Energy-efficient workplaces

Major corporations have moved over the past decade to cut energy costs, introducing paper recycling programs, occupancy sensors in bathrooms to automatically turn off lights, Falcon non-flush urinals, replaced incandescents with CFBs and LEDs, reduced the number of printers and copiers, installed “sleep mode” on all computers, painted walls to be brighter, and so on. There are still complaints about thermostats turned down too low or up too high but those will be with us forever.

Los Angeles regularly wins the EPA’s award for the city with the most energy-efficient buildings (here) and that is because corporations see it as an economic win for them. But individuals can do more too.

• Do you really need that fridge in your office?
• What about the heater under the desk?
• Get rid of bottled water and sodas or bring it in your own container. Recycle your bottles and cans.
• Check what is going in the blue recycled paper containers. Many are used for regular junk.
• Print less or don’t print. Print two-sided and two-per-page - most printing is not necessary these days.
• Make fewer photocopies – especially color ones - most of them end up in the recycler.
• If you are in a small office, keep the air conditioning fan set at a slower speed.
• No disposable plates, cups, utensils - use the real stuff and wash it.
• Use paper towels that have extra half sheet tear lines.