Even small businesses in Singapore consume a lot of energy because of our reliance on electronic appliances. While most are focused on making profit, it is also important to highlight how best to streamline operating costs by cutting down on the energy used without sacrificing efficiency.

Here are energy-saving tips you should practice at the office.

Use natural lighting during the day. If your office has a lot of windows, then you are lucky because you have a source for natural light. As long as the area is not getting direct sunlight, natural lighting is free, more effective than artificial lights, and can create a more relaxing ambiance.

Use only energy efficient devices. There are a lot of choices today when it comes to energy efficient appliances from fixtures to computers. If your office has been relying on old models, now is the time to invest in better, faster, and more efficient new models.

Do not use old equipment. Old appliances and other equipment not only can’t keep up with the demands of most jobs today, but they also use up a lot of unnecessary energy. Just because you are okay with old stuff does not mean you’re saving money. They will also break down more easily and cost more for repairs.

Make use of energy saving features. Most modern devices have an energy saving feature that can be activated with just a press of a button. This can cut energy costs especially during breaks or idle time.

Laptops are better than desktops. On average, laptops consume less energy than desktop computers. This is good news for companies not only to save on the initial cost but the maintenance and operating costs as well. If possible, always opt for a laptop.

Smaller computer monitors. If some of the employees can do their work better on a desktop, invest in small energy-efficient monitors. There is no need for large monitors unless the employee is working on design and art.

Use the printer sparingly. Unless you need a physical copy of a document, there are many ways to record and send messages these days including emails, cloud storage, and instant messaging.

Invest in better ventilation. Better cooling does not mean just installing an air conditioning system, but also making sure that the entire office is well-ventilated. You can do this by improving air circulation and observing regular maintenance of your HAVC. You AC system should also have a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperature without manually operating it.

Replace your fixtures. For offices that do not get enough natural lighting, invest in quality LED and CFL lights that not only have long lifespans but are also energy efficient.

Invest in plug load controllers. If your office has several cubicles in it, it is easier to control individual power usage with a load surge suppressor. You can be assured that an unoccupied cubicle is not consuming power that way.