Saving energy in the workplace (December 2006)
To learn more about saving energy in the workplace, visit The U. S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web site. You will discover ways to save energy and learn more about renewable energy. There is also a tool that will help you calculate your energy usage. Visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_workplace/ and start saving today!
Energy-saving tips:
- Disconnect unnecessary or unused equipment. You may be surprised to find out how many empty cubicles have equipment that hasn't been turned off.
- Replace CRT monitors for computers with LCD units.
- Clean dusty light bulbs, lamps and diffusers every 6-12 months. Dirty, greasy, smoky light bulbs can reduce light output by as much as 10 percent. You’ll avoid the tendency of switching to a stronger bulb, which will use more energy.
- Paint and decorate in light colors. Dark colors absorb light. Light colors reflect light. The lighter the colors you use, the less artificial lighting is required to illuminate the area.
- Remove any unnecessary lighting for track and recessed lighting; using only the number of bulbs needed to light an area. Three bulbs can usually do the same job as four if they are positioned accurately.
Remove excess lights. Many older office and warehouse buildings have more lighting than needed. In many areas, half the lights may be sufficient to light the area. When removing excess fluorescent tubes, remember to disconnect the ballasts that serve them.
- Consider removing excess fluorescent lights and installing reflectors.
Trim bushes and trees away from outdoor lighting to maximize illumination and prevent shadows.
- Make use of free day lighting, where possible. Turn off or dim lights when day lighting is available, or use automatic dimming controls. Use high reflectance ceiling tiles and light colors on walls, partitions, and carpeting to carry daylight into interior space.
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