At ISOQAR, we’re proud to champion sustainability—not just in the work we do for our clients, but also in how we operate every day. Each of us plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency. By taking a few simple, practical steps, we can all reduce our environmental impact and reliance on mains energy, whether in the office or at home. These small changes not only benefit the environment but also help you save on your energy bills—a win-win for everyone!
Practical Tips to be a Sustainable Auditor
1. Laptop charging
Once your laptop is fully charged, unplug it. This simple step not only reduces energy use but also prolongs your battery’s life—helping both the environment and your device.
2. Battery settings
Make the most of your laptop’s battery by adjusting your settings. Turn on ‘battery saver’ mode to limit background activity and notifications, giving you more time before needing to recharge.
3. Sleep mode
When you’re not using your laptop, make sure it’s in sleep mode. This can significantly extend battery life, allowing you to go longer between charges.
4. Mobile phone charging
During audits, take advantage of your laptop’s USB port to charge your mobile phone instead of relying on mains electricity. It’s a small step, but they add up.
5. Second screen use
Many, if not all auditors now use a second screen. You may use a portable second screen when auditing onsite, and a monitor when working from home. While portable second screens are powered by your laptop, monitors often require mains electricity. Consider using your portable screen at home to cut down on energy consumption.
6. Sustainable refreshments
When visiting client sites, bring your own flask of tea or coffee. This not only reduces your environmental impact but also helps your client cut back on energy use from boiling the kettle. Additionally, reusable water bottles and lunch boxes help avoid single-use plastics and unnecessary car trips to buy food.
Taking your own lunch to audits will also save you money; it has been suggested that homemade sandwiches are three times cheaper than when shop bought!
7. Efficient email management
A lesser-considered step. Keeping your ‘digital clutter’ under control by regularly organising and deleting unwanted emails actually reduces the amount of energy used for data storage on servers. In doing so, you will be contributing to a smaller digital footprint.
Energy-Saving Tips for Working from Home
The increase in remote working has changed the way we approach our audit days. With many people now having a cosy home office, let’s explore some practical ways to save energy while working from home.
1. Optimise natural light
If you can, set up your office or workspace where there is plentiful natural light. In doing so, you can significantly reduce the amount of artificial lighting used during your work day. Reducing your need for artificial lighting saves both energy and money while also creating a more welcoming work environment.
2. Energy-efficient lighting
If you need extra lighting, opt for LED bulbs, which last up to 25 times longer and use far less energy than traditional bulbs.
3. Digital note-taking and planning
Using digital tools for note-taking and task management can reduce the need for paper and notepads, helping to save trees. And that pen hiding in your drawer will last a bit longer!
4. Rethink office supplies
Before buying new office supplies and stationary, consider if you really need them. You should think about whether there is an alternative at hand. In doing so, you will reduce unnecessary consumption and waste.
5. Optimise your online meetings
With online meetings now second nature, there’s an easy way to save energy—turn off your camera when it’s not needed. You can also suggest audio-only meetings where practical. This reduces the data and energy required for video feeds, lowering your digital footprint.
By adopting these simple practices, you’ll be making a meaningful contribution to sustainability both in your professional role and at home. Every small step we take helps drive us towards a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible future. Together, we can make a difference!
