What It Is
Energy-efficient business equipment serves a business’s needs while consuming less energy than standard equipment. Common examples of energy-efficient business equipment include
- Computers with sleep mode or power-down mode
- Copiers with sleep mode and double-sided copying
- Printers with sleep mode and double-sided printing
However, energy-efficient equipment is not limited to office fixtures like these. Options are available for a variety of businesses, including restaurants, construction companies, and auto dealers.
Why It Matters
“Office equipment is the fastest growing use of electricity in commercial buildings in the United States. [In fact], businesses pay more than $2 billion [a year] for the electricity consumed by office equipment.”[1] Using more energy-efficient equipment can reduce a business’s energy consumption, saving money in the process.
Getting Started
To improve the energy efficiency of your business equipment
1. Turn equipment off when not in use
2. Explore energy-efficient equipment options for your business
1.) Turn equipment off
If your equipment does not have sleep or power-down mode, make sure to unplug the equipment when not in use. If possible, turn off the equipment each time you finish using it to maximize energy efficiency.
Note that leaving equipment, like a computer, on around the clock does not increase the product’s life. According to Energy Savers, “this [misconception] carries over from the days of older, mainframe computers.”[2] Shockingly, “U.S. businesses waste $2.8 billion a year by leaving computers on overnight.”[3]
2.) Explore energy-efficient options
Each business needs different equipment, so consider what equipment your business uses and then explore energy-efficient options. ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the EPA and US Department of Energy, offers a catalog of energy-efficient products, which may help in your search. Also consider checking out ENERGY STAR’s energy efficiency tips for small businesses.
Going Further
“Businesses often fail to account for energy costs when purchasing office equipment, even though more energy-efficient equipment with comparable features and performance is available for the same price.”[4]
To further improve energy efficiency, purchase energy-efficient products like those in the ENERGY STAR catalog. Consider buying computers and monitors with sleep or power-down modes, which reduce electricity usage by up to 70 percent.[5] Other equipment options include cordless phones, televisions, water coolers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
Case Studies
The Grey Plume, named “The Greenest Restaurant in America” by the Green Restaurant Association, uses an array of energy-efficient products, including dishwashers, refrigerators, hand dryers, occupancy sensors (for the office and restrooms), and a computer. Visit this link for a detailed list of all of the restaurant’s eco-friendly efforts.
Resources for More Information
Books:
Energy Efficiency: Principles and Practices by Penni McLean-Conner
Links:
- EarthEasy offers helpful information on energy efficiency and products.
- Energy Savers shares tips on energy-efficient office equipment and electronics, as well as tips for small businesses.
- ENERGY STAR partners with businesses to improve energy efficiency. Click here for more information on how to partner with ENERGY STAR.
- Siemens offers energy-efficient products for a variety of industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, finance, telecommunications, and mining.
Podcasts:
Click here to listen to an ENERGY STAR podcast on energy-efficient servers and datacenters.
Conclusion
Energy-efficient equipment uses less energy to accomplish the same tasks as standard equipment. Switching to more energy-efficient products can reduce your business’s energy usage and costs. Also, adopting conservation practices (e.g., turning off idle equipment) can increase energy efficiency and prolong the life of your equipment.
[1] Information retrieved from “Energy-Efficient Office Equipment: A Pacific Energy Center Fact Sheet” by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
[2] Information retrieved from “Tips: Home Office and Home Electronics” on the Energy Savers website
[3] Information retrieved from “Energy Reduction Tips That Won’t Break the Bank” by Businessweek.com
[4] Quote retrieved from “Energy-Efficient Office Equipment: A Pacific Energy Center Fact Sheet” by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
[5] Information retrieved from “Tips: Home Office and Home Electronics” on the Energy Savers website
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