Maximising financial and energy savings in the office
When we save energy in the office, we also make financial savings and increase the visual comfort and well-being of our employees. In fact, more and more businesses are performing workplace energy audits so that they can get a clear idea of how much room there is for improvement and of the changes they need to make.
In this article we will talk about...
- The benefits of an efficient office space
- Detecting inefficiencies
- How to make savings and be more efficient
- SECOM luminaires light the way
When we save energy in the office, we also make financial savings and increase the visual comfort and well-being of our employees. In fact, more and more businesses are performing workplace energy audits so that they can get a clear idea of how much room there is for improvement and of the changes they need to make.
Energy audits address a series of quality and design criteria including, for example, illumination levels and uniformity, shapes and shadows, colour properties and ergonomics in the workplace. When they are all taken into account, they translate into considerable advantages across a range of different areas.
The benefits of an efficient office space
The advantages of creating an efficient office space range from financial savings through to worker well-being and health and safety concerns. By using sustainable work systems and optimising lighting system installation and maintenance, we can also play a part in the fight against climate change.
Some of the benefits enjoyed by the people working in these spaces include increased productivity, fewer errors and decreased fatigue. Stability levels also increase, there tends to be less absenteeism and eye strain, and efficient workplaces also promote employee well-being and comfort.
Detecting inefficiencies
If we want to create a more efficient office space, then we need to begin by performing an energy audit. These audits highlight the least efficient spots in facilities so that businesses can focus on fixing them.
This task needs to be handled by experts who begin by gathering available data about office devices, how old the existing technology is, current consumption levels and actual needs. Audits also take a careful look at factors such as ventilation, heating, cooling systems and illumination.
Once the planning and data collections phases have been completed, the audit moves on to technical and visual inspections, in addition to questionnaires for generating the statistics that will give us our initial feedback. This is followed by implementation of experimental measures that help to verify the data that was collected so that an energy diagnosis can be issued. The outcome is an improvement proposal and final report.
How much does office lighting cost?
Modern LED technology illumination systems in offices can help to make savings of between 25 and 30%. Illumination accounts for approximately 5% of electricity bills in workplaces.
LED lights are the most efficient option when updating these kinds of infrastructures, and this can be further improved by installing sensors that adjust illumination to match actual needs throughout the day.
Making energy savings in offices means using LED technology with built-in sensors and installing luminaires that are specifically adapted to suit the space.
How to make savings and be more efficient
A key aspect of energy consumption savings includes accounting for a suitable combination of luminaires and adjustment devices during the design phase. This means installing suitable lights and a light control system that delivers optimum efficiency. In addition, it is worth adopting some of the measures outlined below that have repeatedly proven to be effective.
Incredibly efficient LED lights
Day in, day out, we are given proof of how efficient LED technology is at decreasing electricity consumption. It can be used to design lighting installations that deliver just the right levels of illumination, uniformity and glare, among other features. This makes for installations that are both financially efficient and energy efficient.
Natural light
With modern-day technology, it is possible to combine artificial and natural light. It can be used to calculate levels of natural light and determine how many luminaires need to be switched on and when. It can also even activate automated shutters and blinds to make the most of daylight hours. This optimises use of natural resources, decreases energy consumption and ultimately improves employee well-being.
Automation that saves money
Bearing the above in mind, automation is the perfect partner for taking energy efficiency to the next level. Features such as motion sensors, illumination controls and luminaire automation and programming software can help to make the very best use of available resources and obtain brilliant results.
SECOM luminaires light the way
There are many different options for companies seeking to replace their current lighting system for more updated modern technology and state-of-the-art products. The following luminaires are suitable for office spaces and focus in particular on optimising resources:
- Cubic. This LED panel has the lowest available UGR and the light it emits is very pleasant indeed.
- Eslim UGR 19. This indoor illumination LED panel has a glare control, making it perfect for workplaces.
- Aliket Basic.With this continuous line system, it is possible to achieve customisation that accounts for installation height and shelf space, transit area width and lighting levels.
- Loop Supra. This recessed LED downlight can deliver excellent levels of visual comfort with no glare.
- LED strip lighting. This option is decorative and discreet. Since it is so versatile, it can adapt to a wide range of spaces including offices, meeting rooms, transit areas and corridors. There are many different models in this range and they are all easy to install.
- Aircom Supra. This LED downlight is particularly suitable for offices and retail premises, and can be fitted at a number of different heights.
All these luminaires can help businesses obtain elevated energy efficiency levels and ensure visual comfort for employees. If we want to make a success of our lighting project, it must address luminaire efficiency; the equipment that needs to be installed so that the systems work well; the characteristics of the premises such as structure, size and reflections; and exactly how much light we need.
