The obvious (but not so obvious) ways of wasting energy

I will admit that when I leave the office, I simply log out of my name and shut the monitor off on my computer. Even on Fridays, I don't turn my computer off (and I really don't even think about it). But I never calculated or even thought about how much energy is being wasted if I, and other co-workers, leave computers on when not in use.

If you take a closer look at your building, you will discover ways you never thought that your building is wasting energy. You might think your new and improved energy-efficient systems are bringing down the energy bill, but think again. You could be missing the most obvious energy problems in your building, according to buildings.com.

• Leaving electronics and appliances turned on. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, office equipment makes up about 16 percent of an office's energy use. Install power-management software that puts computers in "sleep mode" when idle. Encourage tenants/occupants to turn computers off before going home. Unplug things that aren't in use, such as phone chargers.
• Unneccessary vending machine cooling and lighting. Vending machines use energy 24/7 because they running constantly. Shut off refrigerated drink vending machines at night and on weekends (don't turn off refrigeration for foods that might spoil).
• Cleaning at night. In most buildings, the cleaning is done outside of peak business hours but janitorial staffs expend energy during these off-peak times. If cleaning can be done during the day without it being too disruptive, the building's energy systems can be turned down earlier at night. If cleaning during the day is not an option, ask custodial staff members to move through the building one room at a time, turning off lights when they finish each room.
• Covering up vents, grilles, etc. Tenants/occupants move furniture sometimes and accidentally or purposely block airflow. Many hot/cold complaints have to do with blocked diffusers. Send someone to walk through the building to ensure that the airflow is not being blocked.
• Dirty windows and skylights. Keep windows and skylights clean. Dirt and dust block daylight from entering, causing occupants to utilize more overhead lighting.
• Incandescent exit signs. Exit signs are usually not used often, and their locations overhead make them hard to reach. Exit signs that use fluorescent or incandescent lights use more power than LED lights.

Although these are some of the most obvious ways of wasting energy, many of these problems never came to my mind. But I'm pretty sure when I pack up tonight they will be remembered, and I will shut off my computer (even though it takes an extra few minutes to upload in the morning).