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The Issue | Avoid & Reduce | Offset
What's the issue?
Stationery energy emissions - from electricity generation and from the consumption of fuels in the manufacturing, construction and commercial sectors, domestic heating, etc - contributed more than half (53.9%) of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2007.
Our modern lifestyle of convenience and climate control is a big contributor to this emission source. Think about it... does the photocopier really need to be left on all weekend just so you don't have to wait a few minutes for it to warm up on Monday morning?
Simple actions and technology changes with short payback periods can reduce your workplace energy consumption considerably - and save you money on your ongoing energy costs.
How to avoid and reduce emissions
At Greenfleet our mantra is to avoid creating a greenhouse gas emission where possible; reduce the emissions you do create if you have to create an emission and offset any emissions you do create. Here are some tips to help you avoid creating or reduce emissions from stationary energy consumption.
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Turn off lights when they're not needed. Don't leave lights on in offices, bathrooms, meeting rooms, etc., when they are not in use - change your habits to turn them on and off manually when you need to use the facilities, or have sensors installed so the lights only operate when needed.
Some work areas have more lights than they really need - test the light levels in your office and then simply remove excess light bulbs to cut down on energy consumption - really, just take them out, it won't harm anything.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs - they produce more light with much less energy.
Automate your systems. Install timers, zones and / or sensors to control heating / cooling systems, lights, etc. There is no sense having these operate overnight and over weekends, or even during the day in areas where nobody is actually working or where there is enough natural light. The upfront costs are generally recouped within one year due to the ongoing savings on energy costs.
LCD screens use less energy than old fashioned CRT monitors. They also take up less room and, for an OH&S bonus, are not as heavy as older style monitors.
Laptop / notebook computers use less energy than traditional desktop models and provide flexibility for staff to work from home (see tips for HR policies that can also help to reduce emissions). Even coupled with an additional LCD monitor for desktop ergonomics they will save energy.
Turn off computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers, etc., overnight and when not in use for long periods during the day. Use the 'power save', 'standby' or 'eco' settings to minimise power consumption in these items for short periods of inactivity - but be aware that they are still using energy and creating greenhouse gas emissions in this state, so for long periods of inactivity turn them off at the switch.
Move office equipment away from air-conditioning thermostats. Printers, photocopiers, etc., produce heat when operating which can lead to false readings on thermostats, causing air-conditioning to work overtime.
Purchase accredited GreenPower. Accredited GreenPower ensures that energy sourced from wind, solar or other renewable sources is fed into the electricity grid on your behalf. The amount of renewable energy fed into the system will be equivalent to the amount of GreenPower you purchase, with most energy providers offering a choice of GreenPower products that vary from 10% to 100% renewable sources. In addition to offsetting your electricity consumption, you are also driving demand for renewable energy technologies and thus encouraging the development of these industries and away from emissions intensive sources.
What else?
Taking action in the following areas will also help to reduce your on-site energy consumption:
Offset the rest
It's important that we counteract the impact of the greenhouse emissions we create by undertaking an activity to absorb an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. Greenfleet plants permanent, biodiverse, native forests to offset greenhouse gas emissions on behalf of businesses and individuals.
Use our online Tree Totaller to calculate the emissions generated by your business' car fleet, air travel and on-site energy consumption, then submit your calculations for a quote from our business offset managers.
Or contact one of our business offset managers for assistance.