There is a strong focus on creating an environmentally friendly holiday season across much of the media at this time of year. However, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) said today that one thing is often overlooked: the empty office.

“There is usually an overwhelming amount of information to process during the holiday season, and becoming environmentally friendly is just one more thing on the list” said AIIA CEO Sheryle Moon.

“However, there are some quick and easy things that can be done on the way out the office door that will make a big difference. The bottom line is that if it won’t be used, unplug it. Most modern technology must be unplugged before it stops using power,” said Ms Moon.

AIIA listed five reminders for holiday skeleton staff or the last person out the office door. “These are simple ways to make a real difference. If you are in any doubt about what you can safely switch off and unplug, contact your local technical support team.” Ms Moon said.

Switch off PCs at the wall

Letting your PC ‘sleep’ or only logging off is not enough. PCs that are only logged off will go in to sleep or hibernation mode regardless, and continue to consume power. Even when you shut down your PC, it continues to draw power. Switch it off at the wall and be done with it.

Switch off monitors at the wall

While many PCs will cut power to the monitor when switched off, there are many in current service that don’t. Monitors in standby mode use a continuous supply of low-level power, and it all adds up. Screen-savers are designed to save your screen from damage; they do not save electricity.

Switch off PC peripherals at the wall

In general, all peripherals will use power when they remain plugged into a live outlet. The main offenders are modems–if your office runs a stand-alone internet connection–printers and photocopiers. However anything that requires power to operate usually counts, such as laptop docking stations.

Switch off media equipment at the wall

This includes switching televisions, video players, and radios off at the main power supply. Stand-by mode in electrical appliances consumes up to 15% of their total power consumption. In most cases this is to allow users to turn the appliance on from a distance with a remote control – which in most cases is kept on the appliance. Give it a break during the holidays.

Switch automated building systems over to manual

For offices that will only be attended in limited capacity over the holiday season, ensure that automatic air-conditioning and lighting systems are switched to manual modes and only used as required.



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For more information, please contact:
Sheryle Moon
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Information Industry Association
Mobile: 0419 708 675
s.moon@aiia.com.au