b'words: June-Ann Russellgoing green picture: courtesy of Dreamstimesaving the worldstarts at homeThanks to technology, many of us enjoy the freedom andexibility of working from home.However, higher energy usage also means we pay forand last up to 10 times longer. Also, consider using task theprivilege.Computers,lighting,heatingandairlighting. Clean light bulbs andttings regularlydirt and conditioning, not to mention putting the jug on for adust can reduce output by up to 30%. cuppa several times a day, are all guaranteed to drive power bills up. So, what are some key things to considerRe-use, recyclewhen setting up an energy-ef cient home of ce that willDoyouhavesomewheretokeepyourpaperand keep you comfortable while taking care of business? cardboard until collection day? What do you do with your old printer cartridges? What else gets cast off in the course Manage your of ce equipment diligently of business that mightnd a good home elsewhere?Activate sleep features on computers, copiers and other machinescontrary to popular belief, screen savers do notMaximum comfort, minimum energysave energy. If youvenished for the day, switch everythingInsulate to prevent up to 40% of your heat escaping throughceilings,wallsand andsealgapsin off at the wall. Laptops use less energy overall than a oors, desktop computer, as do LCD ( atscreen) monitors. windows and doorframes. Install a heat pumpthe most energy-ef cient ones release up to three units of energy Be an Energy Star in heat for every one unit of electricity consumed.Energy star equipment - products that qualify for the global mark of energy ef ciencyincorporates specialLayout powermanagementfeaturestosaveenergy.SuchInvesting time and effort into creating an ef cient design products use approximately half the amount of power ofand layout for your home of ce will pay off in the long standard equipment. term, whether youre rearranging the furniture or creating a new space. Simple things, such as positioning your desk Lighten upnear a window to maximise natural light and sunshine, Switch to compactuorescent light bulbs (CFLs) theyall help to reduce power costs, energy consumption and, use about onefth of the energy of an ordinary lightbulbultimately, greenhouse gas emissions.122 |'