Going green at work

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With global warming and climate change making headlines on a practically daily basis, we’re all becoming more aware of the need to conserve energy. In general the more energy we use, the more of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide we emit into the atmosphere. The more CO2 we emit, according to scientists, the more we contribute to the global warming phenomenon.
Faced with a global problem it’s easy to be dismissive of the seemingly trivial changes we can all make as individuals. But it’s important to realise that even the smallest change can have a significant impact if enough people make it.

Ways you can save energy on the way to work

• Walk or cycle: the obvious one – but not practical for everyone. If it works for you, try cycling or walking at least part of the way into work. You’ll save money, reduce your carbon emissions and stay fit… so its a win, win, win scenario. Even taking the stairs instead of the lift will save some energy.
• Use public transport: one person travelling in a car is one of the least efficient ways you can travel to work. If you live in the city, and public transport is a viable option, try to use it whenever you can.
• Drive efficiently: When you do have to drive, accelerate and break gently. Anticipate the road ahead and avoid sudden changes of speed which increase fuel consumption, wasting energy and money.

Ways you can save energy at work

• Turn office equipment off: turn off your computer and other office devices when you leave work. In fact, switch off anything that you’re not going to be using for more than a couple of hours.
• Turn lights off if they’re not needed: office lights are often left on all the time, even in the middle of the day when there’s plenty of natural light. Don’t wait for someone else to think of it: turn them off yourself.
• Only print what you really need: printing hard copies of documents and e-mails uses energy and consumables like ink, toner and paper. Try and avoid printing unnecessarily, and where possible read, review and distribute documents electronically.
• Enable energy saving mode on your IT equipment: most computers and other IT equipment have energy saving features built in, but they may not be activated by default. Make sure they are enabled, and reduce the time lag before they kick in.
• Set up an energy incentive scheme: a reward scheme that provides recognition for energy-saving ideas at work helps to get everyone involved, and can throw up some really innovative solutions.
• Pass it on: don’t keep your new energy efficient habits to yourself, pass them on to your work colleagues, other departments, your boss… anyone who’ll listen. Remember – small changes can make a big difference if enough people make them.

Saving energy is all about common sense. Once you start to think in an energy efficient way you’ll probably be surprised by just how wasteful you’ve been, and will start to spot all sorts of new ways to save energy.