How to improve your office energy efficiency

Reducing energy usage within an office, or any other workplace, is a top priority for many businesses right now. With a focus on sustainability and rising energy bills, employers and employees have had to rethink how their office operates and how energy is being consumed throughout the day. From air conditioning to vending machines and lighting, offices are packed with high-energy equipment which stacks up in cost and efficiency.

But how can businesses improve their energy efficiency without jeopardising their workplace necessities?

When the dark mornings and long evenings approach, office lighting becomes necessary throughout the day. And although electricity is used in small amounts, large offices can end up using a mass amount of energy through lighting alone.

There are several ways businesses can improve the efficiency of their lighting, starting with installing energy-efficient light builds which are typically LED. Some other key ways to improve office lighting are to make use of natural light and skylights, invest in regular building maintenance, use dimmed lighting with lower brightness and opt for censored systems which only operate when people are active or using the space.

With the UK weather being so up and down, offices can often struggle to adjust to the right temperature without the use of air conditioning systems and heating units. As these systems are typically a must-have for most businesses, this can leave a dent in energy bills. 

Before investing in any air conditioning system, businesses must ensure that their building is ventilated and efficient in terms of draughts, double-glazed window frames, filling gaps and any repair work. This will ensure that the warm or cool air being released isn’t going to waste and also reduce issues such as condensation or dampness. 

Here are some ways you can improve energy efficiency for air conditioning:

Office technology is undoubtedly one of the biggest uses of energy for business. As offices have evolved, so has everything within them leading to smart offices and a collection of devices and applications. 

From laptops to monitors and automation, an office is filled with equipment that runs off constant energy. Employees must ensure that staff or visitors either turn systems off completely or at least put them on standby, although standby surprisingly still uses up to 50% of the energy used when in operation. Many modern devices also come with energy-saving settings or auto shutdowns. 

Read more : our workplace technology guide

As well as the main office equipment, there will also be other appliances which should be turned off or unplugged to help keep costs down. For example, any kitchen appliances, printers or entertainment systems. 

Here are some other top tips to help reduce equipment energy consumption

Any office and everything within it should undergo regular maintenance to ensure everything is working properly and safely. By investing in a maintenance schedule, businesses can help to keep their office running smoothly whilst also pinpointing ways in which energy is being wasted or can be improved in terms of efficiency. 

Maintenance teams will analyse and assess the building as a whole, and check it’s meeting any laws and regulations whilst other technicians will ensure all equipment is running properly and help businesses to avoid repairs or future breakdowns. 

“Ensuring buildings and equipment are in optimal condition is paramount for enhancing energy efficiency. Routine inspections and maintenance play a crucial role in this endeavour, particularly concerning HVAC systems, insulation, and lighting. These regular checks guarantee that these components operate at peak efficiency, resulting in a notable reduction in overall energy consumption. Take insulation, for example; when well-maintained, it acts as a barrier, preventing energy wastage by preserving the desired temperature and, consequently, lessening the burden on heating and cooling systems. In terms of maintenance frequency, we advocate a proactive approach. Conducting regular inspections, ideally every quarter, facilitates the early detection of potential issues, enabling swift resolution. This preventative strategy not only optimises energy efficiency but also minimises downtime and extends the lifespan of equipment.”

Oliver Creevy, Co-found and Managing Director of Insulation Advisor

Our design, engineering and installation teams are open to any requirements or specifications, including low-carbon and sustainable offices. We will support you and your company from the very start including the initial design to construction. We can help to turn your standard office space into a more ethical choice no matter how big the change might be.

If you need support or any advice on your new office fit-out, please get in touch with our office fit-out contractors and we can get the process started! We’re more than happy to help you with any of your office fit-out and refurbishment needs.

We offer our fit-out services in Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester and the rest of the UK.