Office equipment accounts for approximately 20% of electricity used in the commercial sector. ENERGY STAR is an energy efficiency standard for office equipment. Simply by purchasing ENERGY STAR enabled equipment, which can be programmed to switch to a low power mode if not in use for a specified period, significant savings can be made. Other benefits include: a reduction in office noise level as the equipment powers down when not in use. less heat is produced, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable workspace and a reduction in air-conditioning costs. equipment has an extended life and offers decreased maintenance.

Using energy-efficient office equipment can reduce energy consumption of individual products by over 50%.

Taking Action

1. Enable ENERGY STAR on existing equipment.

• Computers – Use the simple guide to enabling ENERGY STAR on your PC at http://www.energystar.gov.au or talk to your IT manager about enabling the power-saving feature on PCs throughout the organisation. Consider password–protecting the ENERGY STAR control menu so it can’t be disabled.
• Photocopiers, fax machines and printers. Ask your maintenance person to enable ENERGY STAR.

2. Implement a purchasing policy to ensure your organisation only purchases ENERGY STAR enabled equipment. Make sure you specify that the equipment is to be enabled upon delivery.

3. Educate employees about the benefits of activating and using ENERGY STAR enabled equipment. Negotiate with staff to agree on a convenient time delay to use before the power down activates.