Want to get serious about saving energy, there’s still more you can do.
The most obvious energy issues in your buildings – the ones having to do with efficient, effective operation of building systems – have probably been noted (and addressed). But, we’re betting that the 11 items mentioned here are things you’ve never realized could make such a big dent in your energy management program.
1: LEAVING ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES TURNED ON
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, office equipment makes up about 16 percent of an office’s energy use. And, in U.S. organizations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than $1 billion each year is frittered away on electricity for computer monitors that are left on. But, there are a few things you can do to keep office equipment from using unreasonable amounts of power.
One viable option for computers: Install power-management software to control monitors and CPUs. It allows computer equipment to enter sleep mode during idle periods. While this might seem like an insignificant action, sleep mode can slash energy expenses by up to 50 percent.
As Pradeep Kapadia, president of energy services at Elk Grove Village, IL-based Lime Energy, points out, the EPA provides free power-management software to anyone who wants it: “You can download it on an individual basis or on a network basis (to allow the entire network to go to sleep when a keyboard is not touched for a certain amount of time).” And, to put many IT and FM concerns to rest, the software won’t cause any problems with network security.
Whether you’re using the EPA’s power-management software or another version, the EPA recommends that computers enter standby (hibernate) after 30 to 60 minutes of inactivity. Desktops and laptops vary in terms of power settings/options: On laptops, change the settings for AC power DC (battery) power. To be even more proactive, you can set monitors to enter sleep mode after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.
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