Turn Lights Off When Not In Use

Affordability

Turning off lights is easy and free. Invest time to promote this shift among your staff.

Cost savings

Turning off the lights in an unoccupied room instantly halts the corresponding energy use, benefiting your bottom-line as well the planet. The dollar savings will vary depending on the type light you turn off and how it remains off, but the moment a light is out, your saving begins.

Environmental considerations

There is no requisite equipment, which saves product manufacture, shipping and disposal. Engaging your staff in this practice is a great way to initiate a culture of conservation for your business. 

Turning off unnecessary lights has a positive environmental impact by reducing the light that may be cast up into the sky, preserving our view of the stars.

What you need to know

• Develop a workplace policy to turn off lights whenever an area is unoccupied, including common areas such as copy rooms, break rooms, conference rooms and washrooms.  
• Post reminders next to light switches to increase compliance.
• Label electrical switches and panels to identify switches that need to be left on at all times, or during business hours only. You may have other equipment that can be turned off after hours for additional savings. If you are unsure, ask an electrician or BC Hydro representative for details.
• To get staff to adopt this habit sooner, offer incentives for turning off unnecessary lights, or include energy efficient practices in all job descriptions.

Taking it further

•  Install occupancy sensors to turn lights off automatically when an area is unoccupied. Sensors have come a long way since the first models that sometimes left people in the dark. Making the switch can save 15-80% of lighting energy. In addition, sensors come on when there is someone present, making a space like a parking area or an entrance more comfortable and secure. Sensors work best in spaces that are often unoccupied, including some offices, warehouses, storerooms, restrooms, loading docks, corridors, stairwells, office lounges and conference rooms.
• If you can control lights from separate switches, you may be able to turn off up to half of them for considerable energy savings. Even if you have to rewire the lighting system to permit partial lighting, the payback from energy savings and increased lamp life may make the investment worthwhile. See our retrofit your light system tip for more ideas.
• Install timers or photocells to control outdoor lights. Photocells will automatically turn lights on at dusk.
• Turn off lights wherever there is adequate natural light. Rethink the layout of your workspace to make the most of windows, skylights and other natural lighting. There are also features like light shelves that help capture natural light and bounce it off ceilings. You can also replace light fixtures with natural light even in areas set back from windows. To learn more, see our making the most of natural light tip.

FAQ

Does it take more energy to turn a light back on than is saved by turning it off for a short period of time? 
No. In most situations, there is no difference in the energy needed to turn a light on or to keep it on; and when turned off, a light uses no power.

Will turning lights on and off wear out the light bulbs faster?
While it is true that Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) can be sensitive to rapid on/off cycling in situations where only brief illumination is required, it is still better to turn lights off, even when it’s only for a few minutes. The energy savings will considerably offset any reduction in lamp life.