by
Lawton Brothers
| Dec 04, 2025
The holiday season brings festive cheer—but it also puts extra strain on facility operations. Increased foot traffic, extended operating hours, and seasonal decorations can all drive up energy consumption, maintenance needs, and cleaning challenges. At the same time, organizations are under growing pressure to meet sustainability goals and demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Facility managers can balance operational efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability with strategic planning. Lawton Bros offers expert guidance on eco-friendly practices, energy-saving strategies, and holiday-specific considerations to help facilities operate efficiently while reducing environmental impact.
1. Optimize Lighting for Energy Efficiency
Holiday lighting, extended business hours, and decorative displays can significantly increase energy use. Improperly managed lighting not only inflates utility bills but also contributes to unnecessary environmental impact.
Actionable Steps:
Switch to LED lighting for both holiday decorations and standard facility lighting.
Install timers or motion sensors to ensure lights are only on when needed.
Encourage departments to reduce non-essential lighting during off-hours.
Lawton Bros Pro Tip:
Conduct a holiday lighting audit to identify areas where energy-efficient upgrades or automation can save costs. Lawton Bros can provide recommendations on LED lighting products and optimal placement for maximum efficiency.
2. Heating and HVAC Adjustments
Increased occupancy during the holidays, combined with colder weather, can strain heating and ventilation systems. Poorly managed HVAC systems lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable indoor environments.
Actionable Steps:
Program thermostats to optimize temperature settings based on occupancy.
Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC systems, including filter changes and airflow inspections.
Encourage zones with lower occupancy to use energy-saving modes.
Lawton Bros Pro Tip:
Pair HVAC optimization with humidity control strategies to reduce condensation and improve indoor air quality. Lawton Bros can guide facility managers in seasonal adjustments to maintain comfort while saving energy.
3. Green Cleaning Practices
Holiday season often brings more frequent cleaning due to higher visitor traffic. Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products and practices helps reduce chemical exposure and environmental impact while maintaining facility cleanliness.
Actionable Steps:
Switch to EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal-certified products.
Use microfiber cloths and mops to reduce water and chemical usage.
Train staff on sustainable cleaning methods and proper chemical dilution.
Lawton Bros Pro Tip:
Implement a holiday green cleaning schedule with increased focus on high-touch surfaces and common areas, using eco-friendly products. Lawton Bros can help design a program that balances effectiveness, safety, and sustainability.
4. Waste Reduction and Recycling
During the holidays, facilities often see increased waste from packaging, decorations, and visitor activity. Proper management reduces landfill impact and can support corporate sustainability goals.
Actionable Steps:
Provide clearly labeled recycling bins throughout high-traffic areas.
Encourage departments to minimize single-use items and packaging.
Conduct post-holiday waste audits to measure impact and identify improvements.
Lawton Bros Pro Tip:
Lawton Bros can advise on waste segregation strategies, recycling program optimization, and sustainable procurement practices that align with corporate ESG objectives.
5. Energy-Efficient Decorations and Temporary Displays
Decorative elements can enhance the holiday atmosphere but may also consume excess energy. Choosing energy-efficient options minimizes both cost and environmental footprint.
Actionable Steps:
Select LED decorations and low-wattage displays.
Limit decorative lighting to key areas or schedule timed illumination.
Reuse decorations from year to year instead of purchasing disposable options.
Lawton Bros Pro Tip:
Perform a holiday decor energy assessment to ensure displays are impactful without wasting energy. Lawton Bros can provide guidance on balancing aesthetic goals with sustainable practices.
6. Educate and Engage Staff
Sustainability initiatives are most effective when employees understand and participate in energy-saving and eco-friendly practices. Engaged staff help reinforce good habits across all departments.
Actionable Steps:
Share tips for energy conservation, recycling, and green cleaning with employees.
Encourage teams to suggest improvements for sustainability initiatives.
Celebrate successes and improvements in energy usage and waste reduction.
Lawton Bros Pro Tip:
Lawton Bros can create a staff engagement program around sustainable facilities management, including training sessions, internal communications, and performance tracking.
Conclusion
The holiday season is an opportunity to showcase operational excellence and environmental responsibility. With careful planning, energy-efficient lighting, HVAC optimization, green cleaning, waste reduction, and staff engagement, facility managers can reduce energy use, maintain clean and safe spaces, and meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lawton Bros partners with organizations to develop comprehensive, practical, and cost-effective strategies that make facilities cleaner, safer, and greener—even during the busiest season of the year.
📞 Contact your Lawton Bros representative today at 800-432-0813 to develop your holiday energy efficiency and sustainability plan.
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