Energy savings can happen on multiple fronts–from planning where your corporate headquarters will be housed to easy things like remembering to put your computer in a low-power sleep mode.
1. Putting your PC or laptop in low-power sleep mode
A good way to save power is to use the power management features in your PC or laptop and put them into low-power sleep mode after a certain period of not using your machine. For large offices, talk to your IT department about purchasing a software power management package, according to information from energystar.gov
2. Dimmers for lighting and LED
When considering a future headquarters, make sure to talk to your new landlord about what type of lighting within the dwelling. It’s best to locate properties that use LED or are willing to upgrade. Try to negotiate, even for properties that will have a triple net lease. According to energystar.gov, LED lighting upgrades can use up to 90% less energy than CFLs. In commercial buildings, lighting makes up 17% of electricity consumed in the U.S., acording to Energy Star. So it can make a big impact.
3. Planting deciduous trees for shade
Puchasing deciduous trees for your office can be a great way to start saving energy. Deciduous trees lose all their leaves in the winter, which helps bring the power of the sun for lighting and cooling needs. In the summer, when deciduous trees have a lot of leaves, they help cover your building and keep things cool, relieving your A/C units.
Deciduous trees placed strategically can help reduce energy use. Placed on the east side of a building, deciduous trees can help keep the sun out in the morning. Trees on the west side of the building can help in the afternoon hours in the summer months.
And if you were already planning to plant trees anyway, using these methods can help save your company some money.