environment

Decreasing Energy Usage When Working From Home

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Home Working
Laptop and Work From Home sign on a computer desk

It’s no surprise that in a post-pandemic world the number of people choosing to work from home maintains elevated. And while there are undoubted benefits, such as the decreasing of carbon emissions, travel expenses, and time – the rising costs of energy are becoming the number one downside to a home office.

In 2022 it was estimated that the average remote worker uses around 25% more electricity than a person working in a traditional office environment outside the home. While these statistics may sound discouraging, there are plenty of things that can be done to lessen the damage of your monthly energy bill. Check out our top tips for decreasing your energy consumption while working from home.

Turn appliances off at the plug

Leaving your electronics on stand-by is a common practice. However, turning your appliances off at the plug can make a noticeable difference to your yearly expenses. Don’t forget to unplug your mobile, laptop or other handheld devices once they reach full charge. Not only will doing so reduce your energy usage, but it will also extend your devices battery life. If you struggle to remember to turn your appliances off, consider purchasing smart plugs or other affordable smart home devices. Smart plugs allow you to automate your devices turning on and off using an app or voice commands.

 Switch to energy saving lightbulbs and turn off lights

Did you know that lighting up our homes is responsible for almost 15% of our total energy usage throughout the year? There are several things that can be to reduce this, starting with simply turning off the lights that aren’t being used. Form a good habit and always switch off the lights when you leave a room! Consider changing out your lightbulbs for LED’s which use over 75% less energy when compared to a standard bulb – they are both more energy efficient as well as longer lasting. Remember to make full use of natural lighting and when possible, set up your working space near a natural light source (e.g., a window, skylight, or glass door).

Insulate and eliminate draughts

Many remote workers don’t have the resources for professional draught-proofing, but there are other budget friendly solutions which can help to insulate your home. Popular choices include draught proofing strips for doors and windows, chimney balloons, keyhole covers and letterbox flaps and brushes. A good habit is drawing the curtains as soon as the sun sets, as it will help to create a further barrier between your home and the outdoor temperature. Thick and heavyweight curtains are often considered best for the job as they provide more insulation than those made from lighter fabrics.

Reevaluate your heating usage and opt for layers

While we know that completely turning off the heating is neither realistic nor pleasant, we’ve all been guilty of turning the thermostat to full instead of putting on a jumper. In fact, research shows that by turning down the thermostat by just one degree you can decrease your energy bill by over £100 per year! So, make the most of your winter wardrobe and layer up! If you’re especially prone to the cold, choose more insulating fabrics such as wool, which has been scientifically proven to keep you warmer than other readily available fabrics. Finally, don’t waste energy by heating rooms you don’t use – instead designate a working space and close doors to improve heat retention. Remember that heat rises, therefore an upstairs office may prove a more efficient working space in the colder months.

As a small, remote business we understand the importance of optimising your home office while not breaking the bank! If you have any queries you would like to discuss or require any additional business support, we’d love to help! Get in touch:

T: 01903 688789 E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com

The Rising Demand for Business Sustainability

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Carbon Footprint, Environmentally Friendly
Three layered pathes of terrain with trees and a wind turbine on a light blue background

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Consumers all over the world are becoming increasingly conscious of their everyday actions and choices. As the fight for better environmental preservation continues to develop, many businesses are also striving for better sustainability and organic solutions. But what do we mean by that?

When explaining sustainability, it is often divided into three primary structures – environment, economy, and society. There have been many interpretations of the true meaning behind the categories however, the components are thought to ensure sustainability once true harmony and balance are achieved between the three. They are most commonly known as the “three pillars of sustainability” which are:

  • Environmental Sustainability – Maintaining resources are preserved and replenished so that future needs are met. This is implemented through minimising our carbon footprint, water usage as well as the production of waste, which ultimately proves beneficial to both the environment and human health.
  • Social Sustainability – Ensuring that all social processes and structures benefit the present and future populations, maintaining well supported and thriving communities, as well as understanding human needs. Sustainability within the society warrants for a better quality of life, higher inclusion, and diversity as well as the presence of equity.
  • Economical Sustainability – The safeguarding of long-term economic development and growth, while making sure environmental and social structures are not damaged in the process. Nurturing of precious resources and industries, as well as tending to economic value.

