Reducing Energy Consumption: Business Mauritius Recommends One Day of Office Closure per Week

Business Mauritius, representing over 1,200 Mauritian companies, has urged the private sector to mobilize in response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. In a newsletter sent to its members this week, following the Cabinet decision on April 10, the federation emphasizes the need for a coordinated response focused on energy efficiency, operational resilience, and proactive risk management.

Companies are encouraged to reduce non-essential energy consumption by limiting decorative lighting, optimizing air conditioning use, and identifying energy-intensive activities. With rising electricity tariffs, setting clear internal energy-saving goals is also recommended.

Additionally, organizational adjustments are suggested to decrease energy and fuel consumption. Business Mauritius recommends weekly office closures and flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting when operationally feasible. "As a guideline, a day of office closure, along with teleworking where possible, could lead to approximately a 20% reduction in consumption," suggests Business Mauritius. Carpooling among employees is also encouraged.

Business Mauritius invites its members to strengthen their risk management systems, taking into account factors such as energy price changes, logistical disruptions, currency fluctuations, and food security issues, while promoting information sharing for a more effective national response. "Business Mauritius calls for regular information sharing to facilitate a coordinated national response. Tracking charts will be regularly distributed to enable companies to provide the necessary information to help us create a consolidated picture of the private sector's adaptation and engage more effectively in public-private dialogue," concludes the newsletter.

In line with these directives, Business Mauritius will also close its offices in Ebène every Wednesday until further notice. "Our offices will therefore remain closed every Wednesday; however, our services will continue to operate normally through telecommuting," states Business Mauritius.