Save Money – Turn Computers off at Night

More than 31 million of the country’s 104 million office computers are left on overnight.  According to the campaign survey “across the nation, this adds up to more than $1.72 billion dollars and almost 15 million tons of CO2 emissions.”

It is a cost per employee of about $150 per year to power a computer overnight…essentially that is not being used. Implement an office campaign to turn computers off at night. Having trouble remembering? Set Outlook to send you a reminder every day 15 minutes before you typically leave.

Or entice your IT department to purchase an IT system that will do it for you such as Verdiem Software. This software allows for power management settings to be controlled by a central server system. Essentially it can turn off all computers in an organization at the same time.

Green Office Cleaning

Most offices have a janitorial or custodial vendor who cleans offices. It is important to have your vendors support your organizations sustainability program.To encourage ‘green’ cleaning ask your vendor for the following;

• Use green cleaning supplies. Make sure cleaning supplies are non-toxic and eco-friendly. Seventh Generation and All Green have a great line of cleaning products.
  
• Turn off lights. Ask your janitorial staff to turn off all lights upon leaving the building. This supports accountability with this simple energy saving action.
• Provide recycling and waste data. In order to improve recycling and waste management it is important to get data from your janitorial staff on the usage of receptacles along with rate of recycling. Make sure your janitorial staff is managing waste responsibly.