Green Technology to Reduce Energy Consumption in the Office
- March 14, 2018
- office, commercial property, green building
- 0
Now more than ever, there is a focus on “going green” in the corporate world. Companies across the nation are paying close attention to their energy consumption and environmental impact. If your business is looking to reduce its carbon footprint, here are a few eco-friendly products that epitomize green technology.
Green Technology to Help your Company Become More Eco-Friendly
Printing
In terms of “going green,” many businesses have opted to scrap paper and printers altogether in favor of a digital approach. However, this just isn’t realistic for every company—sometimes you need to use a printer.
If your business can’t go print-free but still wants to make an effort, there are plenty of environmentally-friendly printers on the market. In fact, some machines can even cut down energy consumption by more than 50 percent.
You can also make small adjustments like using recycled paper, printing on both sides of a page and reprocessing ink and toner cartridges.
Lighting
According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, over half of the total energy consumed by commercial buildings is used for lighting and heating. Simply put, that’s too much energy wasted on lighting when there are more efficient options available.
LEDs
Many commercial buildings have made the switch from regular fluorescent bulbs to LED lights. Although they cost more, LED lights last much longer, so you won’t have to buy them as frequently. Also, they are cooler than fluorescent bulbs and don’t give off as much heat.
Smart Lights
You can also use a smart lighting system in your office. These systems use automated controls and settings to adjust the lighting based on occupancy and daylight available. If you’re looking to reduce the energy consumed by lighting fixtures, this is your best option.
Energy Star
The energy consumption in a commercial building doesn’t all come from large appliances, like your lighting, heating and HVAC systems. There are actually many different electronics in your office that burn through energy.
Think of desktop computers, coffeemakers, refrigerators, telephones and more. To ensure that all of your electronic equipment is eco-friendly and uses the least possible amount of energy, invest in Energy Star-labeled products.
These high-performing products can drastically decrease the amount of electricity you’re using, which will slash your energy bill. Besides, the EPA has said that all American businesses and consumers can save energy by switching to these products. So, why wait any longer?
Commercial buildings in the United States have long been one of the leading consumers of energy. Help bring this figure down by incorporating green technology into your workplace.