Idle workplace tech is adding to business energy consumption

The high cost of energy remains a key concern for UK businesses, with nearly nine in 10 (89 per cent) using more energy than ever before. Over a third (34 per cent) of businesses blame energy-intensive technology and process digitalisation for their increased energy usage and bills.

New research from business energy experts at Uswitch, the comparison and switching service, uncovers how idle workplace technology may be unknowingly contributing to additional business energy consumption.

A survey of 1,000 UK office workers found that over one in five employees (21 per cent) admit they don’t worry about leaving devices on in the office because they are not responsible for the energy bills, despite more than half (52 per cent) recognising the associated environmental and financial costs for employers.

Only 37 per cent believe their workplace provides clear guidance on energy-saving practices, and as many as 18 per cent of workers feel they are not encouraged by their employer to reduce unnecessary energy use, despite over half (52 per cent) agreeing they would support structured policies or reminders to ensure devices are switched off when not in use.

Workers cited other barriers to conserving energy when it comes to their use of technology in the workplace. Thirty per cent of workers feel that their office environment makes it difficult to access device power switches, such as hard-to-reach plug sockets, creating physical barriers to turning devices off, presenting an opportunity for facilities teams to review workspace layouts and infrastructure design.

Greater awareness of their company’s sustainability targets could also motivate employees to cut energy use, with 42 per cent saying they would be more likely to power down devices if they understood these goals. Nearly half (46 per cent) also agree that they would be more likely to switch off devices if the cost savings and environmental benefits were clearly communicated.

For facilities management teams, even small efficiencies can scale quickly.

Uswitch’s analysis shows that the estimated energy costs of office technology, such as laptops, computers and screens, vary by business size. Small and medium businesses may pay as much as £90.98 annually to run a single computer, while laptops come in much lower at around £25.27.

Source: uswitch.com/gas-electricity/business-energy/

The research also revealed that a quarter (25 per cent) of offices fail to fully power down technology during holiday closures or shut down periods.

With a significant portion of workers agreeing that their office leaves tech on standby outside of office hours, the costs to run laptops, screens and computers increase when accounting for weekends, evenings and holidays.

While 12 per cent of workers are unaware that laptops use significantly less energy than desktop computers, poor screen habits may also be increasing business energy bills. Over one in five (22 per cent) rarely or never turn their monitor off when away from their desks for extended periods. Twenty-one per cent rarely or never set their computer to sleep after short periods of inactivity, and only a third (33 per cent) adjust their brightness settings to reduce energy consumption.

Despite the majority of workers  (62 per cent) agreeing it is their responsibility to switch off equipment when working in the office, 19 per cent leave desktop computers and monitors on after office hours. Only half (54 per cent) turn their laptop or computer off at the end of each working day, meaning more encouragement is needed to save businesses money on idle tech in the long run. Only 35 per cent agree their manager regularly reminds them to switch off their devices at the end of the day.

Lack of clarity on who is responsible is apparent, as 36 per cent believe the IT department should be responsible for powering down shared devices like printers, compared to nearly a quarter (24 per cent) who do not think it should fall to these teams. Only half (50 per cent) of those IT and Telecoms workers surveyed believe that IT teams should be responsible for powering down shared devices like printers in the office – significantly higher than the average of 33 per cent across all industries surveyed.

Ben Gallizzi, business energy expert at Uswitch, shares his tips for businesses to reduce their energy consumption:

1. Complete a business energy audit
   “A business energy audit is a comprehensive report of the business’s energy usage, including how much energy is used and where. Completing an audit can help you identify where energy is being wasted to reduce bills.”

2. Update technology and turn it off when not in use
   “Older devices are often less energy-efficient and can consume significantly more power than modern alternatives. Where possible, upgrade outdated equipment and ensure all technology is switched off during weekends, holidays and long periods of inactivity. Setting automatic shutdowns or enabling low-power modes can help prevent unnecessary energy waste.”

3. Educate teams and communicate sustainability goals and impact
   “There are opportunities for facilities teams to better communicate energy policies and the benefits of reducing energy for both sustainability and financial purposes. Work closely with your internal communications and HR teams to identify knowledge gaps within your workforce and improve awareness through clear, engaging training and regular team-wide updates.”

4. Switch suppliers
   “Commercial energy contracts usually stipulate that you can switch suppliers once your contract enters its renewal window – typically around six months before your current deal is set to expire. During this time, your supplier should inform you of your renewal offer; however, these are not always the best deal, so it’s best to compare your tariff options when the time comes.”