Being in a multicultural team, calamities reminds us how we are all connected no matter what race, religion or nationality you have. Everyone here at BAFCO extended their arm to help out the victims of Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines.
If you would like to extend your help, Cash Donations to Philippine Red Cross is the best and fastest way or via drop boxes that are spread throughout the malls in the UAE.
Below is our own adaptation for the Top Ten Energy Savings tips for the office (adapted from Heroesoftheuae.ae)
IT’S COOL TO BE A LITTLE WARMER!
Once you’ve adjusted your AC to the temperature you want, turn it back up just 2-3 degrees. You’ll hardly know the difference, but it will make a difference to your consumption. Also remember to turn it off when you leave your home. That 2 degree difference can save you around AED 245* a year!
DON’T STAND BY, SWITCH OFF AND UNPLUG! If you leave your computer on standby overnight, it uses almost as much electricity as it does when it’s switched on. Remember to turn it off and unplug! You can also switch off the monitors, printers, fax machine or copiers during breaks or when you are leaving your desk.
BE BRIGHT! SAVE MONEY!
Energy saving lightbulbs are much more efficient than the traditional version and last up to 10 times longer. Next time you need to replace a bulb, take the energy saving option. You can save a very worthwhile AED 806* by making this switch.
ESSENTIAL LIGHTING!
We have plenty of sun here in the Middle East. Allow proper outdoor lighting to illuminate the office. Turn off non essential and decorative lighting specially in unoccupied areas. Use task lighting to directly illuminate work areas instead for brighter area lighting.
GET YOUR RATINGS RIGHT!LOOK FOR ENERGY STAR!
Most office appliances these days have an energy-efficiency rating. If you’re buying one, choose the one that’s the most energy efficient and ask the supplier if they have this information. When purchasing PCs, monitors, printers, fax machines and copers, consider ENERGY STAR models that “power down” after a period of inactivity. If appropriate, use laptop computers – they consume 90% less energy than desktop computers.
GOING OUT? TURN IT OFF!
Get into the simple habit of switching lights off whenever you leave a room.
DETECT THE MOTION IN THE OFFICE!
Install motion detectors or dimmers to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms.Rewire restroom fans to operate with the lights.
AUTOMATE LIGHTING SIGNAGES
Install time clocks or photoelectric cells to control exterior lighting, advertising sign lighting and some interior lighting.
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 in cooling down the office.
SAY NO TO EXPENSIVE EXTENSIONS!
If you have an extension lead connected to a wall point and it’s switched on, you’re needless wasting power. Switch off and – better still – unplug it!