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Space that's shared and used by a variety of people often doesn't feel "owned" by anyone. It can be easy for members of organizations to forget to conserve – by turning off lights or turning down the thermostat when they leave. That adds up, and your organization winds up paying for electricity it didn't actually need. Use motion sensors, timers, and other controls so lights and equipment will switch off when they're not in use.

How to take action

  • Determine the places where you could reduce energy use by turning lights out or heating down when not needed. These could include stairwells, parking garages (minimal safety lighting may be maintained at all times with bright lights ready to switch on when a person is present), office spaces, etc.
  • Choose the type of control or sensor that will work best in each situation. Look for options that are eligible for Power Smart incentives [PDF, 49 Kb] where possible; this will reduce the cost of implementation.
  • Consider adding more switches to your lighting circuits to allow area lighting. For example, if a single switch controls lights for your entire office, find out if you can split the circuit into several distinct areas of the room and add switches for each. That way, if only one person is at work they can turn on lights for just their area – or workspaces close to a window can turn off overhead lights on sunny days.
  • Ensure your facility's heat (or cooling) is turned down when no one is present. Install a programmable thermostat, or add an adjustable energy management system.
  • Ensure computers and office machines such as photocopiers, printers, fax machines and coffee makers are switched off when not needed.
  • Watch out for phantom power demand – machines that draw power even when off. Put all such machines on a power strip with timer, or together on a single power strip that can switched off at end of day.
  • Create a lock-up procedure – a list that everyone who uses your space knows to follow when leaving. Ensure that turning off equipment and lights, and turning down the thermostat are on the list.
  • If you aren't able to install switches or controls, at least post signs at each light switch or other equipment switch reminding users to turn it off when not being used.

Why it makes a difference

  • Switching equipment off when not in use helps save money on your power bill. It also helps message your conservation intentions and make them widely visible, since many organizational members or volunteers adjust lights and use equipment.

Last Modified: Apr 19, 2012

 

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