For businesses, reducing expenses such as power bills is always high on the priority list – but how can you tackle energy efficiency in a corporate office?
Whether we like it or not, the way we work, eat, and play has changed for the foreseeable future. In turn, businesses from all sectors have been forced to adapt accordingly, with even the humble office workspace getting a makeover. With hybrid remote employment agreements, social distancing and density requirements now regarded as the ‘new normal’, the simple fact of the matter is that how we need our workplaces to function isn’t quite the same as it once was.
In turn, many enterprises have embraced an office refit or renovation as a means to adapt accordingly. While health and safety is of course a top priority, so too is harnessing the power of technology as a means to boost energy efficiency. Not only is this philosophy helping to save the planet, but energy efficient workplaces can also help to cut down business outgoings and expenses, particularly when many enterprises have already had a turbulent or difficult year.
Defining An Energy Efficient Office
Overall, energy efficiency is a big concept that can be difficult to define. In a commercial environment, it’s not as simple as swapping out a few light bulbs. Rather, the term can be used to describe any tangible attempt to improve energy productivity and achieve the same outcomes, while using fewer resources.
In a nutshell, most offices are in use for approximately fifty to sixty hours each week. In simple terms, any appliances or electrical goods left on outside of these hours is wasting energy and money. Using office machines as efficiently as possible can cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and may even extend the life of the machine. It’s also a good reason to aim for going paperless, and introducing integrated technology into your workplace as a means to give your overall energy efficiency a boost.
If you’re already in the process of planning an office refit or renovation, it’s important not to forget about energy efficiency. Not only are there legal obligations that are outlined in Australia’s relevant building codes, but it’s also important to think ahead for the future and incorporate technologies that will help to ensure your workplace isn’t still in the dark ages – so where do you start?
Tackle Insulation – Heating and cooling costs make up an average of about 35% of a buildings energy costs, and account for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. The correct type of insulation installed professionally can save up to 40% of heating and cooling energy costs, and should be the first port of call for any workplace looking to improve their energy efficiency.
Consider Solar Power – Providing that your office building has the external space to accommodate them, ‘clean energy’ solar power panels have been known to reduce commercial monthly power bills by up to 75%. When deployed with other energy saving measures, this number can be even greater.
Modern Appliances – Appliances can account for around 30% of an office’s energy use, so choosing the most efficient products for things like fridges, computers, printers and even televisions can unexpectedly bring big savings. It’s also important to remember that computers still suck up power if they’re not turned off, so make sure you don’t rely on ‘power saver’ mode.
Fix Any Leaks – Heat and cold drafts can move through glass, wood, brick, cracks, and gaps. In turn, it’s only natural that we crank up air regulation systems as a means to cope with these leaks, but they do very much eat away at your power output. Consider upgrading to weather-sealed, energy efficient windows or retrofit existing windows with double glazing.
Company Culture – Even if you do introduce all of the above measures as a means to boost your office or workplace’s energy efficiency, your efforts must be matched by the staff members that use the space. Encourage and foster a company culture that actively turns appliances and lights off at the end of each working day, using less paper, and recycling whenever possible.
As we all continue to adapt to this new world, if you’re weighing up your options when it comes to undertaking an office renovation that includes improvements to your energy efficiency, it’s important to partner with a reputable provider who knows what they are doing – but where do you find one?
Partnering With The Professionals For An Office Renovation
Whether you’re considering a residential or commercial facelift, it’s always important to speak to a professional before you start tearing down a wall or two. In operation for over ten years, Brisbane based Kibo Constructions believe that quality, reliable workmanship with an honest approach shouldn’t be the exception to the rule.
With a wealth of experience in office fitouts already under our belts, our in house joinery provides access to having your very own custom home furniture and features such as tables, desks, shelves and drawers to fit any space or design requirements necessary. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that the entire process is both a transparent and enjoyable experience from start to finish – after all, undertaking a construction project shouldn’t be painful.
If you know that there’s an upcoming project for you, your brand or your business, we would love the opportunity to provide a quote – you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. As we specialise in commercial, hospitality and residential fit out options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, please get in touch to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.