10 Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption for Your Business

Keeping a business operating efficiently can involve a range of different processes. Energy conservation is just one way that you can ensure you are not using -- or spending -- too much.

Following are ten energy saving tips for your business that you can start implementing today.

1. Maintain Your HVAC System

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in your facility can account for a huge portion of your energy expenditure. One commercial energy saving idea is to ensure that your system is scheduled for regular maintenance, which should including a tune up of the critical elements as well as the changing (or cleaning) of filters. When the system is running optimally, you will be using less energy.

2. Maintain Your Facility, Too

Aside from the HVAC system, your property could be causing you to waste energy. Have an inspector look for cracks and leaks that could be letting energy (in the way of heat or air conditioning) escape. Before paying for an inspection, an analysis of your energy use may be useful so that you can determine whether this kind of energy loss is likely, and whether an inspection and subsequent repairs would make a big difference or not.

3. Program Your Thermostat Effectively

Investing in a programmable thermostat is one of the best energy saving tips you can get. But even if you already have one, be sure you are using it correctly. A difference of even a degree can save up to 3% on your next energy bill.

4. Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs

While the majority of facilities have already switched away from incandescent lighting, if you are still living in the past it is time to change. LED and CFL bulbs can cost 5 to 10 times less than incandescent lighting, making them well worth the investment.

5. Switch Out Desktops for Laptops

It might not be cost effective to switch out all your computers, particularly if they are fairly new. However, laptops can use up to 90% less energy than desktops and monitors, making them a smart energy conservation choice the next time new computers are in your budget.

6. Turn Off Machinery When Not In Use

By turning off lights in rooms that are not in use and switching off machinery and appliances that are not needed, you can conserve a huge amount of energy. Anything from printers and copy machines to heavy machinery is using energy even when you do not need it, unless you turn it off. Encourage staff to keep energy conservation top of mind and turn things off when they are not in use. It is important to note here that many facilities opt for motion sensors rather than a policy of turning off lights manually, but because motion sensors can sap energy even when the lights are not on, this is not quite as effective when it comes to energy conservation.

7. Invest in Efficiency

For equipment and machines that are in constant use, consider upgrading to energy efficient models where possible. The Energy Star label will let you know which refrigerators, air conditioners, and even skylights are built beyond the minimum standard of energy efficiency.

8. Consider Landscaping Upgrades

The landscaping around your facility is probably not your first thought when it comes to energy saving tips, but the right trees in the right place can keep your building cooler in the summer and reduce your need for air conditioning.

9. Consider Flexible Employee Scheduling

Another creative option among commercial energy saving ideas is upping your virtual workforce. When employees can work from home, fewer are present in your office and therefore there are fewer areas to heat and cool. If your business is such that working from home makes sense, consider giving some employees the option occasionally and watch the impact it can have on your energy use.

10. Get Employees Involved

All the energy saving tips in the world will do no good if employees are not on board for your conservation efforts. Be sure to stress the importance of energy conservation to the success of your business and educate employees on the kind of difference energy conservation can make to get them motivated to help.

Conserving energy in itself can be an attractive goal for an organization looking to save money or to have a more positive environmental impact. However, the complexities of where and how to save energy is beyond what most organizations expect when starting with this vague goal.

To determine the best way to reducing energy costs and reducing energy consumption for your individual business, it is essential to know how much energy you are using and where that energy is coming from. A thorough analysis of your business’s energy use can be a major advantage in deciding where to spend your time and resources on energy conservation.

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