The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) offers the following checklist to help agencies conserve energy at the office.

Need more energy-saving tips?

Find low-cost tips on how to save energy and money on the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Saver website.

  • Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for desk lamps and overhead lighting.
  • Use dimmers, motion sensors, or occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lighting when not in use to reduce energy use and costs.
  • Turn off lights when you leave at night. Use natural lighting or daylighting. When feasible, turn off lights near windows.
  • Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it, to directly illuminate work areas.
  • Procure energy-efficient products and energy-saving technologies for the office.
  • Close or adjust window blinds to block direct sunlight to reduce cooling needs during warm months. Overhangs or exterior window covers are most effective to block sunlight on south-facing windows.
  • In the winter months, open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your workspace. At night, close the blinds to reduce heat loss.
  • Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use (i.e. cell phone chargers, fans, coffeemakers, desktop printers, radios, etc.).
  • Replace desktop computers with thin clients or notebook computers and docking stations.
  • Use LED or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors.
  • Turn off your computer and monitors at the end of the work day, if possible. If you leave your desk for an extended time, turn off your monitor.
  • Use copiers with a low standby feature. Purchase printers and fax machines with power management feature and use it.
  • Coordinate with vending machine vendor to turn off advertising lights.
  • Perform an energy audit. Check with your utility company for names of auditors.
  • Install programmable thermostats.
  • Check furnace ducts for disconnects or leaks. Ensure ductwork is well insulated.
  • Insulate water heater, hot water piping, and tanks to reduce heat loss.
  • Install low-flow toilets, urinals, faucets and shower heads.
  • Verify the energy management system switches into setback mode during unoccupied hours.
  • Install meters to track energy use.