In the spirit of the Christmas season, let’s sing along and learn the 12 best ways to save energy and reduce carbon emissions in your business. Each day introduces a simple, cost-free action, building towards a greener and more efficient workplace.
On the first day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
A plan to turn off unused machines.
- Task: Switch off computers, monitors, printers, and office equipment when not in use.
- Purpose: Avoid “phantom energy” or standby consumption overnight and during weekends.
- Advantage: Reduces energy waste by up to 10% and saves money instantly.
On the second day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Two thermostat tweaks,
- Task: Adjust your thermostat by lowering it 1°C in winter and raising it slightly in summer.
- Purpose: Small temperature changes can significantly reduce heating and cooling energy.
- Advantage: For every 1°C change, energy costs drop by up to 10%. Comfort levels are maintained.
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the third day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Three sunlit desks,
- Task: Rearrange workspaces to make use of natural daylight by opening blinds and moving desks closer to windows.
- Purpose: Reduce reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours.
- Advantage: Improves employee mood and productivity while cutting lighting energy use.
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Four energy hunts,
- Task: Organize a team energy hunt to find lights, vents, and equipment left on unnecessarily.
- Purpose: Identify areas of energy waste while engaging staff in sustainability goals.
- Advantage: Raises awareness and fosters team involvement in energy-saving habits.
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
- Task: Switch off lights in unused spaces, such as meeting rooms, bathrooms, and storage areas.
- Purpose: Lights left on unnecessarily contribute to high energy costs.
- Advantage: Immediate energy savings with no cost; habits reinforced with reminders.
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Six cleared-out vents,
- Task: Ensure heating and cooling vents are clear of obstructions like furniture, boxes, or dust.
- Purpose: Blocked vents force HVAC systems to work harder, wasting energy.
- Advantage: Improves airflow and efficiency, making heating and cooling more effective.
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Seven remote workers,
- Task: Allow employees to work remotely when feasible to reduce energy use in the office.
- Purpose: Fewer people in the office means less energy for lighting, heating, and equipment.
- Advantage: Reduces office energy consumption and commuting emissions.
Six cleared-out vents,
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Eight energy reports,
- Task: Request free energy consumption reports from your utility provider to analyse peak usage times.
- Purpose: Identify patterns of energy waste and opportunities for better management.
- Advantage: Data-driven decisions lead to smarter energy use without guesswork.
Seven remote workers,
Six cleared-out vents,
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Nine plugs unplugged,
- Task: Unplug chargers, microwaves, and devices that continue to draw power in standby mode.
- Purpose: Standby energy adds up, especially overnight and on weekends.
- Advantage: Reduces energy waste by up to 10% of your total electricity use.
Eight energy reports,
Seven remote workers,
Six cleared-out vents,
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Ten Zoom meetings,
- Task: Replace non-essential in-person meetings with virtual calls.
- Purpose: Cut emissions and costs related to business travel.
- Advantage: Saves time, reduces transport emissions, and supports collaboration.
Nine plugs unplugged,
Eight energy reports,
Seven remote workers,
Six cleared-out vents,
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Eleven energy lessons,
- Task: Educate employees on energy-saving practices through quick “lunch and learns.”
- Purpose: Build a culture of energy efficiency and awareness.
- Advantage: Employee engagement and long-term behavioural changes.
Ten Zoom meetings,
Nine plugs unplugged,
Eight energy reports,
Seven remote workers,
Six cleared-out vents,
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my business gave to me:
Twelve off-peak tasks,
- Task: Schedule energy-heavy tasks, like dishwashing, printing, or recharging devices, for off-peak hours.
- Purpose: Take advantage of lower carbon intensity during off-peak times.
- Advantage: Reduces energy demand when the grid is cleaner and often cheaper.
Eleven energy lessons,
Ten Zoom meetings,
Nine plugs unplugged,
Eight energy reports,
Seven remote workers,
Six cleared-out vents,
FIVE SWITCHED-OFF LIGHTS!
Four energy hunts,
Three sunlit desks,
Two thermostat tweaks,
And a plan to turn off unused machines.
A Green Gift That Keeps on Giving
By implementing these 12 simple, no-cost energy-saving steps, your business can reduce its carbon footprint, save money, and set the stage for a greener new year.
Happy Holidays, and may your days be merry, bright, and energy-efficient!
While You Are Here…
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