IBM saved $26.8 million in energy expenses in 2009 as a result of company wide conservation efforts that surpassed corporate targets.  How did they do it?  Last year, 1,900 energy conservation projects at 270 IBM facilities around the world helped deliver savings in energy consumption that were equivalent to 5.4 percent of the company's total energy use.

• Install switch plate occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present, and back on when people return. 

• Turn off your monitor and other office equipment when not in use.

• Turn computer off at the end of the day.

• Turn lights off in conference room after meetings and remember to turn off the projector as well.

• Use more natural light when available and adjust lighting to your actual needs.

• Unplug infrequently used office equipment.  Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as computers and kitchen appliances.