Avoid power hungry equipment

Use energy rating labels to choose kitchen appliances – fridges, freezers dishwashers, heat pumps, computer monitors, and TVs. Appliances with more stars run on less energy, generating fewer emissions.

Laptops are more efficient than desktop computers (PCs). All-in-one printers, scanners and copiers use half the energy that the individual products would use collectively.

Staff are your energy-saving superpower

People in your office have direct control over half the energy it uses. Motivating staff to guard against energy waste can have a significant impact on your carbon footprint.

  • Make climate change awareness part of your work culture. Explain how you’re reducing emissions by reducing energy waste. Share your energy management policy and talk about carbon emissions in internal communications.
  • Appoint someone to switch off shared equipment like printers and photocopiers at the end of the day, and switch it off at the wall over weekends and holidays.
  • Ask staff to turn off the lights when rooms aren’t in use – or install sensors.
  • Encourage everyone to think before they print – print only what you need and on both sides of the paper.
  • Be energy efficient in the kitchen – don’t leave the fridge door open and run the dishwasher only when full. If you have a Zip water heater, turn it off at the end of the day.

Create a plan

Lighting sensors

Keep servers and copiers cool

Servers can waste up to 40% of the energy they use, creating wasted heat and increasing demand for air conditioning. Copiers and printers also generate heat. Situate this equipment on the coolest side of the building and use natural ventilation where possible.