According to the guide Greening Your Office, by John Clift and Amanda Cuthbert, using an air conditioning unit adds an average of 50 percent to your annual electricity bill.
Here are some ways to reduce your need for air conditioning:
• Reduce internal heat sources. If you change your light bulbs to compact fluorescents, you’ll reduce the amount of heat they emit, which will help lower the temperature in your office.
• Turn off office equipment when you’re not using it, or put it on standby. According to the guide, most conventional office equipment produces heat, even when not operating.
• Use curtains and blinds to prevent the sun from heating up your office. The most efficient way, according to the guide, is to use external shutters if available.
• If your office is on the ground floor, the guide suggests, try growing plants around windows.
• Open the windows. Try to use natural ventilation to keep cool, if possible.