With a both businesses and householders tightening their belts while coping with rising costs, we thought a few energy cost saving ideas would be very useful:
Everyone
- At this time of year the temperature drops very quickly. Save on energy costs by closing blinds or curtains when the sun has gone down.
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Consider fitting movement sensors to turn lights on/off in places that are not in constant use. eg) Toilets, Copier or Filing rooms etc.
- If you live in an older house, do a room by room plug review to see what is plugged in and what it operates. Stick a label on the plug to remind you of items that do not need to be continually switched on. If you use extension leads ensure that each socket has an individual switch, so if you need to leave an item on continually, you turn can anything else off.
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Check your computer monitor brightness settings. Is it set to a default of maximum ? Does it really need to be so high ? Adjust to a comfortable setting.
- Do you use your computer at infrequent intervals during the day ? If so and your computer is normally left on, then consider using hibernate to reduce energy use.
This function saves what is open onto disk and shuts down your computer for you after being inactive for a set time. Then when you turn it back on, reopens everything you were using before shut down. (Quite a timesaver) This can be accessed via your control panel, power options and hibernate tab = enable. (Windows XP users).
Can also be useful for kids/teens computers when they disappear to watch TV and leave it on.
Businesses
- Share printers wherever possible to reduce idle time and maximise usage.
- Implement a “last one out makes sure it off” policy with a reminder sign by the door, to ensure electrical items turned off at night.
- If you use compressed air tools, check for and eliminate any leaks, as this will reduce energy useage.
- Interest free business loans are available from The Carbon Trust for purchasing energy efficient equipment. Please see their website for case studies and further information.
Carbon Trust case study link
I hope you have found these ideas are helpful, if you would like additional information, we have produced a booklet on Sustainability which is available free on request. Please email gwhite@blomfields.com with your details to request a copy.