With warm summer weather comes long days and high energy bills from air conditioners to keep us cool – but what if we told you it’s possible to conserve energy with smart sustainability practices that don’t sacrifice comfort in your home or office? A few simple adjustments can help you stay comfortable, reduce energy consumption, and support a more sustainable summer.
ESRT’s in-house team of sustainability experts – led by SVP, Director of Energy and Sustainability Dana Robbins Schneider – provided some dos and don’ts to keep in mind for sustainable summer living.
Why It Matters to Save Energy During Heat Waves
Electricity demand rises sharply during periods of extreme heat. Reduction of unnecessary energy use helps lower costs, eases pressure on the electric grid, and supports broader sustainability efforts.
Do invest in high quality window coverings
About 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters your home and becomes heat. Conserve cooling energy and prevent heat gain with high quality window coverings for a comfortable living space.
Don't crank down your thermostat
When the heat is high, our instinct is to dramatically lower our thermostat to cool off. A study suggests the temperature for a comfortable room falls between 71–77 degrees Fahrenheit, which puts much less strain on your cooling system – and the grid – than lower temperatures.
Do use fans and ventilation systems
Ceiling or floor fans help circulate the air in the room and make it feel cooler without the need to recruit the air conditioner. Use your bathroom or kitchen ventilation systems to reduce humidity and filter out dust particles to make the air in your home or office more comfortable.
Don't forget to turn off the lights
Much like in the winter, it is beneficial to limit your light use during the day and when you leave a room. Occupancy sensors that detect the motion of people in the room help to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Do use power management features in your office
You can save energy passively when you place your computers into “sleep mode” after a period of inactivity. Power management software packages in your office can optimize your computer’s performance while not in use to reduce energy expenditure and costs.
Don't settle for just any appliances
Buy efficient ENERGY STAR certified appliances to reduce your energy consumption in your home or office. These appliances are designed to use 10-50% less energy than standard models, which saves energy and money on your monthly electric bill.
How ESRT Approaches Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is central to ESRT’s sustainability strategy, with ongoing investments in high-performance buildings, advanced building systems, and operational best practices that reduce energy consumption across its portfolio.
Small changes can make a meaningful difference during the hottest months of the year. Whether you manage an office or your home, these practical habits can reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and support a more sustainable future.
This post was updated from a previous version.
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