What is the Dark January Pledge?

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21 December 2022 | Updated 13 February 2023

Landlords, businesses and individuals around the world are joining a campaign to reduce wasted energy in commercial buildings. 

Metrikus, the real estate software platform, has launched its Dark January pledge for 2023. Promoted on social media using the hashtag #TurnYourBloodyLightsOff, the company is encouraging behaviour change when it comes to energy usage, including turning lights off in unoccupied areas.

“There’s no doubt that the energy lighting up our commercial buildings at night comes at a massive cost. Behind every arresting image of a skyline at night comes an appalling waste of energy and money that could be invested in providing a sustainable future."

–Michael Grant

COO, Metrikus

30% of Energy Consumed in Commercial Buildings is Wasted

According to the US Department of Energy, 30 per cent of energy consumed in commercial buildings is wasted, whilst energy used to power buildings is responsible for 28 per cent of global carbon emissions.

Commercial buildings also create what’s known as “small power waste”, where devices are left on when not in use overnight, such as lighting, hot water taps, computers and printers. UK startup mesaurable.energy says that small power waste often exceeds 40 per cent of total electricity usage in the built environment. And up to half of that is waste which incurs unnecessary expense and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Metrikus is recommending business owners take the lead on energy saving, talking to the facilities or building manager about existing energy policy can be challenged.

Michael Grant, COO at Metrikus said: “There’s no doubt that the energy lighting up our commercial buildings at night comes at a massive cost. Behind every arresting image of a skyline at night comes an appalling waste of energy and money that could be invested in providing a sustainable future.

 “As we contend with the climate crisis, energy crisis, and cost of living crisis, we have created the Dark January pledge to create awareness around just how much damage redundant energy usage is doing to the environment when a few short, cheap and easy steps could be taken to make an enormous difference.

“Metrikus is looking forward to working in partnership with businesses to change the way we view energy usage in our commercial buildings, and we strongly encourage individuals and businesses to take personal and collective responsibility – and #TurnYourBloodyLightsOff!”

Picture: a photograph of a tall building at night where a portion of the rooms have their lights turned on. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 21 December 2022

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