Energy-efficient office equipment

Looking to replace or upgrade some of your old office equipment, like monitors, TVs and office kitchen appliances?

Taking the time to investigate the efficiency of equipment before you buy and ensuring you’re getting the right sized tech for your space, can help you keep your office energy costs down.

Avoid power hungry equipment

Better, more efficient technology in your office will use less energy to perform the same function — costing your business less in energy bills. It pays to compare the efficiency of equipment like computer monitors, TV screens, dishwashers, fridges and heat pumps — before you kit your office out.

On a national scale, more efficient equipment also helps to smooth out electricity peaks, contributing to a secure supply of energy that can meet demand. So, by making an energy efficient choice you can feel good about contributing to the bigger picture, too.

Understanding the labels

The number of stars, and the annual energy consumption on the label, tell you how efficient a product is compared to a similar product of the same size, and how their running costs compare.  

Energy Rating Labels on household appliances

How much you can save

The Gen Less efficient appliance calculator can help with easy comparison of products with energy rating labels in New Zealand.

Efficient appliance calculator — compare products

Assess how you use your technology

You can optimise the way your office equipment is used by factoring in the specific needs of your team.

Size and number of items is a big consideration, as larger appliances like TVs, monitors, fridges and freezers will use more energy to run. It helps to only buy what you need, factoring in any projected growth, and hire equipment for the odd occasion you need something bigger or with additional features.

Before you upgrade or replace your desk or meeting room equipment, it’s important to check if your team is still using the space in the same way. For example, if your workplace utilises remote working, or your work doesn’t require assigned seats, hot desking can be an option to reduce the total number of desks and monitors that you’re running each day.

Choosing the best equipment for the job

Ensuring your office equipment is the most efficient model, and the right size, can reduce your energy use and long-term running costs.

From resolution and screen size to energy efficiency, there's a lot to think about when finding a new TV or monitor.

Using a TV with 7 stars on the Energy Rating Label can save you $75 each year compared to a similar sized TV with only 2.5 stars — so make sure you pick the model with the highest rating in your price range.

Choosing efficient TV's and monitors(external link)
Dishwashers come in many sizes and styles. Shop around to find those that offer energy or water saving settings like half load, and fast wash.

Using a dishwasher with 4.5 stars on the Energy Rating Label can save you $36 each year compared to a similar dishwasher with only 3 stars — so make sure you pick the model with the highest rating in your price range.

Choosing an efficient dishwasher(external link)
Choosing the right configuration (standalone or combined) will help you narrow down your options.  

Combined fridge/freezers are generally more efficient than separate appliances but be sure to check the efficiency rating on the label. A fridge/freezer with 7 stars on the Energy Rating Label can save you $105 each year compared to a similar fridge/freezer with only 1 star.

Choosing an efficient fridge or freezer(external link)
For smaller offices, simple electric heat pumps could be all you need. They are highly energy efficient, and cheaper to run than gas heaters, wood burners, or other electric heating options.

Using a heat pump with 3 stars on the Energy Rating Label uses 34% less energy than a similar heat pump with only 1 star — so make sure you pick the model with the highest rating in your price range.

Choosing an efficient heat pump(external link)

Take it one step further

Install smart plugs

You can optimise the energy use of your existing equipment by using a smart plug. For example, you might set up the screens in your office space to automatically switch on and off during set hours of the day – and avoid wasted energy by keeping them on standby overnight.

Smart plugs can cost around $20 and can be used to optimise your equipment to run when demand on the grid is low, and electricity is at its cheapest.

Consider a building management system

A building energy management system (BMS or BEMS) monitors all the energy used to heat, cool and light a building and run its equipment. It lets you respond quickly as energy demand changes — even remotely — and reports on energy use over time.

Building management systems

Light your workplace for less

All business can benefit from making the switch to more efficient LED lights, and introducing systems to help them run more efficiently.

A smarter lighting system can improve efficiency, accuracy, safety and comfort — and cut your lighting energy costs by up to 70%.

Use efficient lighting

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In the office
Check out our steps to a lower cost, more efficient office.

Read more
- Energy-smart work habits
  Good habits to cut down office energy waste.
- Energy efficient office equipment
  Finding the right tech for your team.
- Insulate your workplace
  Insulate your office to save energy costs and stop emissions going through the roof.
- Use efficient lighting
  Choosing clever design and technology could shrink your business's lighting costs by up to 90%.
- Building management systems
  Consider a building management system (BMS) to monitor energy use and temperatures, and switch off equipment when it's not needed.
- Explore HVAC systems
  Save energy and emissions by using your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system smartly.