Office Energy Checklist
- Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights
(CFLs) for desk lamps and overhead lighting. Using CFLs instead
of comparable
incandescent bulbs can save about 50 percent on your lighting
costs. CFLs use only one-fourth the energy and last up to 10
times longer.
- Switch off all unnecessary lights. Use dimmers, motion sensors,
or occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lighting when
not in use to reduce energy use
and costs.
- Turn off lights when you leave at night.
- Use natural lighting or daylighting. When feasible, turn off
lights near windows
- Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire
room, focus the light where you need it, to directly illuminate
work areas.
- Use energy efficient ENERGY STAR® products.
- Close or adjust window blinds to block direct sunlight to
reduce cooling needs during warm months. Overhangs or exterior
window covers are most effective to
block sunlight on south-facing windows.
- In the winter months, open blinds on south-facing windows
during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your workspace.
At night, close the blinds to reduce
heat loss at night.
- Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use (i.e.
cell phone chargers, fans, coffeemakers, desktop printers, radios,
etc.).
- Turn off your computer and monitors at the end of the work
day, if possible. If you leave your desk for an extended time,
turn off your monitor. (See Office
Equipment.)
- Turn off photocopier at night or purchase a new copier with
low standby feature. Purchase printers and fax machines with
power management feature and use it.
- Coordinate with vending machine vendor to turn off advertising
lights.
- Have a qualified professional perform an energy audit. Check
with your utility company for names of auditors.
- Clean or change furnace filters once a month during the heating
season.
- Check furnace ducts for disconnects or leaks.
- Ensure HVAC ductwork is well insulated.
- Ensure adjustable speed drives are operating properly.
- Insulate water heater, hot water piping and tanks to reduce
heat loss.
- Install low-flow toilets and shower heads.
- Verify the energy management system (EMS) switches into setback
mode during unoccupied hours. Also, time clocks and computer
controls may need adjustments after power
outages or seasonal time changes.
- Install meters to track energy use.
- Visit Businesses Can Save Energy this Winter with Help from
EPA and ENERGY STAR for 5 steps to save energy this winter. The
steps are based on lessons learned
from ENERGY STAR business and organization partners.
- Save paper. Photocopy only what you need. Always use the second
side of paper, either by printing on both sides or using the
blank side as scrap paper.
- Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel
bills. Target the largest energy consumer or the largest bill
for energy conservation measures.
- Carpool, bike, or use mass transit when commuting to work.
- To save gas: drive the speed limit, accelerate and decelerate
slower, and make sure tires are pumped up.
- Use coffee mugs instead of disposable cups.
Source: US Department of Energy
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