Interesting Facts

Take a quick scan of your work environment and see all of the machines that are needed to run a business. You have computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, laminators, shredders and projectors, to name a few. Technology has come a long way with energy efficient machines and settings, but there are still costs for operating efficiently.

Time magazine reported in 2007 that “heating, cooling and powering office space are responsible for almost 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. and gobble more than 70 percent of total electricity usage…[and] computers in the office burn $1billion worth of electricity annually.” As you become more “plugged in” at work, consider being conscious of the true costs of using (or not using) your office equipment.

Some other interesting facts:
- Leaving a photocopier on overnight uses enough energy to print over 5,000 A4 (letter) copies.
- A typical office wastes enough energy overnight to heat 1000 cups of coffee
- 20% of energy used in an office is through equipment, and 50% of that through IT