M'illumino di meno 2026 - National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles
Today, 16 February, marks the 22nd edition of "M’illumino di Meno", the long-running campaign promoted by Rai Radio 2 and its Caterpillar radio programme, which was later designated, in 2022, as the "National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles". This year’s theme is "M’illumino di Meno. M’illumino di Scienza": the campaign gives a voice to scientific research into the impact of fossil fuels on ecosystems, and suggests ways forward that rely on sustainable sources for energy production.
Through its research missions, OGS is committed year-round to the challenge of a sustainable planet. Today we want to share with you our good habits for energy saving and efficiency that can be applied in the office, for a more conscious use of resources even whilst working.
For Computers
Enable the “power saving” function, which puts the computer into standby mode or switches it off after a short period of inactivity. Also disable the “screen saver”, as it unfortunately consumes a great deal of energy and often prevents the “sleep” function from activating.
When you are not using the PC for a long period of time, remember to switch it off and, at the end of the working day, unplug it from the mains. In fact, a PC continues to consume energy even when switched off.
For Printers and Photocopiers
Connect devices to a network in order to reduce overall energy consumption. Choose products with “Energy Star” and “Ecolabel” certifications. These labels guarantee quality, low energy consumption, and respect for the environment.
Switch off the printer at the end of the working day or during periods of inactivity, disconnecting it completely from the power supply. Like a PC, a printer continues to consume energy even when switched off.
Enable the “power saving” functions that place the photocopier into “sleep” or “hibernate” mode after a short period of inactivity.
Print all documents in a single session: this allows the printer to reach the appropriate printing temperature only once.
To Reduce Consumption
Limit paper consumption: reduce page margins and font size, and choose double-sided printing and/or the “multiple pages per sheet” option whenever possible.
Before printing, use “print preview” on screen to check whether the layout and visual appearance are as desired.
Reduce ink consumption: avoid printing a document several times while it is still being revised; make changes on screen and add comments electronically. Print at low resolution when producing a document that is still in “draft” form.
Print in colour only the final version of the document, and remember to dispose of toner cartridges according to the safety instructions supplied with the product.
Avoid wasting water by turning off taps when they are not needed.
Avoid plastic consumption by using reusable water bottles and water dispensers.
Separate waste correctly using the designated recycling bins.
Lighting
To save electricity, it is important to make the greatest possible use of natural light. Workstations should therefore be positioned appropriately in relation to windows, which should not be blocked by curtains that are either too dark or too light.
Remember to switch off lights when leaving the office and communal areas such as bathrooms, corridors, staircases, meeting rooms, etc. Install motion sensors where possible. A desk lamp is preferable for desk lighting.
Adjust lighting according to actual needs: often, using only 50% of the available lighting is sufficient, especially on sunny days. If they are not already installed, request lighting control systems that regulate luminous flux.
For several years, OGS has installed timed lighting in bathrooms in order to reduce electricity consumption.
Air Conditioning and Heating
Did you know that every additional degree results in an increase in fuel consumption of between 5% and 10% per year, and that the temperature rises by 1–2 °C after a person remains in a room for about half an hour? It is therefore sufficient to maintain the room temperature at around 18 °C to achieve a more than adequate temperature in offices.
Do not heat or cool rooms that remain empty, and if meeting rooms are only used occasionally, remember to switch off the heating at the end of the meeting.
If it is too warm, do not open the windows or remove clothing, but ask for the room temperature to be lowered. The same rule applies in summer. Keep windows closed when the system is running and, if it is cold, have the set temperature increased.
To ventilate rooms, it is enough to open the windows for a few minutes. Leaving windows slightly open for hours is counterproductive. Remember to keep the office door closed so that only the room you are working in is climate controlled. Do not cover radiators with radiator covers or curtains.
During the summer season, it is advisable to set the indoor temperature no more than 6 degrees lower than the outside temperature in order to avoid draughts and colds and to reduce energy consumption.
It is recommended to switch off the air conditioning at least half an hour before leaving the office, in order to adapt more easily to the outside temperature. A good alternative to air conditioning (especially in more humid areas) is the use of a dehumidifier.
Source: ENEA document “Risparmio ed efficienza energetica in Ufficio - guida per i dipendenti”
