Easy no-cost energy-saving tips

If your staff get involved in the effort, this could be the fastest way for your business to improve its bottom line.

See the savings 

• Keep track of your bills
• Look at how your bills change when you introduce our energy-saving tips - work out if you can re-invest savings into new energy efficiency activities.

During business hours 

• Turn off any equipment not in use
• Pull up window shades to make the most of natural light
• Turn off any non-essential lights in cupboards, toilets and foyers
• Don't use heating or air conditioning if the windows and doors are open.

After hours 

• Ask cleaners to make sure they turn the lights off when they leave 
• Only keep lights on that are needed for safety and security 
• Make sure fridge and freezer doors are closed
• Can any semi-full fridges be emptied into another and turned off?
• Turn off computers and other equipment not in use - this saves energy and prolongs the life of your equipment.

Change the way you use equipment

• If you can, use energy-hungry equipment during off-peak hours. Talk to your energy supplier about off-peak rates and times
• Think creatively about spotting new energy-saving opportunities. For example, a motel could cut the number of washing and dryer loads by not changing the towels every day if guests are staying more than one night
• Don't position fridges, freezers and chillers in the sun or close to ovens.

Use timers and thermostats

• Timers on lights, hot water , boiling water dispensers, air conditioners and heaters make sure energy isn't wasted
• Check the thermostats on devices that have them. If they are set higher than they need to be you are wasting energy
  - For example hot water cylinders should be set at 60^oC (55^oC at the tap).

Get your staff and colleagues involved

• Getting the team involved is necessary for the success of your energy savings programme
• Lead by example, and give others the knowledge to do the same
• Read our tips for increasing awareness and motivation and download resources.

Implement a "Switch Off" campaign

• Actively encourage staff to switch off equipment when not in use, preferably at the wall. This includes lights, machinery, office equipment, electrical appliances and air compressors.
• Agree on a "Switch Off" target, such as a 5% reduction in the annual energy bill. 
• To keep momentum going, schedule "Switch Off" drives'to remind colleagues about the campaign. 
• Help raise awareness about your programme with posters and stickers:
• Download the "Switch Off" poster
• You can also request "Switch Off" stickers by email.

Tune-up your buildings and plant

• Tune-ups can be done at little or no extra cost, as they involve changing existing equipment rather than buying new things. Make one staff member responsible for your business's tune-up plan.
• Ask your colleagues, electrician, plumber and other contractors for tune-up ideas. Book tune-ups into your maintenance schedule over the next 12 months. 
• Tune-ups include:
  • setting your hot water cylinder to 60^oC 
  • setting computers and office equipment to go into ‘standby' after 10 minutes 
  • cleaning equipment and replacing filters
  • re-arranging office, shop or workshop layouts to maximise natural light and ventilation
  • disconnecting unused appliances.

Use low-cost energy efficiency products

• Energy efficient appliances often cost the same or only slightly more than less efficient options. Before purchasing, always compare any extra cost with the amount you'll save each year.
• Install products such as energy-efficient lights and hot water cylinder wraps before winter if possible.