Energy-Saving Tips for the Office
From the Mack-Cali Corporate Energy Group

  • Office Lights—Lighting energy consumes about 40% of all electricity used in a typical office. Make sure all lights are turned off after normal business hours and in unused areas during the business day. If you or others are working off-hours, use only the lights needed for these areas.

  • Task Lights—Cubicles often have built-in lighting systems that ensure desk surfaces are adequately illuminated—make sure they are switched off at the end of the business day. These fixtures usually have a small toggle switch mounted on the fixture base. Personal occupancy sensors make saving energy effortless. This device can be used to automatically power down task lighting systems and other loads, such as laser printers and computer monitors that are not needed when the occupant is absent. These devices also have standard non-switched power strip outlets. Shown here is Model Isolé® IDP-3050 Plug Load Control from Watt Stopper, which can be purchased for $70 each and installs like a power strip. Contact Jeffrey Grant at 732-590-1527 for information on purchasing these personal occupancy sensors.

  • Laser Printers and PC Monitors—Have you ever strolled through your office after hours and noticed how many laser printers are standing by ready to print and counted the number of PC monitors that display someone's favorite screen saver all night long? Ask your staff to power down the company laser printers and their monitors at the end of the day, or install a personal occupancy sensors like the one described above to automatically turn off the equipment.

  • Copy Machines—If the laser printers are left on in your office, chances are the copy machines are, too. Make a rule that the last person leaving the area switch off the copy machine on his or her way out.

  • Energy Star Label—When purchasing new electrical office equipment such as photo copiers, laser printers and PCs, make sure the manufacturer certifies the device meets the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) efficiency standards by carrying the Energy Star Label. Energy Star Products use less energy than other products, save you money on utility bills, and help protect the environment.

    See www.epa.gov/energystar.html for more information and a list of Energy Star Products.