Are you trying to keep your office expenses under control, but find your electricity bill keeps rising every month? It might be due to certain small habits that increase energy use without you even realising it; such as computers left on overnight, lights not turned off in empty rooms or excessive heating or cooling.
The good news is that reducing energy use is not as hard as it seems. With a few simple measures and the right technology, any office can become a more comfortable, efficient space and you can stop worrying about your energy bills.
As experts in technological solutions for workspaces, Omnitec has the best office energy-saving measures that you can apply straight away: spending less and helping to protect the planet.
1. Optimise lighting, with more natural light and efficient technology
Lighting accounts for a significant part of energy use in offices, so it's a good place to start. The first step is simple: make the most of natural light. Position workstations near windows, use sheer curtains and choose light-coloured walls and ceilings.
For artificial lighting, always opt for LED bulbs. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional ones and last much longer. You can also install motion sensors or dimmers so the lights turn on only when needed.
2. Manage temperature and improve insulation
Heating and cooling are probably the biggest sources of energy use in your office. So if you want to save on your bills, keeping the temperature under control is essential.
As a reference, aim for around 20°C in winter and 24°C in summer. Adjusting the thermostat by just a couple of degrees can lead to significant savings without sacrificing comfort - you'll notice the difference!
Another important factor is thermal insulation. Check doors and windows: if air escapes or enters easily, your climate control system has to work twice as hard. Using weather stripping, sealing gaps or installing double glazing are quick payback measures.
You can also put your heating or air conditioning systems on a timer with automatic on/off settings, so they're not running when the office is empty.
3. Turn off equipment when not in use
Outside working hours, many computers, monitors and printers are left on. Did you know that this "standby power consumption" can increase your office's total electricity bill by up to 10%?
To avoid this, you can use power strips with switches and disconnect multiple devices at once or configure sleep mode.
If you also promote responsible use among your employees, you'll notice the results straight away. For example, remind them to turn off monitors when they leave or not to leave chargers plugged in.
And don't forget that efficiency is also achieved by replacing older equipment with modern low-consumption models or those with an A energy rating or higher.
4. Automate and gain control with smart technology
More and more offices are opting for automation to manage the energy they consume more efficiently. Access and presence control systems like those we offer at Omnitec allow you to monitor in real time which areas are occupied and which are not, thus adapting consumption.
In addition, these systems can be integrated with our energy saving and comfort solutions, such as energy savers, and thus automatically turn off equipment or lights when a room is empty.
5. Foster a sustainable company culture
However, having the best technology in your office is of little use if the people using it are not involved. That's why creating an energy-saving culture in the company is just as important as any other measure.
You can try placing visual reminders on the walls or motivate your workers by proposing small monthly challenges. In the end, turning sustainability into a shared habit is the best way to maintain savings in the long term.
Benefits of implementing these office energy-saving measures
If you decide to adopt the measures we've proposed, the change will be evident, with benefits that go far beyond economic savings. Let's take a look:
- Lower monthly spending. Reducing energy consumption can cut electricity costs by up to 30%.
- Greater sustainability. An efficient office reduces its carbon footprint and projects a more responsible image.
- More comfort for the team. Having stable temperatures, good lighting and clean air leads to greater wellbeing.
- More motivated workers. When the environment is comfortable and healthy, productivity also improves.
- Better corporate image. Committing to energy efficiency shows that yours is a modern, responsible company committed to the future.
Save energy in your office with Omnitec
At Omnitec Systems we have been developing technology for over 15 years to make spaces safer, more comfortable and efficient. And offices are no exception!
Our energy savers and presence sensors allow you to automatically reduce consumption when a space is empty. In addition, our access control systems help manage the use of each room, optimising lighting and air conditioning according to its actual occupancy.
Thanks to our management platforms, such as OS Access, and the mobile apps that complement them, you can control access and electrical activation of each room according to assigned permissions. In this way, electricity is only connected when the energy saver detects an authorised card, avoiding unnecessary consumption and improving overall efficiency.
Now you know: if you want a more efficient, sustainable and connected office, trust Omnitec Systems. We'll help you implement the energy-saving measures that best suit your company. Contact us!