The cost of energy is one of the biggest items of expenditure for companies of all sizes. But beyond the financial aspect, it's also theenvironmental impact of energy consumption in the workplace that is currently under scrutiny. On a national scale, the tertiary sector accounts for around 14% of energy expenditure. With the entry into force of the Elan law, which imposes a target of a 40% reduction in energy consumption by 2030 compared to that of 2010, it seems essential to find solutions on the side of business premises. Fortunately, there are a number of ways of limiting energy consumption in the office without committing to major works. Here are 6 simple steps you can take to save energy on a daily basis, and make your workplace greener and more economical.
Switch off computers at night
Even if they don't represent the number one energy-consumption item, IT tools, and above all computers, still carry a considerable weight in the balance. In fact, it is estimated that a computer can cost a company up to 100 euros a year in electricity costs alone. Contrary to popular belief, standby mode is not synonymous with energy savings: until they are completely switched off, devices continue to consume energy. The right thing to do is to systematically switch off your computer when you leave the workplace, at night or during periods of inactivity. To do this, you can plug them into power strips fitted with a switch, so that you can easily switch them off when you're ready to leave. If you're thinking along these lines, it might also be worth replacing all your desktop computers with laptops, which consume much less energy.
Control the temperature with a thermostat
For a company, heating accounts for around 56% of its energy costs: it's by far the biggest consumption item. So it's one of the first things to consider when it comes to limiting energy consumption in the office. If you don't have one on your premises, start by installing a thermostat to control the temperature. You need to keep the temperature comfortable so that your employees feel at ease, without pushing it too far. Many offices use a centralized thermostat system that automatically adjusts the temperature according to the number of people in the office. You can also install low-energy thermostats on individual workstations. Ask your electricity supplier about special programs to help companies reduce their energy consumption.
Similarly, in summer, you can save energy by limiting the use of air conditioning. To avoid having to use it systematically, you can consider installing sunshades or UV filters on your windows, so that the temperature remains pleasant within your premises. If air conditioning is really necessary, try not to set the temperature below 4°C above the outside temperature. During heatwaves, it's advisable not to set the temperature above 26°C.
Use natural light as much as possible to limit your energy consumption in the office.
Offices with lots of windows have a real advantage over warehouses, where light levels are limited. If you take advantage of this, you can limit your reliance on artificial lighting, which accounts for around 10% of electricity consumption in commercial buildings. Take the time to look around your premises to detect unnecessary lights, which don't necessarily provide any greater comfort than natural light. Also take stock of any lights that can be switched off at certain times, such as those in rooms that are not permanently occupied. To limit your energy consumption in the office, you can also replace your old lamps with low-energy LEDs.
Reduce document printing to what's necessary
Another energy-intensive appliance is the printer. While cutting down on printing is already a habit for many of us, it has a double benefit. Not only does it reduce paper consumption, it also cuts electricity costs, as printers are particularly energy-hungry. In standby mode, these devices continue to consume up to 80% of their energy. When not in use, it's best to keep printers switched off to limit energy consumption in the office. For your group projects, consider using shared document storage systems, which will enable all your collaborators to access documents from any device. This will reduce the need to print certain documents, such as those related to meetings.
Ask your employees to delete their e-mails regularly
The average office worker receives 60 e-mails a day. Email accounts are regularly used for internal communications, project management and record keeping. However, many people don't delete these e-mails, which keeps them stored in data centers. Even if this doesn't represent a direct energy expense for your company, e-mail storage does consume electricity somewhere, and therefore has an impact on the environment. According to the Carbon Literacy Project, storing an e-mail is equivalent to between 4 and 50 grams of CO2 emissions, depending on its size and the presence or absence of bulky attachments. So, if you're concerned about making your company more environmentally-friendly, don't hesitate to ask your employees to regularly delete e-mails they no longer need.
Recycle your IT equipment
Many companies have computers that are several years old. Often, this hardware still works, but is too old to be compatible with newer systems. It is also less energy-efficient than modern computers. To reduce your energy consumption at the office, you can therefore consider replacing old equipment with more efficient, less power-hungry equipment. You can also find out about a special recycling program offered by your electricity company. This program involves removing your old computer equipment from your office and disposing of it properly.
As an organization, it's important to understand how much energy you're using and where you can save, both to reduce your costs and to get your business involved in the energy transition. These changes won't take long, but will have an impact on your bills and the environment. Similarly, if you're looking to limit your energy consumption in the office, don't hesitate to discuss it with your staff, and keep them informed of the efforts you're making. This will involve them and encourage them to take the initiative, while gradually raising their awareness of the issue.