Your Business and the Environment

6. Energy Efficiency

Energy costs, in an office environment, can be reduced significantly by adopting good housekeeping measures.

6.1 Encourage your employees to save energy.

• Switch off lights and appliances when they are not in use.
• Reduce expenditure on heating by closing all doors and windows, and investing in adequate draught-proofing and insulation.
• Ensure that thermostat systems are seasonally adjusted and working correctly.

6.2 It may be worth investing in new, more efficient equipment (see 4.5).

• The short-term costs can be outweighed by the long-term benefits.

6.3 If your present energy consumption is causing concern, consider an 'energy audit' which can help identify the most effective uses of energy in your business.The Government's Environment & Energy Helpline (see 8.1) can provide free advice on energy audits and other methods to reduce your energy bills.