To mark World Energy Saving Day on October 21, METRICA is highlighting five habits that help conserve resources in our workplace.
Under the theme “This Is What Saving Energy Sounds Like,” our video captures the sounds of these actions in an ASMR-inspired format. It’s a way to draw attention to small actions that often go unnoticed but are part of a more mindful workplace culture.
Why Is Saving Energy in the Office Important?
Lighting, heating and cooling, and electronic equipment are all part of an office’s daily operations. Using them efficiently helps reduce unnecessary electricity consumption, manage resources more effectively, and reduce the environmental impact associated with that consumption.
Making progress means combining energy efficiency measures with good everyday habits. Having energy-efficient equipment matters, but so does checking when it’s on, how it’s used, and whether it really needs to stay plugged in.
World Energy Saving Day is an opportunity to revisit these practices and keep them going throughout the year.
How to Save Energy in the Office: Five Everyday Actions
1. Unplug Laptops Once They’re Fully Charged
Checking whether a laptop needs to stay plugged in is a simple way to be more mindful of energy use at your workstation.
When the battery is fully charged and external power is no longer needed, you can unplug the laptop, always following the manufacturer’s recommendations and your IT team’s guidance.
Power consumption and battery management vary depending on the device and its settings. This habit should therefore be adapted to each device, rather than assuming it delivers a fixed amount of energy savings.
2. Unplug Devices That Aren’t in Use
Some devices consume electricity even when they aren’t being used. This is known as standby power consumption.
Unplugging devices that don’t need to stay connected can help avoid this energy use. Before doing so, make sure they aren’t devices that need to remain operational, such as certain networking, security, or IT infrastructure systems.
The goal is to identify what needs to stay plugged in and what doesn’t.
3. Make the Most of Natural Light
Opening the blinds and letting in natural light can reduce the need for artificial lighting during part of the workday.
To use it effectively, consider the room’s orientation, screen glare, and everyone’s visual comfort. The key is to use the available light without compromising working conditions.
Turning off lights in areas that aren’t being used also helps prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
4. Use Air Conditioning Responsibly
Heating and cooling affect office energy consumption. Responsible use helps maintain a comfortable environment without resorting to extreme temperature settings.
Recommended practices include:
- Keeping the temperature at a reasonable level, taking into account the space’s conditions and applicable regulations.
- Avoiding leaving doors or windows open while heating or cooling is running.
- Keeping air vents clear.
- Reporting any issues so the system’s operation can be checked.
Coordinating its use in shared spaces also supports more efficient energy management.
5. Turn Off Lights and Equipment at the End of the Workday
The end of the day is a good time to check what needs to stay on and what can be turned off.
Turning off lights and electronic devices that are no longer needed prevents them from continuing to consume energy outside working hours. These checks should always follow internal policies and each device’s operational requirements.
A simple end-of-day routine can include:
- Turning off lights at your workstation and in empty spaces.
- Turning off monitors and equipment that don’t need to remain operational.
- Checking for accessories or chargers that have been left plugged in unnecessarily.
- Making sure shared spaces are left as required by workplace procedures.
Building a Culture of Energy Conservation Together
Saving energy in the office doesn’t depend solely on the technology installed. It also requires information, coordination, and participation from the people who use those spaces.
Sharing clear recommendations and making these actions part of everyday work routines helps turn them into lasting habits. While the impact of each action varies, they all contribute to a more responsible use of resources.
At METRICA, we believe that our commitment to more responsible technology is also reflected in how we work every day. Making the most of natural light, checking what’s plugged in, and turning off what we no longer need are practical ways to put that commitment into action.
This World Energy Saving Day, the invitation is simple: pay attention to our habits and keep up these good practices beyond this date. Because saving energy is also part of caring for the future.
