Energy

Offices use large amounts of energy in the form of electricity to power heating, air conditioning, lighting, lifts, escalators, automatic doors, computers, photocopiers, fax machines etc. This of course doesn't include that used in manufacturing. You can save energy (and money!) by:

• turning off lights and equipment when not in use (and encouraging your staff to do the same)
• fitting low energy light bulbs (CFL's), which last 10 times longer than standard bulbs, and use 20% of the energy
• reducing heating in areas that need less heat, such as storerooms, and when the building is empty
• insulating heating pipes - don't heat spaces that don't need it!
• making sure heating and air conditioning are not used in the same room at the same time
• not leaving computers on standby - that can cost up to £125 per year
• when buying new technology, looking at models which combine several features, such as combined fax/printer/copier, as they use less energy

You could also consider buying 'Green Power' - electricity produced from renewable sources such as wind and water.

Water

You can reduce your water use by:

• creating a Water Management Plan to reduce your water use
• fitting taps with mixer controls and a flow restrictor
• making sure taps are not left running, and fixing dripping taps quickly