|
|
|
|
  |
SMALL BUSINESS 101: Office energy savings for your business
Office equipment can account for 10 to 20 per cent of the energy used in a small business, so adopting energy saving habits in your business can save a significant amount of money and electricity. Even simple changes in the way you use energy can make a difference. Shut down computer monitors and save money at night and on weekends Shutting down all computers and monitors when they are not in use or after hours can save a significant amount of energy each year. If your computers must be left on after-hours, turn off the monitor. This will not affect the programs you are working on and since monitors consume over 75 per cent of the total energy required to run a computer, it just makes good business sense. Consider using laptop computers When available, choose to work on a laptop rather than a desktop computer. Laptops provide you mobility and use 50 per cent less energy than the average desktop unit. Turn off machines and equipment when not needed Turn off printers, photocopiers and other office machines when not in use as they can idle as much as 90 per cent of the workday and are often left running at night and on weekends. In many businesses, this simple approach can achieve big savings. Replace worn out computer systems and monitors Replacing old systems and monitors with those designated as Energy Star ® will see savings of up to 75 per cent. Purchase necessary equipment only Consider purchasing a combination printer/fax machine/copier. Using one machine instead of three will reduce energy usage. Unplug chargers Unplug equipment chargers, such as laptops and cell phones, when they are not needed. Turn off lights, use programmable timers and dimmer switches Turn off your lights when you leave for the day. Set timers or use dimmers switches in other unoccupied areas such as copy rooms, break rooms, conference rooms and restrooms. -- -- -- -- The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is a non-partisan political action organization representing the interests of small- and medium-sized, Canadian-owned enterprises since 1971. Visit CFIB online (see link). Opinions are those of the author. WEB: CFIB |
Submit Comment:
More Headlines
|
|
|