Leading UAE-based corporate interior solutions specialist Bafco, has given ten New Year resolutions for an eco-friendly workplace.

“Most of us spend so much of our lives in the office that we should consider choosing some resolutions for the workplace that can help the environment and even save our company some money along the way. As office specialists, we had a brainstorm among our team and have come up with ten of the best tips to consider as office resolutions for 2010,” said Mervin De le Torre, interior designer at Bafco.

1. It's cool to be a little warmer
After adjusting the air-conditioning to the temperature you prefer, turn it back up by just 2 or 3 degrees. This two degree difference can save the company over Dh500 a year. Also remember to turn your AC off when you leave the office.

2. Be bright and save some money
Energy saving light bulbs are much more efficient than the traditional version and last up to ten times longer. Next time your company needs to replace a bulb, recommend they take the energy saving option. The average office can save a very worthwhile Dh806 over the year by making this switch.

3. Choose flexible office furniture
Always consider products with highly flexible options as offices tend to change and adapt to newer technology, manpower and market conditions. Demountable partitions, open plan workstations, glass partitions, heavy duty ergonomic chairs are a must for any modern office.

4. Dont stand-by - switch off and unplug
If you leave your computer on standby overnight it uses almost as much electricity as it does when switched on. Remember to turn it off and unplug. You should also consider switching off monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers during lengthy breaks away from your desk.

5. Only use essential lighting
We enjoy plenty of sun here in the Middle East, so allow natural outdoor light to illuminate the office. Turn off non-essential and decorative lighting, particularly in unoccupied areas. Use ‘task’ lighting, such as angle-poise lamps, to directly illuminate specific work areas instead of brighter ‘area’ lighting.

6. Get your ratings right - look for energy star
Most office appliances these days have an energy-efficiency rating. If buying, make the choice that’s the most energy efficient and always ask the supplier if they have this information. When purchasing PCs, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers, consider Energy Star models that automatically power down after a period of inactivity. Also, use laptop computers wherever possible as they consume 90 per cent less energy than desktop computers.

7. Going out? Then turn it off!
Get into the simple habit of switching lights off whenever you leave a room.

8. Detect office motion
Install motion detectors or dimmers to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms. It is also a simple job for an electrician to re-wire restroom fans to operate with the lights.

9. Automate lighting signages
Install time clocks or photoelectric cells to control exterior lighting, advertising sign lighting and some interior lighting.

10. Keep cool and install blinds
It is not only enhance the design of your office but adding blinds, solar screens or shades to your office actually helps cool down the office.-TradeArabia News Service