Energy Efficiency In the Office

By switching to British Gas Business, you are on the right track to saving money on your business' electricity costs. Not only does British Gas Business offer the lowest rates, they also provide businesses with FREE energy efficiency advice.

Here are some easy energy efficiency tips to get you started:

Turn the Lights Out.
Many offices leave the lights running all day, and even all night long. You can save energy by encouraging your staff to use lights only when necessary and by implementing the following changes:

• Label switches in each room and make it clear which lights can be left on, and which should be off when not in use. For example, the main office entrance may be lit all day, while the boardroom should only be lit while in use.
• Use time switches. Many offices leave their lights on overnight for security reasons and convenience. As an alternative, use time switches, which can stagger the lighting of rooms visible from the outside, providing even greater security while limiting the electricity used. These switches can also be set to turn on all lights before the first person arrives in the morning.
• Install energy efficient lights. Replace T12 fluorescent tubes with T8 ones; not do they provide a better quality of lighting; they also consume 8% less energy. Replace tungsten GLS lamps with compact fluorescent ones, which use 80% less energy.

Consider Business Equipment.
Not only is equipment the backbone of your operation, it is also a great place to start saving energy costs. Encourage your staff to use less energy by taking the following steps:

• Switch equipment off when not in use. Even in standby function, your equipment still consumes energy. As a better option, ask people to turn equipment off when it is not going to be in regular use.
• Configure the energy saving features of IT equipment. Technology now lets you put energy efficiency on autopilot with energy saving features built into IT programs and equipment.

Monitor Heating.
Keeping an office at a comfortable temperature can be difficult, especially when the office is large. By monitoring the heating throughout the year and throughout the day, you can save a great deal of energy.

• Remember that humans are a heat source. It is important that you monitor the temperature in your office throughout the day, with either an automatic sensor or manual controls. This is because, as the day wears on the people within the office are releasing heat from their bodies, which can create a significant rise in temperature.
• Allow individuals to control their own temperature with Thermostatic Radiator Valves. This strategy also allows flexibility in choosing which parts of the building to heat, or not heat, depending on usage.
• Ensure that the radiator circuit is weather compensated to reduce overheating. If overheating occurs, make sure that the heat is turned down instead of opening windows.
• Avoid using supplementary electric heaters. These units consume a considerable amount of energy and are one of the most expensive to run means of heating.

Upgrade the Building.
There are many ways that a building can be made more energy efficient by using more of the sun's energy and letting less heat escape. In many situations, these improvements will quickly pay for themselves in the saved energy costs.

• Self-adhesive thermal strips can be installed around doors and windows to reduce draughts. In many buildings draughts account for up to 10% of heat loss, meaning that their elimination can make a big difference in reducing heating costs.
• Install automatic closures on all external doors. An external door that is left ajar can create substantial heat loss.
• Consider plastic strip curtains. Not only are these an economical option for visual security, plastic strip curtains also reduce heat loss. You can also consider closing window blinds at night to reduce heat loss.
• Prevent heat loss in the warehouse by fitting docking seals and installing rapid roller shutters in loading bays.
• Ensure that all cavity walls and roof voids are installed with insulation.
• Fit daylight sensors to lights in order to maximise the use of daylight.

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* Offer only applies to new customers on a fixed one year SME electricity contract and is valid until your original contract renewal letter date. You must provide us with a valid written contract renewal letter from your existing SME supplier evidencing business electricity supply up to date of participation in this offer. Original contract renewal letter is a requirement upon purchase. We reserve the right to verify eligibility. Our quote will be valid for 2 working days. Limited availability. This offer can be withdrawn, extended or amended at the sole discretion of British Gas Business at any time. This offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer from British Gas Business for electricity supply. Offer not valid for businesses currently supplied by third party Brokers. Terms and Conditions apply.