Smart Ways to Make Your Office Energy-Efficient

Reduce Operating Costs and Help the Environment

More and more office-based businesses across Northern California are looking for ways to improve their energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. What’s more, both large and small businesses are making sustainability goals a part of their normal operating procedures. Whether you want to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or work towards becoming a LEED-Certified business, we have a few handy tips to help get you started. Keep reading to learn simple ways to make your business more energy-efficient, and contact West Coast Solar today to learn more about our commercial solar services.

How Can I Save on Energy Costs in the Office?

  • Purchase Energy-Efficient Office Equipment
  • Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
  • Beware of Energy Vampires
  • Don’t Forget The Outside of Your Building
  • Get Employees On-Board with Energy-Efficient Practices
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Making your office energy-efficient is easier than you think! With a few upgrades and practicing mindfulness about your energy usage, your business can become more energy-efficient starting today! Check it out!

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Office Equipment

One of the easiest ways to start enjoying better energy efficiency and reduce your operating costs is by upgrading your office equipment to ENERGY STAR®-rated products. This can include everything from electronics on desks to appliances in the break room. Old or outdated equipment can cost you hundreds of dollars to operate each month, which really adds up over the course of a year. Not only that, upgrading to eco-friendly equipment is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and stand out in your community as an environmentally conscious business. While the initial cost to upgrade may be a little high, keep in mind that you can always enjoy tax write-offs for these purchases, in addition to the immediate savings you’ll enjoy once these are up and running.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Along with upgrading your office equipment, you ought to consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling in your office. Think about it, how much money do you think you spend on energy that isn’t even being utilized after everyone has left the office? Installing a programmable thermostat is an excellent way to cut down on your energy usage once your employees have gone home for the night, all while saving you the money you’d be spending on wasted energy. Better yet, if you have teams working at different times during the day or night, you can set your thermostat accordingly so everyone is comfortable, while also maximizing your HVAC system to keep it running optimally.

Be Aware of Energy Vampires

Energy vampires are a real thing — and more than just a fictional character on FX’s What We Do in the Shadows. Energy vampires are all those electronics and devices that are plugged in 24/7, even when they’re not in use, costing you money when you may not even realize it. These “phantom energy” sources include everything from phone chargers to printers to monitors to coffee makers. One way to protect your office from energy vampires is to plug items into power strips so that all of these devices can be shut off and turned back on at the flip of a switch. What’s more, unplug phone chargers and other electronics when they’re not being used to cut back on energy usage. Hey, every little bit helps!

Take a Holistic Approach to Energy-Efficiency

As you consider your energy-saving goals, you’ll want to look at opportunities to be more efficient outside of your office, too. Use your utility and water bills to provide a big picture view of your total energy consumption, which can help you maximize your energy efficiency. Along with the interior spaces, consider the exterior sources using power such as exterior lighting and sprinkler systems. Doing so can help you save even more money by taking a holistic approach as you set your energy goals.

Get Your Employees Engaged

One way to instantly optimize your energy potential is by getting your employees on board with your goals. Of course, this may take some time, but it all starts with you. Inspire your folks to be energy-efficient every day at work, share these tips and tricks with them, and even place little reminders around the office to help get them into the groove. This could be as simple as leaving Post-It notes on the bathroom mirror reminding them to turn off the lights when they exit the bathroom, unplugging their phone chargers at their desks when they’re not using them, or relying on natural light instead of lamps and ceiling lights during the day. If everyone does their part, even the smallest practices can make a big difference.

Learn More About Commercial Solar Panels In California

As a Top Rated Local® solar company in California, we specialize in a wide range of solar services to help your business become more energy-efficient, reduce operating costs, and decrease your business’s carbon footprint. Not only that, as a business owner, you’ll enjoy a stellar Return on Investment with short- and long-term savings by powering your business with renewable energy for decades to come.

To help you get started, we provide commercial solar installations in Contra Costa County, Alameda County, San Joaquin County, El Dorado County, and beyond! Get in touch with us today to schedule a free on-site consultation, and start enjoying all the benefits of powering your business with clean, sustainable energy.

Looking to install solar panels in your county? Explore our wide service area in Northern California, and discover how we can help you!