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ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE

Energy Reduction Initiatives

No Cost

 

• Implement a ‘switch off policy’ for equipment which is not in use e.g. computers, printers, lights, photocopiers etc. – put up posters in key locations to remind staff
• Regularly maintain and service office heating and cooling systems
• Ensure that equipment is well maintained and runs at maximum efficiency
• Check temperature and thermostat settings to ensure that they are set at the standard, The Carbon Trustrecommends: set the minimum temperature to 19ºC and the maximum temperature to 23ºC
• Lower thermostat temperatures for heating and hot water – turning down the thermostat by 1ºC can reduce the heating bill by up to 10%. The minimum temperature recommended for hot water is 60ºC
• Turn off heating in unused rooms
• Keep doors closed to retain ambient temperatures
• Locate desks near to windows to fully benefit from natural light
• Keep windows, light fittings and fixtures clean to ensure maximum light penetration
• Switch off toilet and kitchen extractor fans outside office hours
• Run an energy efficiency awareness programme for your staff to gain their commitment. Research has shown that raising staff awareness can result in 10% savings on energy use

Low Cost

 

• Install energy efficiency light bulbs. They use 70-80% less energy and can last 8 times longer
• Install lights which automatically switch on when light falls below an acceptable standard or those which detect human presence to light the room only when it is occupied
• Install local manual light switches, e.g. pull cords, so that all staff have control over their lighting, particularly in open plan offices
• Install timers, dimmer and photocells so that lighting and water operate on demand only
• Fit draught excluders around doors and windows
• Install energy efficient appliances when refurbishing – many manufacturers now make equipment with a low energy sleep mode. Look for the Energystar label on office appliances – this indicates products that are particularly energy efficient
• Colour code switches so staff know which ones can be turned off, for example blue switches could indicate equipment that can be switched off after use, yellow switches could be turned off at the end of the day and red switches could be those which are to be left on at all times
• Fit time controls to eliminate heating or cooling rooms outside of office hours
• Lag tanks and pipes to ensure maximum heat retention
• Insulate lofts and walls to suppliers recommended standards
• Provide curtains to prevent heat loss, or blinds to keep indoor areas cool
• Replace water tanks which heat and store water with instant heat on demand systems
• Use slimline fluorescent tubes – 24mm tubes give an 8% saving over 36mm tubes

Higher Cost

• Double or triple glaze windows and doors to prevent heat loss – note that this can reduce air ventilation and other means of ventilation may become necessary

• Avoid excessive glazing of areas by replacing the glass with insulated wall panels
• Install heat recovery devices in ventilation systems
• Install a building management system if your office is of a significant size and you have the in-house technical expertise
• Invest in renewable energy technologies such as a solar thermal system or photovoltaic cells

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