By Kayla Matthews

Conserving energy has many business benefits that can make your office run more smoothly and bring in profits. If you’re considering implementing energy-efficient practices in your workplace, you might be looking for some specific reasons to make the switch. To give you confidence and change your business for the better, let’s look at five benefits of an energy-efficient office.

1. Healthier Workplace Environment

A sustainable workplace offers many benefits for employees, from improving their health to their happiness. Stress and environmental factors both pose health risks in the workplace, but an improved physical setting can change that. With an energy-efficient office, you might see fewer sick days and turnovers, along with an increase in satisfaction, motivation and productivity.

Air quality and temperature also affect the wellbeing of office workers. Overuse of air conditioning can release toxins and other substances that can have harmful health results into the air. Monitoring the thermal conditions and dampness can make employees feel more at ease, reduce stress levels and lower the spread of illness.

2. Lower Operational Costs

Major businesses and large companies can more readily accept the costs of adopting energy-efficient practices, but in the long run, all businesses can save on costs by choosing sustainable measures. Retrofitting seems expensive while turning a facility green, but once these new features are added, building owners can see a difference in their operating costs.

Less invasive eco-friendly changes are even easier and more cost-effective. Other indirect costs from suppliers and logistics can be reduced by identifying and reducing waste — a pillar of energy efficiency.

3. Reduced Energy Consumption

Business costs such as energy expenses can be cut down with efficient procedures, such as upgrading to LED lights or enhancing ventilation.

Businesses are beginning to recognize the extent and impact of their energy use. A study showed 60 percent of executives expected their energy expenses to rise in the next year. To help keep business booming, they are adopting new practices and cutting back on energy use.

The efforts of using green buildings can produce financial benefits, as owners have seen an average ROI improvement of 19.2 percent for existing building projects. Energy consumption like carbon emissions is dropping, saving businesses substantial money. When you switch to energy efficiency, your sustainable efforts can provide profitable results.

4. Better Public Image

Making environmentally friendly advances gives your company a better reputation in the community and attracts customers or clients. Your brand can appear more responsible and capable to the public once you introduce energy-conserving features. Aiming your campaigns or your company’s values towards eco-friendly principles can communicate care that goes beyond your office’s walls.

5. Higher Market Value for Your Building

Green buildings are becoming more attractive on the market. When you make your building efficient or Energy Star certified, the value goes up. The market demand encourages many building owners to invest in energy-efficient developments.

Occupancy rates climb when businesses give attention to their environment and incorporate sustainable actions. If you decide to sell your building or move locations, a green building can drive your facility’s price up. New commercial real estate is increasingly created with energy considerations in mind.

Energy Efficient Strategies

The following solutions can cut costs and energy use for your company if you’re aiming to pursue green practices.

• Switch from desktops to laptops, because they take significantly less energy to power.
• Add motion sensors for lights so that no one forgets to turn them off at the end of the day.
• Check and replace HVAC filters more often.
• Upgrade old office equipment to energy-efficient models.
• Use LED lights and signs.
• Adjust the thermostat based on the season.

Incorporate Energy-Efficient Habits Into Your Office

While you benefit your workplace by adding sustainable solutions, you’re also helping the environment as a whole. Employees and overall profits can both show positive results when you strive for energy efficiency.

 

About the Author: Kayla Matthews writes about communication and workplace productivity on her blog, Productivity Theory. Her work has also appeared on Talent Culture, MakeUseOf, The Muse and Fast Company.

Featured image: Photo by Siarhei Horbach on Unsplash