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Energy saving tips - workplace

Many households and businesses are emitting excessive carbon and incurring unnecessary energy costs by failing to recognise opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

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Tips for Workplace

  1. Maintain and operate your appliances correctly
  2. Upgrade your boiler to latest A efficiency level
  3. Adjust your cylinder thermostat to no higher than 60°C/140°F
  4. Purchase energy efficient appliances
  5. Use energy efficient light bulbs
  6. Insulate your loft
  7. Invest in cavity wall insulation
  8. Insulate hot water tanks and pipes
  9. Install double glazing
  10. Draft proof windows and doors
  11. Switch to a ‘Green Power’ supplier

 

For businesses you can find quality advice on the Carbon Trust website – www.carbontrust.co.uk


Maintain and operate your appliances correctly

  • Around 60% of domestic CO2 emissions are attributable to boilers.
  • Regular servicing and maintenance of all equipment improves fuel efficiency and emissions.
  • Switch off appliances and equipment when not in use (especially in businesses over weekends).
  • Don’t heat unused areas.
  • Businesses can use timers and/or person detector switches for office and industrial lighting.
  • Homes might use dimmer switches to reduce light and consumption.
  • Use standby/energy saving modes where switching off appliances is impractical.

Adjust your cylinder thermostat to no higher than 60°C/140°F

  • Take showers rather than baths.
  • Boil only the water you need.
  • Turn down your room thermostat 1% and save up to 10% off your heating bill.
  • Use half load or economy cycles in dishwashers and washers when doing small loads.
  • Stop dripping taps. In one week, one tiny drip can waste enough hot water to fill a bath.

Purchase energy efficient appliances

Hot water boilers

A staggering 85% of domestic energy is consumed through heating. Around 60% of domestic CO2 emissions are attributable to boilers. A boiler has a typical lifespan of around 10-15 years. When you replace yours, select a high efficiency A rated condensing boiler that can save you up to £180 per year and halve your emissions. You may be able to secure a grant.

You can make further additional energy reductions by fitting the latest generation of Solar Thermal Central Heating Systems to your home or business. These solutions combine the latest generation ‘A’ rated boilers with energy from the Sun even in Winter. Overall energy gains total between 70% and 80% over an older boiler system. Solar Thermal technology is practical, independently tested and easily fitted.
Fitting room thermostats to radiators can also save 5% or more.

Refrigerators and freezers

These consume more energy than other kitchen appliances as they are always on. UK households spend over £1.3bn on cooling food and produce. You can typically reduce your annual bill by over £30 per annum and reduce emissions by selecting an energy efficient model.

Washing machines and tumble dryers

Excess emissions from inefficient machines are a serious problem. Even if you don’t have an energy efficient machine, you can save a third less electricity by using a 40° wash cycle rather than 60°. Modern appliances are just as effective at lower temperatures and this is kinder to your clothes.

Dishwashers

If you run your dishwasher every day, an energy saving model can typically slice £19 per annum from your energy costs and make a respectable reduction in your emissions. Using an energy saving model also conserves water.


Use energy efficient light bulbs

This can reduce your energy bills and emissions dramatically. Over the lifetime of a bulb you can save £78 and energy efficient bulbs last twelve times as long as normal ones. The are available from most DIY superstores. When combined with dimmer switches to reduce lighting levels these are even more effective.

In offices, try to utilise more natural light by moving desks nearer windows. The installation of skylights, roof monitors and atrium roofing all help.

Useful manufacturers’ links

Megaman UK www.megamanuk.com
GE Lighting/Mazda www.gelighting.com
Philips Lighting www.philips.co.uk
Sylvania Lighting Ltd www.sylvania-lamps.com

Insulate your loft

This can typically reduce your energy bills and emissions by 10% to 20% and a grant might be obtainable from your local authority. The typical cost for a 2/3 bed semi detached house is around £350, but many energy suppliers have special offers at around a third of this figure.

Principal direct suppliers include:

InstaFoam & Fibre Ltd www.instagroup.co.uk
Knauf DIY www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
Rockwool www.rockwool.co.uk
Or your local DIY store (B & Q, Wickes etc).

Invest in cavity wall insulation

This can reduce your energy bills and emissions typically by 10% to 20% and a grant might be obtainable from your local authority. The typical cost for a 2/3 bed semi detached house is around £350, but many energy suppliers have special offers at around half this figure.

Principal direct suppliers include:

InstaFoam & Fibre Ltd www.instagroup.co.uk
Knauf DIY www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
Rockwool www.rockwool.co.uk

Insulate hot water tanks and pipes

A British Standard cylinder jacket (75mm thick) will cut heat loss by 70%, yet costs about £10 (DIY). For another £10 you can lag your water pipes. You can recover this cost in fuel saving in under one year. In addition it is worth noting that the latest generation boiler systems are integrated with the water storage unit and as such are much more efficient. 


Install double glazing

Double glazing can be expensive, but offers great benefits in terms of reduced heat loss, noise and condensation. If you are on a tight budget, consider secondary double glazing. Even polythene sheeting can have a positive impact.


Draft proof windows and doors

20% of household heat loss is typically through draughts. Installing draught proofing to BS7386 standard will cost between £50 (DIY) and £100 (by installer), saving around £20 per annum off average fuel bills. Don’t forget your internal doors.

Care must be taken to ensure adequate ventilation remains if you have solid fuel or a gas fire with open flue, or in kitchens and bathrooms. Check air bricks for blockages and ensure chimneys are swept regularly.


Switch to a ‘Green Power’ supplier

Most energy is produced by CO2 emitting fossil fuels. Green energy comes from sources such as wind farms and hydro-electric generating systems. Many energy suppliers offer ‘green source options’.

If a business selects ‘green source’ energy, it is possible to gain exemption from the Climate Change Levy (a tax on energy consumption). This might make ‘green source’ no more expensive than traditional energy. Contact your energy supplier for more information.