Tips for Energy Smart Offices

A desktop computer, used eight hours a day, generates over 600 kilograms of harmful greenhouse gases each year. Ensure your computer, photocopier, printer and fax machine have the Energy Star® power management feature enabled. By enabling Energy Star®, the computer goes into a 'sleep' mode when not in use, reducing emissions by over 75% and saving around $36.00 per computer each year. Also, Energy Star® products generally last longer. For details visit the Energy Star® website .

Make sure you turn electrical equipment off when not in use. o can purchase master/slave power boards that will turn all equipment off once the main device (eg . your computer) is switched off. Have a look at TODAE

Portable computers use less energy than desktop models and generally ink jet printers use far less energy per page than laser models.
Install energy-efficient lighting. Reduce greenhouse gases by 30 - 80% by fitting lower wattage globes, especially in down lights and spotlights.
Install timer controls or daylight or movement sensors, which switch off lights automatically. Daylight sensors should work simultaneously with a dimming system so that enough light is available.
Modern dimmer controls reduce greenhouse gas emissions as they reduce light output. They also extend lamp life.
Use desk lamps or standard lamps where most light is needed, so less lighting is required for the entire room.
Install ceiling sweep fans, or use portable fans. Fans improve comfort levels, even in air-conditioned rooms, and generate less than a kilogram of greenhouse gas every 10 hours.
Paint rooms light colours. Dark coloured walls absorb light, increasing the amount of lighting needed.
Don't over cool or over heat: 1°C difference in temperature between indoors and outdoors adds 10% to your bill and increases greenhouse gas emissions by the same amount.
Fluorescent lights, including compact fluoros (which are available from leading hardware stores and supermarkets) generate only 1/5 as much greenhouse gas as ordinary globes but produce the same amount of light.

A dishwasher may help to keep the kitchen clean, but it generates hundreds of kilograms of greenhouse gas each year. Consider whether you really need one.......if buying a dishwasher - look for the energy rating and choose an energy efficient model.
Steer away from light fittings with coloured glass. They often cut light output by half, creating a need for higher wattage light bulbs.
Only cool what you need to. The smaller the area cooled, the less greenhouse gas generated and the lower the bills.
Use less hot water. Every 15 litres of hot water used from an electric water heater generates about a kilogram of greenhouse gas. Turn the hot water system off if not needed for extended periods of time. Change your hot water heater to solar or gas boosted system.....and receive a government rebate for doing so!
Fix dripping hot taps and save up to 100 kilograms of harmful greenhouse gas emissions each year per tap.
If the hot water thermostat is adjustable, turn it down to 55°C - this can save up to 250 kilograms of CO2 each year.
Reduce your greenhouse gas impact by purchasing some or all of your businesses energy from an accredited Green Power retail program.