Enviroment 35
Many business people may still assume that such issues relate primarily to big industry where major changes in processes can bring about major savings. However, there is a growing awareness among many owners of businesses of all sizes that changes in the office can have a significant effect as well, that switching off the light at night, turning off that leaking tap and recycling paper is not just a ‘good thing to do’ but it can also save money. Agencies working in the waste minimisation field say that the largest controllable outgoing in an office is often energy consumption but that a few commonsense measures can cut bills by at least 50 per cent, according to some estimates. The same is true when it comes to other everyday office functions. The call does not just relate to the company itself because there is growing pressure on companies to ensure that the businesses in their supply chain are doing the same. Small businesses seeking to carry out work for larger companies are increasingly finding themselves required to demonstrate their green credentials. Sound scary? Wondering where to start? Here are some simple ideas that businesses of all sizes can adopt.
RECYCLING
LIGHTING
• Ensure that all photocopying and publications are produced in double-sided format on recycled paper · Consider setting aside one business printer for draft documents only – and load it with scrap paper
• Artificial lighting can be automatically controlled through daylight sensors, motion detectors and zoned controls to switch off lighting in unoccupied areas – some estimates suggest that they could cut lighting costs by as much as 15%, possibly more
• Use electronic material where possible to reduce printing and faxing
• Replace high wattage lamps with low energy versions, which could make energy savings of 65-75%
• Use paper recycling bins, including one next to the photocopier
• Make the most of natural light - cleaning windows and skylights regularly will allow maximum daylight to enter the building and significantly reduce the need for electric lighting.
• Post reminder notices on the walls to ensure that staff remember to switch off lights, printers and faxes etc when not in use.
ENERGY • A single computer and monitor left on 24 hours a day can cost more than £50 a year, according to some estimates. Switching them off out of hours and enabling standby features could reduce this to £15 a year each and prolong the lifespan of equipment • Measure how much energy you’re using. Keep track of bills, and how they change after the introduction of energy-saving tips.
HEATING • Temperature control – keep a thermostat set at the minimum comfort level. Heating costs will go up by 8% each time the temperature goes up by just one degree. • Keep the thermostat away from draughts or hot and cold spots - these will all affect the thermostat and automatically increase heating costs • Don’t put equipment that generates large amounts of heat, like photocopiers, near cooling vents - the cooling system will need to work
harder to cool an area that is constantly being heated. • Maintain equipment properly - poorly maintained heating equipment could be adding as much as 10% to a heating bill.
WATER The rate of water use by businesses in the UK is 1.3 billion cubic metres each year – the equivalent of 1,400 Olympic swimming pools every day. However, businesses that take action to cut the waste typically achieve a 20-50% decrease in the amount of water used, which in turn cuts costs both in water supply and water disposal charges. Tips include; • Identify areas of wastage, including leaks. Keep water-using equipment well maintained and check it periodically for leaks. • Make sure staff are fully aware of the importance of water minimisation. Ensure staff are encouraged to report leaks and that leaks are repaired quickly. • When purchasing new equipment, take its water efficiency into account. Fit water minimising controls where possible, eg push taps, flow regulator/ restrictors, cistern displacement devices an low flush toilets.
October 2019