Aside from implementing new policies focused on advancing alternative energy and redistributing electricity usage, Israel can also fight its energy crisis through energy efficiency. Quite simply, energy efficiency is performing the same tasks using less energy. This can be accomplished by being appliances, such as refrigerators, TVs, and washing machines that are more energy efficient. Investing in energy efficient supplies will benefit you by reducing your electricity bill and benefit the environment by reducing emissions from energy production.
Energy Efficiency at work
As energy prices increase and the environmental effects of greenhouse gases become clearer, the business sector is searching for effective solutions.
So what can a company really do to reduce its GHG emissions, become greener and save money? Here are some tips…
1. Increase energy efficiency in office
Information about energy consumption: An “electricity usage monitor" will allow real time display of electricity usage and is the first step on the path of reducing energy consumption.
Lighting:
Use sunlight. Allow in direct sunlight in as much as possible; it creates a healthier working environment and saves energy. Good shading from awnings, overhangs or trees can reduce direct sunlight while still allowing light to enter the room.
Change your light bulbs. Change to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) or LED (Light Emitting Diode). Stay away from Halogen or incandescent lamps.
Refrigerators, Air-conditioners, Computers and Appliances:
Get the most energy efficient appliances available. It may cost more at first, but will save money throughout the lifespan of the product.
Office Technology:
Information Technology typically uses 30% to 40% of a company’s power.
Use power management options on your local computer. For PCs: From your “Start” menu, choose “Control Panel”. Double-click on “Power Options”. On the “Power Schemes” tab, adjust your options so that the monitor and hard disks turn off after a shorter time, and the system will go into standby then hibernate in a shorter period of time. For Macs: In “System Preferences” click on “Energy Saver” set your battery and power adapter setting to “Better Energy Savings.”
Plug all of the electronics at your desk into a power strip and turn the power strip off when you leave. Did you ever notice that the plug for your cell-phone charger is warm? That is because it is drawing electricity, even when it’s not charging your phone. This is known as “Phantom Power” and by unplugging unused electronics and charging devices, you can save a lot of energy.
Consider increasing server room density and changing your layout to improve cooling efficiency.
Central Controls:
Automatic switches for turning-off air-conditioning and lights can reduce energy consumption significantly – 14-16% averaged at test cases.
Set air conditioners and thermostats to no more than 22°C during the winter and no less than 25°C during the summer.
Use central monitoring equipment to turn off computers (into hibernate mode) – this can save 3-5% of entire energy use as well as reduce information technology costs.
The Small Office Building:
Good insulation. in windows and walls can reduce energy consumption for cooling and heating.
Good shade. Planting a tree or installing awnings can reduce the amount of energy used for cooling.
Operable Windows. Make sure the windows in the office building can be opened; use fresh air instead of air conditioning in the autumn and spring.
Monitor electricity usage over the weekend. Reduce unnecessary elements used over weekend.
2. Increase Efficiency Getting to the Office
Employee incentives and benefits should be compatible with policies of corporate social responsibility: Employees should be rewarded for use of sustainable transportation (public, bicycle, carpools, pedestrian) rather than for use of the private car (company cars, etc).
Encourage Bicycle Usage. Build secure bicycle parking and clean showering facilities.
Encourage Public Transit Usage. Provide shuttles from local train stations or cities to the office. If possible – choose an office location near public transit.
Encourage Carpooling, Fuel Efficiency and Trip Reduction. Provide an electronic and/or physical bulletin board to help people find rides. Reserve the best parking spaces for registered car-pools and label the spaces clearly. If your company provides leased cars to employees, consider the following policies:
1) Eliminate free petrol.
2) Lease fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles.
Allow employees to work from home. Working from home one day a week can save 20% of the petrol consumed for travel to work.
3. Generate Clean Energy on Your Rooftop
In Israel, PV feed-in tariffs have been approved and can be very profitable.
Wind turbines on tall buildings can be very efficient, and can supply a portion of the energy consumed in the office.
4. Offset Your Carbon Use
Calculate the amount of energy your company uses (flights, car usage, electricity) and support projects that reduce the amount of Greenhouse Gasses in the same amount.
5. Invest in Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Start-ups
Energy Efficiency at home
As energy prices increase, and the environmental effects of greenhouse gases become clearer, homeowners and renters alike are looking for opportunities to save money and increase comfort where they can.
So what can an individual really do to reduce its GHG emissions, become greener and save money? Here are some tips…
1. Increase energy efficiency around the house.
Information about energy consumption: An “electricity usage monitor" will allow real time display of electricity usage, and is the first step on the path to reduce consumption.
Lighting:
Use sunlight. Allow indirect sunlight in as much as possible; it creates a healthier working environment and saves energy. Good shading from awnings, overhangs or trees can reduce direct sunlight while still allowing light to enter the room.
Change your light bulbs. Change to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) or LED (Light Emitting Diode). Do NOT use Halogen or incandescent lamps.
Get the most energy efficient appliances available. Sometimes, it costs more at first, but pays back throughout the lifespan of the product. Oftentimes the non-energy savings can be substantial. For example, new energy efficient front-load washing machines can save substantial amounts in water and detergent costs in addition to energy usage.
Use power management options on your local computer. For PCs: From your “Start” menu, choose “Control Panel”. Double-click on “Power Options”. On the “Power Schemes” tab, adjust your options so that the monitor and hard disks turn off after a shorter time, and the system will go into standby then hibernate in a shorter period of time. For Macs: In “System Preferences” click on “Energy Saver” set your battery and power adapter setting to “Better Energy Savings.”
Plug all of the electronics at your desk into a power strip and turn the power strip off when you leave. Did you ever notice that the plug for your cell-phone charger is warm? That is because it is drawing electricity, even when it’s not charging your phone. This is known as “Phantom Power.”
Plug the electronics in your home entertainment center into a power strip.
Consider increasing server room density and changing your layout to improve cooling efficiency.
Central Controls:
Automatic switches for turning-off air-conditioning and lights can reduce energy consumption significantly – 14-16% averaged at test cases.
Set air conditioners thermostats to no more than 22ºC during the winter, and no less than 25ºC during the summer.
Landscaping:
Good shade. Planting a tree or installing awnings can reduce the amount of energy used for cooling.
2. Generate Clean Energy on Your Rooftop
In Israel, PV feed-in tariffs have been approved and can be very profitable.
Wind turbines on tall buildings can be very efficient, and can supply a portion of the energy consumed in the office.
3. Offset Your Carbon Use
Calculate the amount of energy your company uses (flights, car usage, electricity) and support projects that reduce the amount of Greenhouse Gasses in the same amount.
4. Invest in Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Start-ups
