3 Office Space Planning Tips to Reduce Energy Costs

office space planning

A company can save thousands of dollars per year by simply making changes in the office they work at everyday. One of the most important aspects of office space planning involves the creation of an energy efficient environment. It's estimated that tenants control 70% of the energy used in an office building. According to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR, the most energy-efficient buildings use 35% less energy.

Reducing energy costs requires the deliberate integration of multiple strategies and systems. Here are 3 office space planning tips that can make your office setting environmentally-friendly and cut costs simultaneously.

1. Automation and Climate Control

Use an automated logic control (ALC) system along with compatible control equipment to operate the HVAC and electrical systems. An ALC system provides greater zone control because it constantly monitors HVAC equipment. It also adjusts lighting levels according to occupant densities and other environmental dynamics.

At the very least, install a programmable thermostat or standalone controller, which allows you to automatically turn off the HVAC system when the space is unoccupied or closed.

2. Office Lighting Recommendations

Traditionally, office lighting consists of suspended pendants or overhead fluorescent troffers, desk lamps and energy-intensive fluorescent under cabinet fixtures for task lighting needs. Lighting consumes approximately 40% of energy usage for an office setting.

This can have a significant effect on your company’s profitability. For example, if you operate on a 10% profit margin, your company will need to generate $10,000 worth of revenue for every $1,000 increase in energy costs.

Make use of natural daylight with windows and skylights where possible. In addition, there are many excellent technologies that can lower the amount of energy required to light an office space and workstations, including ACL, LEDs and Personal Lighting Systems (PLS).

Since office workers perform most reading and writing on the computer, a PLS makes the most sense. This category of lighting consists of adjustable under-cabinet lighting and high-quality LED desk lights. A PLS connects to a single power module and is controlled by an occupancy sensor.

These office space planning strategies reduce general lighting needs and ensure lights are turned off when not required. They also lower lighting loads without compromising occupant satisfaction and visual acuity.

3. Install Energy-Efficient Office Equipment

You can save energy on computers by purchasing laptops. Beside the added benefit of being portable, laptops use 90% less energy than conventional computers. If you use PCs in your business, consider switching to LED monitors. They require less desk space and less energy to operate.Here are more tips for saving energy with office equipment:

Buy smaller monitors. A 14 inch monitor consumes 35% less energy than their 17 inch counterparts.

Purchase Energy Star computers and office equipment because they have mandatory power management features.

Purchase laser-jet printers, which are 10% more energy efficient.

Studies reveal that 30% of office workers leave their computers on at night. During the office space planning, remind workers to turn off computers, printers, copiers, printers and other equipment to save energy and money.