The amount of energy that is used by offices and other types of commercial buildings is staggering. This is why it is vital that the business world commits to energy efficiency. In so doing, they will reduce the tremendous environmental impact they have. At the same time, however, it actually improves the bottom line, which means the benefits are there not just for the world as a whole, but for the business in particular as well. When designing and eco-friendly office, there are many things to think about, including location, features, equipment, usage and more. It is vital to adopt eco-friendly practices throughout the organisation. Let’s take a look at five elements of a green office.
1 – Top Down Approach
While management should be bottom up, building design should definitely be top down. Could you install a green roof, for instance? This provides a great deal of insulation to your property, as well as helping the planet as a whole. While they are more expensive than other roofs to install, they are incredibly beneficial.
2 – Have Smart Climate Control
Make sure every thermostat is programmable and ensure they can be controlled by the time of day, for each individual room. Unused spaces, such as vacant offices or conference rooms, do not need to be at the perfect temperature all the time. Do also make sure that when you install new appliances, they have a high energy efficiency rating.
3 – Energy Saving Computers
Make sure all your computers have the Energy Star Label. Then make sure every employee takes responsibility for operating these machines efficiently. There are various power management options, including automatic switching off of monitors or desktop “sleep” options. This has a number of benefits to be aware of. Firstly, it helps to make sure the device itself will last longer. Secondly, it reduces carbon emissions because you use less power. Finally, it means you save money as well.
4 – Focus on Efficient Shades and Windows
If you do plan to install new windows, make sure they are efficient as well. This will stop heat from entering during the summer and from exiting during the winter, essentially reducing the need for heating or air conditioning. Do also have some awareness of how heat travels. For instance, a south facing window will be in the sun most of the day, which means you may want to install some energy efficient shades to ensure this heat can either be deflected or used.
5 – Install Smart Lighting
Smart lighting systems have motion detectors, timers and photo sensors. This means that the light will activate only when someone is actually present in the area. This has the potential to save a great deal of energy. Furthermore, you should make sure that you use fluorescent bulbs and stay away from the incandescent models. This is because fluorescent bulbs use less energy. Naturally, do also remember that day light is a wonderful form of light, so there often is no need to have any type of artificial lighting.
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