Tips for saving energy at work

For tips specific to food service, industry, or agriculture, check www.fypower.org!

Lighting

1. Disconnect or remove lamps in overhead multiple lamp fixtures. Use task lighting where needed.
2. Install occupancy sensors in the proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present, and back on when they return.
3. Install exit signs with Light Emitting Diodes (LED). A new LED exit sign fixture will save about 90% over an incandescent bulb's operating costs.
4. Replace standard fluorescents. T8s and matched electronic ballasts provide an estimated savings of 35 to 45% of electricity operating costs. 

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

1. During the summer, set the thermostat to 78°F or higher when the workplace is occupied, and 85° F or off after business hours.
2. Perform regular maintenance to keep HVAC systems running more efficiently. Maintenance activities can save up to 30% of fan energy and up to 10% of space conditioning energy use.
3. Install an energy-efficient attic fan or evaporative cooler. Attic fans or evaporative coolers help reduce or replace air conditioner use.

Electronics and Office

1. Turn off computer equipment if unused for more than 2 hours. To turn off computer scanners, printers and other devices that are plugged into a power strip, simply switch off the power strip after shutting down your computer.
2. Choose electronic products and appliances without a built-in clock or timer. The displays are very inefficient and consume 20 to 100 watts/hour per day- enough to run a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) continuously for 10 hours.
3. Use laptop computers. Laptops use up to 90% less energy than a desktop computer.
4. Print with ink jet printers instead of laser printers. Ink jet printers cost less to maintain and use 90% less energy than laser printers.

For more ways to save, visit the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County: http://www.greenbizsbc.org/