The working building

Sustainability and energy efficiency rely on practices and behaviour after work has been completed as well as during building. No amount of careful planning at the construction stage will prevent occupants leaving devices on standby or leaving on lights or heating in empty rooms

Commitment to sustainable development must be carried through into sustainable living. This can mean changes in lifestyle and working practices. Siting work areas where natural light falls, using lower-energy equipment (such as laptop rather than desktop computers) and making careful use of energy help make the most of a building.

Simple measures such as using small pans to cook, keeping doors closed, using shutters and fitting heavy curtains help to cut energy use. There is advice on how to live sustainably on the pages What can I do?