Energy saving advice for offices

Office lighting

• Encourage employees to turn off lights when they leave a room or area to prevent unnecessary energy consumption or install smart sensors to turn lights off when areas aren't in use.
• LED bulbs consume less energy and produce less heat, making them far more efficient than traditional bulbs.
• Make use of natural daylight by arranging desks and workstations near windows to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. This not only lowers energy consumption but also creates a brighter, more uplifting atmosphere that can boost mood and productivity among staff.
• Regularly clean light fixtures to ensure maximum light output and efficiency.

Heating and cooling

• Maintain a reasonable and comfortable office temperature to support staff wellbeing and productivity, while also considering energy efficiency. See recommended guidance for more support.
• Set heating to turn on only during office hours and adjust when the building is unoccupied.
• Check windows and doors for gaps and use weather-stripping or draft excluders to prevent heat loss.
• Limit heating to areas that are actively being used to avoid wasting energy on empty rooms.
• Proper insulation in walls, ceilings and floors helps retain heat, reducing the need for excessive heating.
• Ensure heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are serviced regularly to operate efficiently and prevent energy waste.
• Consider long-term investments in renewable technologies such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency over time.

IT equipment

• Set computers and monitors to automatically go into sleep mode or turn off after periods of inactivity.
• Power down computers, printers and other electronics at the end of the workday to avoid unnecessary energy use.
• Laptops typically consume less energy than desktop computers, making them a more efficient option for office work.
• Unplug chargers, speakers and other accessories when they’re not in use to avoid "phantom" energy drain.
• Adjust screen brightness to optimal levels and consider using dark mode to reduce power consumption. Make sure staff have completed a desk assessment to ensure their workstation setup supports comfort.
• Encourage staff to switch off equipment when not in use.