5 Energy-Saving Tips for Your Employees

Want to promote sustainability across the company? Start with your employees. Educate them about what wastes energy, the efficiency goals you're trying to reach, and how they can help. By keeping it light and informative, your employees will be emboldened to help out.

1.    Use hibernation features

Many computers come with power management settings. These hibernation features put monitors and computers in sleep mode if they haven't been used for a set period of time, saving energy. Your employees can put their monitors to sleep manually if they take a break or head to a meeting.

2.    Unplug that desk lamp

Even if your business uses energy-efficient LED lighting that turns on and off with motion or daylight sensors, lamps on your employees' desks draw unnecessary electricity. Encourage them to open window blinds instead, letting in free natural light. Studies show that it actually increases productivity.

3.    Turn off the space heater

Personal space heaters waste their fair share of energy, and they're fire hazards. If the office temperature is at 72°F—the optimal temperature for employee comfort and productivity—ask your employees to bring in a blanket or sweater to stay comfortable at their desks on chilly days.

4.    Print only when necessary

Encourage your employees to email files or upload them to a company drive before printing multiple copies. Printing less often reduces the energy consumed by the printer, and it can even lengthen your printer's life. Electronic communications also reduce paper waste, helping out the environment.

5.    Start a green team

Organize a group of employees who can oversee your company's efficiency efforts. They can brainstorm new ways to save energy and make suggestions to leadership for higher-level changes. This group can also incentivize and reward employees for helping to save energy.