Energy-saving tips

Energy efficiency upgrades can provide great return on investment. Here are energy saving tips to help you do just that. 

  1. When replacing appliances or electronics, purchase energy efficient models - visit EnergyStar, and click on products for more information.  Also, check out PG&E/rebates before you buy.
  2. Replace standard light bulbs with Energy Star-rated compact fluorescent bulbs. (Tip: replace high-use lights first.)
  3. Install occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lights. These sensors work well in areas such as conference rooms, break rooms or individual offices that are not occupied continuously.
  4. Take advantage of natural sunlight. If you’re fortunate enough to have an office space where there’s abundant natural light, use it! On a sunny day, you might not need to turn on the lights at all in areas where windows can give all the illumination you need.
  5. Power down computers and other office equipment at the end of the day. If computers are not being used through the hours when your staff aren’t working, have your team be in the habit of shutting them down before they leave. Turning off and unplugging as many devices as possible at the end of the day is a simple way to cut back.
  6. Heat and cool your business wisely - clean or change air filters regularly and adjust your thermostat - lower in winter, higher in summer. Purchase a programmable thermostat to save even more.
  7. Program your thermostats. This is one of those office energy saving tips that is especially relevant for a 9-5 workplace. You don’t need to heat or cool a workplace after everyone has gone home for the night.
  8. Think outside your building. Are you in control of the landscaping around your business? If so, you have a great opportunity to create energy-savings for your small business with energy efficient landscaping. Strategically planting trees to block winds or provide shade on hot summer days can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
  9. Use less water. Did you know that almost 20% of the total energy use in California is for water? If everyone conserves water, our energy needs go down. For some good water-saving tips, go to: DSRSD / drought watch.