are recommended for this purpose, as they are usually designed with energy efficiency in mind. Power supplies also often consume a lot of energy. The efficiency of energy-efficient computer power supplies is generally at least 80 per cent. This can be identified by the ‘80 PLUS’ label, which is divided into the efficiency tiers Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium.
5. Energy-saving monitors
Monitors should also be checked for their energy efficiency. Old CRT monitors are often still in use, but these can be replaced with newer screens with far higher energy efficiency ratings. Whilst, for example, older 24-inch monitors generally consume over 50 watts, modern LED monitors often use no more than half that amount. Furthermore, reducing the screen brightness and contrast can significantly lower energy consumption.
6. No standby mode
Computers, photocopiers, printers, coffee machines and other devices should not be left in standby mode. Certainly not overnight or at the weekend. Contrary to popular belief, standby mode does not save any electricity compared to the alternative of ‘switching a device off and on again’. Switching them off completely and only switching them on when necessary will significantly reduce energy costs.
7. Switch off the DSL router
If the internet is not needed overnight or at the weekend, the router can be switched off using a timer switch. The wireless signal strength of the Wi-Fi antenna is associated with considerably higher power consumption. Modern routers not only display their energy efficiency but also feature an ‘Eco Mode’. A router does not need to guarantee full range at all times, but only when it is actually required.
8. Reduce the number of devices
It is advisable to check whether staff can share certain electrical appliances. It is not essential to have a photocopier in every office or department. A large, shared multifunction printer can help to significantly reduce energy costs.
9. Do not over-cool server rooms
Server rooms are often cooled too much, which results in high electricity consumption. However, most server systems are now considerably less sensitive to higher temperatures. Cooling the room down to 27 degrees is therefore generally perfectly adequate. Furthermore, there are now alternatives that are more environmentally friendly than air conditioning. Simply speak to your IT expert about this.
10. Raise awareness amongst your own staff
Most staff do not think about how they can reduce electricity consumption in their workplace. Raising awareness and motivating your own staff therefore becomes a priority. Energy-saving measures can be discussed and energy-saving targets set during regular meetings. Regular updates on energy cost trends can further raise staff awareness and motivate them.
Sharing economy alternatives
If you’d rather not have to deal with implementing energy efficiency measures, we fully understand. Who wants to focus on saving electricity in the office when the list of core business tasks shows no sign of getting any shorter? For start-ups and small businesses in particular, it may be worth looking into a business centre. Here, you don’t have to worry about service charges or other fees, as these are usually fully furnished, all-inclusive solutions with flat-rate prices. Make sure the business centre is modernly equipped and features the latest technology. In keeping with the sharing economy model, printers, Wi-Fi, coffee machines and so on are shared, which ideally leads to lower electricity costs per person.
In prime locations across Germany and in Vienna, COLLECTION Business Centre offers fully equipped co-working spaces, individual offices and group offices at a flat rate. There are no separate utility bills; a fixed price covering all office, operating and ancillary costs throughout the flexible contract term enables you to plan your finances with certainty and makes you completely independent of your electricity consumption or developments in the energy market. Planning can be this simple when you rent office space.
Cover image: Shutterstock.com/fongbeerredhot