Choose ENERGY
STAR computers, printers,
copiers and other office equipment
Today's Workplaces Are Power Hungry
Office buildings consume operating budgets as voraciously
as they consume energy. In fact, office building energy bills are
the highest of any commercial building type. While heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting are still the big power
consumers, office equipment now accounts for almost 16% of an office
building's energy use.
Reducing energy use and costs in the workplace can
be challenging, particularly since workers and tenants are often
unaware of facility expenses. For bottom-line savings, office building
designers, owners, and operators are looking to energy-efficient
building design and technologies.
The Good News?
Using energy-efficient design and technologies in constructing
new office buildings can cut energy costs by as much as 50%. Energy-smart
office buildings incorporate efficient lighting and daylighting
systems, as well as advanced windows, roofing, insulation, and mechanical
and ventilation systems. These high-performance building designs
also consider the use of renewable energy systems, water conservation
features, recycling and waste management systems, and environmentally-sensitive
building products and systems.
In addition to cutting operating costs, energy-smart office buildings
can actually enhance the comfort and performance of workers and
boost productivity. Many of the same measures that improve a building's
energy performance also make it a more comfortable place to work.
Employees benefit from the use of daylighting and non-toxic chemicals,
plus better temperature control, ventilation, and indoor air quality.
With the high cost of labor, payback on energy features is shortened
even further when savings from reduced absenteeism are combined
with energy cost savings. Energy-efficient building features also
help building owners attract and retain tenants.
In existing buildings, renovations that replace older systems
with more efficient technology can yield savings of up to 30%, with
the same positive impact on building comfort. A quick way to realize
savings of 10% or more—at little or no cost—is to effectively
operate and maintain existing systems. Energy-smart behavior, such
as turning off lights when leaving a room, helps reduce energy use.
Automated controls like occupancy sensors and programmable thermostats
ensure reduced energy use in unoccupied offices or infrequently
used areas like conference rooms.
