Managing any kind of business relies on your ability to provide the same level of service, while reducing your operating expenses. In addition to helping reduce our society’s consumption of limited resources, lowering your company’s energy usage can also impact your bottom line. These tips can help you lower your company’s use of energy, while still maintaining the same level of productivity.
1. Start With an Energy Audit
Contact the company that provides your electricity and request an energy audit. In most cases, this is a free service that the electric company will perform to help small businesses reduce their consumption of energy. They will send someone to evaluate your business by looking for drafts and escaping air, poor insulation, and lighting issues.
2. Replace Your Incandescent Light Bulbs
At the very least, your company should invest in LED light bulbs, because they don’t burn as hot and will use far less energy. Additionally, smart lighting systems use LED bulbs and let you control light usage. For instance, you can set lights to come on at a specific time and you can control the duration that those lights are on. Additionally, you can use motion sensors to make sure lights only come on when someone is present in that part of the building.
3. Install Solar Panels
The popularity of solar power is on the rise, because this technology is one of the best ways to access an unlimited source of clean energy. Many businesses find that solar energy reduces their electric bills by up to half, helping them significantly lower their overall operating costs. Additionally, installing solar panels may make you eligible for government tax incentives to help mitigate the initial costs.
4. Reduce Consumption at Peak Demand Times
Just like any other business, the power company charges more for their product (electricity) when more people are in need of it. Typically, this means your energy is costing you more between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can manage your costs a little better by reducing energy usage during these hours. Try staggering work and production shifts, or allowing office staff to work from home a few days a week. Additionally, run your heaviest operations in the evenings or early morning hours.
5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
You may have a smart thermostat at home, so why not add one to your business. Aside from lighting, climate control is one of the biggest operating expenses you face, so maintaining better control of your HVAC system can save you a tremendous amount of money. You can use your mobile device to control your smart thermostat, or you can program it to operate during the hours you specify. Depending on the type of system you use, you may even be able to control which parts of your building are cooled or heated at a given time.
6. Turn Off Office Equipment
Many businesses leave computers, printers, and other equipment operating 24 hours a day without realizing the significant energy drain that causes. Instead, have your staff shut down everything before leaving for the day. If possible, power strips and surge protectors should be switched off as well. Machines and devices that are left in standby mode are still draining energy until they’re completely powered down. Even the coffee machines and microwave ovens should be unplugged as you leave the office.
7. Ask Your Employees for Input
Your employees are your most valuable resource and this is especially true when it comes to gaining insight about the daily operation of your business. They may have observed more ways for your business to conserve energy. By asking for their insights, you will help them feel involved and you may discover new ways to use less energy. You can also offer incentives, such as a small bonus for the best idea. This will ensure your employees are continuously looking for new ways to reduce the company’s energy consumption.
These tips will help you conserve energy within your company. While implementing new practices won’t be easy, making these changes can positively impact your company as a whole. In addition to saving money, you’ll show your employees that you care about the environment. This will help improve company culture, encouraging your employees to become more productive.