Saving energy in the office

In times of climate change and rising energy prices, it is up to all of us to use resources responsibly, and sustainability is one of the issues of the decade. But how can you save energy in your daily office routine without affecting your work? In this article, I'll share 10 simple measures you can take to make your workplace greener in no time. Let's get started!

10 simple tips for more sustainability in the workplace

1. Lights out! The first tip may sound obvious, but it's extremely effective: turn off the lights when you leave a room. An energy-saving lamp may use less electricity than an incandescent bulb, but they still add up when they're left on for hours unnecessarily. Even better: use natural daylight whenever possible. This not only protects the environment, but is also good for your eyes and your well-being.

2. Standby was yesterday. Computers, printers, coffee machines – many office devices often continue to run in standby mode, even when they are not needed. They consume electricity unnecessarily. My tip: always turn devices off when you're not using them. For PCs and laptops, it's usually enough to shut them down. For other devices, it's worth getting a switchable power strip so you can conveniently disconnect them from the mains.

3. Heating with brains Admittedly, no one wants to be cold in the office. But does it really always have to be nice and warm? Even a degree less can significantly reduce energy consumption. As a rule of thumb, 20 degrees is quite sufficient for desk work. If it is colder, a warm sweater often helps. And remember to turn down the heat before you air out the room – otherwise you'll literally be heating out the window.

4. Save paper: Paper is far from obsolete in the digital age. In many offices, printouts and copies pile up – often unnecessarily. A few simple tricks can save a lot of paper and thus energy: Avoid printing if possible. Use the preview function and print on both sides. And use scratch paper for internal notes.

5. Light, air and plants: Air conditioning is an often underestimated energy guzzler in the office. Yet a more pleasant atmosphere can often be created with natural means: air regularly, preferably with a through draught. Use external blinds to keep out the sun before it gets too warm. And don't forget plants – they improve the indoor climate and bind pollutants.

6. Conscious consumption You can also pay attention to sustainability when purchasing office materials. For example, give preference to recycled paper or products made from renewable raw materials. When buying new equipment such as PCs or printers, look for energy efficiency – it's worth taking a look at quality seals such as the Blue Angel. And question your needs: do we really need this? Many things can also be repaired or shared.

7. Strong together Speaking of community: saving energy in the office works best as a team. Talk to your colleagues, exchange ideas and encourage each other to adopt sustainable behavior. You could even turn it into a competition: which team saves the most energy? That way, it's twice the fun.

8. Clever room planning You can also save a lot of energy when designing office spaces. A well-thought-out arrangement of desks and cabinets often allows for more efficient use of heating and lighting. Light colors on walls and ceilings reflect light better and create a friendly atmosphere. And where light is needed permanently, motion detectors or timers are often worthwhile.

9. Use technology smartly: Modern technology can be an ally when it comes to saving energy, if you use it sensibly. For example, activate the energy-saving options on your PC. Use your smartphone for short messages instead of booting up your computer. And rely on smart control systems that only activate heating and lights when they are needed.

10. Be creative! The last and perhaps most important tip: think for yourself and be creative! Often it's the little things that add up to make a big difference. A jug of coffee instead of lots of individual cups, a bicycle instead of a company car, a second-hand folding chair – there are countless ways to make your office more sustainable. Don't be afraid to try new things and contribute your own ideas.

Summary: Every contribution counts!

Saving energy in the office may sound like a chore at first glance. But it is also a great opportunity – for ourselves, for our companies and for the environment. Every step, no matter how small, towards sustainability is a step in the right direction. And often it is even fun to work together to find creative solutions and make a difference. With this in mind: Let's get started!