by Jbs091308c — September 15, 2008—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a new online tool, Energy Star @ Work, to provide Americans with tips and information on how to save energy and protect the environment in the workplace.
According to EPA, energy use in commercial buildings and manufacturing plants accounts for nearly half of US greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 50 percent of energy consumption nationwide. With the average American worker spending almost 8 hours a day at their place of employment, the workplace offers a unique opportunity for people to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change, asserts EPA.
Energy Star @ Work is an animated image of a typical office work space with tips and links to valuable information employees can use on a daily basis, from starting a Green Team in the office to simply changing a desk lamp bulb. Simple actions by employees can make a big difference in the overall energy performance of a building, asserts EPA. Some of the tips included in the Energy Star @ Work tool include:
- Replace the bulbs in desk lamps with Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Use a power strip as a central “turn off” point when you are done using office equipment to completely disconnect the power supply.
- Turn off lights when leaving conference rooms and your work space, especially at the end of the day.
- Use Energy Star-qualified battery chargers or power adapters which, on average, use 30-35 percent less energy than conventional models
EPA also offers energy-saving tips for building managers, executives, and small businesses; information on taking the Energy Star Challenge; and a downloadable tip card to pass along to friends, family, and coworkers.
