Top tips for office energy efficiency

As businesses increasingly focus on sustainability, energy efficiency in the office is one of the most impactful (and often easiest) areas to tackle. While there’s no single fix, targeted changes to heating, lighting, and equipment usage can add up to significant energy savings. Here’s a breakdown of the top energy efficiency actions for offices that can reduce emissions, cut costs, and boost your green credentials.

What’s are the main sources of energy usage and emissions in the office?

According to the Building and Energy Efficiency Survey (2016), energy usage in the workplace can be broken down as follows:

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So the main contributors are heating, followed by equipment and lighting – with a range of other smaller sources. So let’s focus on the main drivers and take each in turn.

Heating

1. Optimize Thermostat Settings

Setting office thermostats between 19-20°C, instead of higher temperatures, can reduce heating costs by around 8% per 1°C decrease (Energy Saving Trust). By lowering the thermostat just a degree or two, employees can stay comfortable while the business sees savings. For more control, consider smart thermostats to adjust temperatures based on room occupancy and working hours.

2. Use Timers for Working Hours Only

Ensure heating systems operate only during office hours. Smart timers can help match heating schedules to actual occupancy, potentially reducing heating energy by up to 20% when optimally configured (Carbon Trust). A simple adjustment like this can prevent heating unoccupied spaces and align with your working hours.

3. Draught-Proof and Insulate

Approximately two-thirds of heat loss occurs through gaps in doors, windows, and walls. Draught excluders on doors, insulated walls, and double-glazed windows can significantly reduce heat loss, with potential heating cost reductions of up to 15% (Carbon Trust). Investing in long-term insulation improvements can amplify these savings.

4. Keep Radiators Clear of Obstructions

Blocked radiators can lead to inefficient heat distribution. By keeping furniture and other objects away from radiators, the heat can flow freely into the room, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency without additional costs.

5. Service Boilers Regularly

Boilers that are well-maintained operate up to 15% more efficiently than poorly maintained ones, and regular servicing can extend their lifespan while ensuring consistent energy savings. According to the Energy Saving Trust, efficient boilers save around 10% annually on heating costs.

6. Heat Only Frequently Used Areas

Only heat areas that are actively in use, such as meeting rooms and open office areas, and lower the heating in storage spaces or infrequently used areas. Zoning can help create more focused heating patterns, reducing total energy use.

Equipment

7. Use Power-Saving Settings on Computers and Laptops

Enable power-saving modes on all devices. Laptops in power-saving mode can use up to 30% less energy, and switching desktops for laptops can reduce power use by 70% (Energy Star). A “no standby” policy for overnight can save substantial energy over time.

8. Optimize Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances can consume significant energy. Regularly defrost fridges and freezers, check refrigerator seals, and upgrade older appliances to energy-efficient models, potentially reducing kitchen energy use by 40% (Energy Saving Trust).

9. Turn Off Printers and Communal Equipment

When Not in Use Printers, copiers, and other equipment are often left on standby overnight, which can account for around 20-40% of their energy usage. Setting these devices to power down automatically or assigning someone to turn them off can lead to significant reductions.

10. Choose Green IT Equipment and Recycle Responsibly

Opt for refurbished equipment when possible, which reduces the environmental impact by up to 75% compared to new items (University of Edinburgh). Ensure all old IT equipment is recycled or disposed of responsibly to minimise electronic waste.

11. Use Energy-Efficient Fans in Summer

When temperatures rise, consider using energy-efficient ceiling fans or desk fans instead of air conditioning. Fans use far less energy than air conditioning, especially if combined with proper ventilation and natural cooling measures, such as keeping blinds down during the hottest parts of the day.

12. Air Conditioning Efficiency Measures

If air conditioning is necessary, set it just a few degrees below the outside temperature, as the system works harder the lower the setting. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and ensuring that windows are closed when the AC is on, will also improve efficiency.

Lighting

13. Switch to LED Lighting

LED lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs, last much longer, and can reduce lighting costs substantially (U.S. Department of Energy). Replacing all lights in the office with LEDs is an easy win with significant savings, and many LEDs are now dimmable to reduce energy use even further.

14. Maximize Natural Light

Position workstations close to windows and take advantage of daylight sensors or daylight blinds to manage glare while maximizing natural light. This strategy can reduce artificial lighting needs by up to 30% during peak daylight hours (Energy.gov).

15. Install Motion Sensors and Timers

Lighting in meeting rooms, restrooms, and hallways is often left on unnecessarily. Installing motion sensors or timers ensures lights are only used when needed, potentially saving around 30% in energy use (Carbon Trust).

16. Educate on a “Lights Off” Policy

Encourage employees to turn off lights in empty rooms, especially at the end of the day. Signage near switches can be a useful reminder and a low-cost way to reduce unnecessary energy use.

Some bonus steps…

17. Consider a Green Energy Tariff (But Be Cautious)

Switching to a green tariff can support renewable energy, though many green tariffs simply “match” energy to renewable sources rather than supplying clean energy directly. If your office has the budget, consider providers like Good Energy or Ecotricity for truly renewable options, though these may come at a premium (Energy Saving Trust).

18. Encourage Remote Work Flexibility

Allowing employees to work from home, particularly on days when the office isn’t heavily used, can reduce energy consumption by consolidating heating, lighting, and equipment use. Hybrid models may yield long-term savings and lessen your overall office footprint.

Conclusion

With these practical tips, you can make your office significantly more energy-efficient. From adjusting thermostat settings to leveraging natural light and responsibly managing equipment, each change adds up to help reduce costs and your carbon footprint. By implementing these actions, businesses can create a greener, more sustainable office environment that benefits both the bottom line and the planet.