Whats the most important thing we can do to cut the energy use of our office equipment?
In a typical office, computers far outweigh all other office equipment in terms of energy consumption. When buying new computers, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified models, which use up to 75 per cent less electricity than nonqualified ones, while costing about the same amount to buy. Check Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency website for lists of qualified models: Under new, 2007 regulations, qualified products must meet even stricter energy-use guidelines in three modes: operating, standby and sleep. These computers must also include a more efficient internal power supply. Where practical, consider buying laptop computers, which each use roughly 220 kilowatt hours (or $22) less electricity per year than desktops, while also requiring less energy and material to manufacture. Laptops can also be hooked up to desktop keyboards and monitors.
