Monday, November 23, 2009

Creating a “Culture of Austerity”: Cost Saving Tips For Staff Members

Last week we began a feature in which we gave staff members tips that can be incorporated into everyone’s daily work that will help the Agency reduce expenses. These cost saving tips can make an impact, so please take them into consideration. Remember that you can make a difference! This week we will focus on energy savings. The Agency’s electric bill for fiscal year 2008 was $107,022.56 and for fiscal year 2009 was $97,660.90, so energy consumption is trending in the right direction. Let’s see if we can continue the trend this year!

*Turn off the lights!
Such a simple solution, but one people take for granted every day. Shut the lights off if you leave a room or leave your desk for a meeting or lunch. Shut the lights off in conference rooms that aren’t being used, in restrooms that don’t see much traffic and in co-workers’ offices if they are gone for extended periods of time. Don’t assume that someone else will flick the switch—do it yourself!


*Shut down your computer at the end of day.
Instead of just logging out of the system, make sure to completely shut your computer off. Unplugging it would be helpful as well. If it is plugged in to a power strip, just turn off the strip.


*Unplug items like label makers and battery chargers when not in use.
These devices are using energy even when not in use.


*Turn LCD projectors off when not in use.
They use a lot of electricity, and it’s also important to save the life of the projection lamp, as a new lamp costs close to $300.


So do a quick scan of your office—where can you and your co-workers see that energy is being wasted?

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