Achieving Sustainability

Overtime, businesses became the most prominent contributors to pollution and climate change, but in the recent years, organisations have begun implementing positive changes to ensure a more ethical approach is undertaken. Ultimately, striving for sustainability is not only beneficial to the environment but it’s also good business. Companies that are known for holding eco-friendly values as well as organisations who are vocal allies for human rights, tend to be more trusted and respected by consumers. They generate higher revenues and tend to be in a positive spotlight more frequently than those who are less invested. There are many ways in which a business can impose sustainability, including the practicing of:

  • Partnering with eco-friendly supply chains.
  • Recycling/using recycled products within the company.
  • Managing chemical waste and using environmentally friendly products.
  • Reducing water and energy waste.
  • Hosting fundraisers and charity events.
  • Eco-travel and transport.
  • Maintaining and monitoring equality within the workplace.
  • Choosing renewable energy solutions and energy saving products.

Though on a grand scale the concept is still in its early development – sustainability is ingrained within many historical movements. From Conservationism to social justice, humans have endeavoured for improved sustainability for many years. With new technologies, deeper understanding and increasing demands, there has never been a better time to get more acquainted with sustainability.

If you’d like to learn more about sustainability or the benefits of maintaining a sustainable business, we would love to help! As an online business we have first-hand experience in eco-conscious practices and would be happy to share our knowledge. For blog questions, business support and any other queries get in touch. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

makeithappen.. E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com T: 01903 688789

Eco-Conscious Product Swaps For Your Business

MOMENTUM Business Support Carbon Footprint, Environmentally Friendly
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Are you aware of your businesses eco-footprint? 

With a huge, growing range of sustainable products on offer out there, there’s never been a better time to review the products that you use day to day and think about what you could swap out for a greener alternative. 

Here’s some of our eco-conscious product swap ideas to get you started!


Printing

Printer ink and toner cartridges can be hugely expensive and wasteful. Many brands now offer sustainable options by creating their cartridges from recycled materials, with some even offering re-fillable options designed to last much longer. Be sure to do some research – you might be surprised with what you can find!

Computers

If you’re looking to save more energy when it comes to your computers, you can opt for a computer monitor with Energy Star Certification, which uses mercury-free, clean LED technology to keep energy use low. 


Pens

You may not currently pay much attention to the type of pens you buy for your office notes – but more and more varieties are now becoming available that have been made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles for example. When you next need to re-stock your pen pot, do your bit and make a small swap!


Mailing

With lots of us online shopping now, this has meant even more products are being picked, packed and shipped across the world every single day. By opting for recycled boxes and tapes, businesses can take one step closer to becoming more eco-conscious.


Small steps make a big difference – so making a few product swaps is a great way to start making your business greener! Let us know what Eco swaps you make in your business.

Catch up on some of our other Eco Updates here:

7 ECO-FRIENDLY BUSINESS TIPS

YOUR VERY OWN ECO-WARRIORS

Your Very Own Eco-Warriors

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Carbon Footprint, Environmentally Friendly

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We all want to do ‘our bit’ to save the planet for future generations and it just so happens that us Virtual Assistants have been living up to these terms for years! 

If you already live an environmentally responsible lifestyle or want to start, then working with a Virtual Assistant (VA) can help incorporate these values into your day-to-day business dealings. 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead 

Here are some examples of why we think so: 

  • Working with a VA you don’t need to provide an office. Not only does this save you money, not having to furnish and provide utilities also saves the use of fossil fuels and minimises your carbon footprint! Plus, we generally get the work done in at least half the time of an office-based employee. 
  • VA’s do not need to travel to work as they generally work from home. So that’s one less car on the road on a daily basis, cutting down on fuel consumption and vehicle exhaust pollution.  
  • By the very nature of our business, we are ‘virtual’ and therefore typically use less paper – if any at all. The majority of our work is done via the internet and all files are transferred and stored electronically. Printed copies are only needed at client’s request, if absolutely necessary. 

“One person can make all the difference in the world. For the first time in recorded human history,  we have the fate of the whole planet in our hands.”

– Chrissie Hynde 

As you can see, we’re not only saving you money but more importantly, helping the environment as we do so. We can all do our bit however big or small, plant a tree, recycle or use our services! 

If you’d like to find out more about our services or talk to us about sustainability, then please get in touch.  E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com   T: 01903 688789