Energy efficient equipment overview

What contributes to equipment efficiency?

Increasing the efficiency of your office equipment means making better use of what is already in use and replacing older, inefficient models with modern alternatives for better performance. "Equipment" refers to all office basics such as computers, monitors, server printers and photocopiers, as well as kitchen items such as fridges, microwaves, kettles and more.

Why upgrade equipment?

Computers and office equipment such as printers, photocopiers and fax machines can typically contribute between 30 and 55 per cent of tenant energy use. Companies need to consider not just purchase price, but day-to-day running costs when evaluating purchase options. With the rapid rate of development in equipment, efficiency of most items has at least doubled in the last ten years. Choosing or leasing the right machines for your office will have significant impacts on your energy use and costs.

How to upgrade

The steps to take for equipment energy savings are:

  • audit the equipment currently in use and its greenhouse gas impact
  • identify changes in behaviours or available settings to minimise electricity waste
  • investigate possible investment in new equipment including ways to reduce capital costs.

All these activities can form part of an overall Energy Action Planning process which tackles a range of tasks including behaviour change programs and technology upgrades.
 


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