Sustainable Business Network
Using a timer to switch the coffee machine on and off saves $200 a year.
Coffee fix saves power and money
The Sustainable Business Network helps Kiwi businesses take climate action, avoid waste and restore nature. They supply tools, training, advice, and connections.
After moving into a new office, the team measured their energy use. They used an inexpensive plug-in monitor to check their office equipment, plus appliances in the shared kitchen. They discovered their coffee machine used over 1,000kWh a year. It was on all day, every day.
Thanks to a timer, the machine now runs for just 32 hours a week. It’s set to come on at 7.30am and turn off at 3.30pm, Monday to Thursday. Most staff work from home on a Friday. This simple action has helped make the office more energy efficient. It saves more than $200 a year in power bills and about 80kgs in carbon emissions.
Holly Leach, Project and Partnership Manager
“We love our coffee but were shocked by how much energy we were wasting,” says Holly Leach, Project and Partnership Manager. “Getting a timer was easy and cheap and a quick win for our office. It’s helping us to save energy and reduce emissions.