It is not always easy being green, but it can help save on costs for your smart office. Aside from the obvious checks to your HVAC system, windows and doors each year, technology can help you to save on energy costs in your farm office. Here are five tools and tips to help you save money on energy at your business:  

1. Light bulbs – Use fluorescent lighting to replace any remaining incandescent lighting that you may have in your office. Compact florescent lamps (CFLs) cost less and last 10 times as long as incandescent lights.

2. Light switches – Add sensors to light switches and use sensors for outdoor lighting to save on your monthly utility bill. These are especially beneficial to reduce lighting costs in restrooms and conference rooms where lighting is unnecessary when not in use.

3. Turn off office equipment – Make it a habit to utilize energy saving modes or turn off equipment each evening. You can also use an energy-saving power strip like the Smart Strip to reduce electrical use of office equipment.

4. Smart thermostat – A smart thermostat like the Nest Learning Thermostat or Ecobee3 is programmable and can help to reduce your heating/cooling costs by learning your thermostat-setting habits.

5. Energy management apps – Many energy saving tools come with apps, but you can also check with your energy provider to learn what resources they provide online to help you manage and monitor your farm office energy use. These smartphone apps or online tools include helpful infographics and graphics to visualize how your smart office uses energy each month.

Do you have tips to save on energy costs in your smart office? Tell me about it in the comments below, on Twitter @nerdsquawk or via email at [email protected].

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Penton Agriculture.