[b]Energy (equipment)[/b]
[ul]
[li] Purchase new equipment with high energy-star efficiency rating (visit www.energystar.gov.au and www.energyrating.gov.au for details)[/li]
[li] Switch off computers at night – standby still uses power[/li]
[li] Use the power saving function in the ‘Display’ settings of your computer. (Screen savers are no longer necessary on most computers.)[/li]
[li] Use stickers and posters to remind your staff to save energy[/li]
[/ul]
[b]Energy (heating & cooling)[/b]
[ul]
[li] Minimise the hours of operation for heating and air conditioning systems – do not leave them on 24hrs a day[/li]
[li] Use outside conditions where possible – keeping doors and windows open can be quite comfortable when the temperature is between around 19°-26° degrees[/li]
[li] Insulate areas to be heated and cooled and avoid heating/cooling areas that are rarely or never used[/li]
[li] Consider double glazing windows[/li]
[li] Shade north facing windows from the sun during warmer months[/li]
[li] Use fans rather than ‘power hungry’ air conditioners where appropriate[/li]
[/ul]
[b]
Energy (lighting)[/b]
[ul]
[li] Turn off when not needed. Labeling light switches will make this easier for staff[/li]
[li] Replace incandescent globes with compact fluorescent (energy saving) globes over time[/li]
[li] Place workstations over lit areas or similarly position lights over existing workstations[/li]
[li] Consider using sensors[/li]
[li] Maximise the use of natural light where possible[/li]
[/ul]
[b]Paper[/b]
[ul]
[li] Use recycled paper for printers – many good options are currently available on the market. Click [url=http://www.wilderness.org.au/pdf/final_paper_leaflet_dec04.pdf]here for a guide[/url] (PDF)[/li]
[li] Set up duplex printing on computers/printers as the default option[/li]
[li] Use the double-sided facility on photocopiers and make sure staff know how to use it[/li]
[li] Actively discourage the unnecessary printing of emails[/li]
[li] Have a ‘one used’ paper tray next to printers and on desks[/li]
[li] Make pads & scrap books from once used paper[/li]
[li] Encourage electronic document storage and only use hard copies when completely necessary[/li]
[/ul]
[b]Waste & Recycling[/b]
[ul]
[li] Implement a recycling system particularly for paper[/li]
[li] Recycle your printer cartridges[/li]
[li] Recycle your electronic equipment (computers faxes etc)[/li]
[/ul]
[b]In the kitchen[/b]
[b]Energy: Fridges[/b]
[ul]
[li] Service periodically particularly motor & seals[/li]
[li] Check temperature settings using a thermometer. Fridges should be set to around 3°-5° degrees C and freezers set to -15° to -18° degrees C[/li]
[li] Defrost if necessary[/li]
[li] Keep coils at rear clean and clear[/li]
[li] Locate away from heat[/li]
[/ul]
[b]
Hot / Boiling Water[/b]
[ul]
[li] Ensure hot water pipes are properly insulated[/li]
[li] Consider installing a solar hot water system[/li]
[li] Check that your hot water service is set to between 50° – 65° degrees C.[/li]
[li] Install AAA rated shower heads and aerators on taps – reduced flows translates to lower heating costs[/li]
[li] Boil only the water you need for tea & coffee – use a kettle form small numbers of people and an urn for larger offices[/li]
[li] If you have an urn install a timer and make sure it’s turned off over night and on weekends[/li]
[/ul]
[b]Other Kitchen Considerations[/b]
[ul]
[li] Minimise the use of disposable cups & plates[/li]
[li] Use a compost bin (or even worm farm) for kitchen scraps[/li]
[/ul]
Source: [url=http://tool.ncsustainability.com.au/information-bank_green-office.aspx]http://tool.ncsustainability.com.au/information-bank_green-office.aspx[/url]