Today’s global energy challenge is twofold: increasing energy production while reducing energy consumption.
As businesses big and small face energy price hikes, finding ways to reduce energy consumption has become essential to maintaining profitability.Â
From investing in commercial window film to using energy-efficient light bulbs, many energy-saving tips businesses can implement to save money.
If you’re a small business owner or responsible for energy management in a larger company, here are eight energy-saving tips that can help you reduce consumption and trim costs:
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1. Educate employees about energy conservation.
Make energy efficiency part of your company culture by educating employees about energy conservation.
Now, this doesn’t mean scrimping on energy use altogether (we know productivity suffers when employees freeze at their desks), but small changes can make a big difference.
Energy-saving tips to share with employees:
- Encourage employees to turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use.
- Set computers and monitors to energy-saving mode when they’re not needed.
- Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature; no need to keep it at arctic levels!
Set up energy-saving tips like these as part of your new employee orientation process, and post them in common areas to remind employees of easy ways they can conserve energy.
2. Invest in commercial window film.
One of the most effective energy-saving tips for businesses is to invest in energy-efficient commercial window film.
Commercial window film is made of a thin polyester film that’s applied to the glass of your windows (almost like automotive tinting in cars).Â
The film improves energy efficiency by reflecting heat in the summer and trapping heat in the winter, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature in your office. As a bonus, you also get sun protection for your skin! Check out the surprising ways you get sun-damaged skin.Â
How does commercial window film improve energy efficiency?
In the summer, the film reflects heat from the sun, keeping your office cooler and reducing the strain on your air conditioning system.
And in the winter, the film traps heat inside your office, making it easier to keep things warm without cranking up the heat. This can lead to energy savings of up to 30%.
3. Use energy-efficient lighting
Inspect your office for energy-wasting lights and replace them with energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs.
An energy-efficient light bulb uses about 25-80% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and lasts up to 25 times longer. Not only will you save money on your energy bill, but you’ll also save money on replacement bulbs!
How much can you save by using energy-efficient lighting?
By using energy-efficient lighting, businesses can save an average of $100 per year on energy costs. This depends on the number of energy-efficient bulbs used, as well as the amount of energy saved.
4. Install a programmable thermostat.
Most office thermostats are set and forgotten, which means energy is wasted when the office is empty. A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature to match your business hours.
For example, you can set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature during working hours, and then turn it up (or down) when the office is empty.
How much can you save with a programmable thermostat?
By using a programmable thermostat, businesses can save an average of $180 per year on energy costs. This depends on the number of hours the office is empty, as well as the amount of energy saved.Â
5. Use energy-efficient appliances.
When it’s time to replace old, energy-hungry appliances, look for energy-efficient models that carry the ENERGY STAR label.
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that helps businesses and consumers save money and protect the environment by identifying energy-efficient products. These appliances work by using less energy to do the same job as their non-energy-efficient counterparts.
How much can you save with energy-efficient appliances?
Businesses can save an average of $50-$75 per year on energy costs by using energy-efficient appliances. This number will vary depending on the type and number of energy-efficient appliances used.
To give you an idea, here are some energy-efficient appliances that can help you save money:
- ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators use 20% less energy than non-certified models.
- ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers use 50% less energy than non-certified models.
- ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines use 25% less energy than non-certified models.
ENERGY STAR appliances are also ideal for homes that want to conserve energy. Check out overlooked energy-saving tips for your home to know more.Â
6. Conduct an energy audit.
What is an energy audit? An energy audit is an assessment of your business’s energy usage. The goal of an energy audit is to identify energy-saving opportunities so you can make changes to reduce energy consumption and save money.
Conducting an energy audit is a great way to find out where your business is wasting energy, and it’s also a necessary first step in many energy-saving initiatives.
For example, if you’re considering investing in energy-efficient lighting, an energy audit can help you determine which lights should be replaced and how much energy you’ll save as a result.
How much can you save with an energy audit?
The average business can save 3-5% on energy costs by conducting an energy audit and implementing energy-saving recommendations. This number will vary depending on the energy-saving measures implemented.
If you’re not sure how to conduct an energy audit, there are many software programs and online tools that can help. You can also hire an energy consultant to conduct an energy audit for your business.
7. Implement an energy management system.
An energy management system (EMS) is a tool that helps businesses reduce energy consumption and save money.
EMS systems work by monitoring, measuring, and managing energy use in real-time. This information is then used to make changes that reduce energy consumption and save money.
EMS systems can manage energy use in a single building or across an entire portfolio of properties. It works by integrating energy data from various sources, including energy meters, weather stations, and building management systems.
How much can you save with an energy management system?
The average business can save 5-15% on energy costs by implementing an energy management system. This number will vary depending on the size of the business and the energy-saving measures implemented.
If you’re interested in implementing an energy management system, many vendors offer EMS software and services.
8. Consider a hybrid work setup.
Because energy consumption is directly related to the number of hours a business is open, one way to reduce energy consumption is to shorten business hours.
If you’re not able to close your business for part of the day, another option is to consider a hybrid work setup. A hybrid work setup is when employees split their time between working in the office and working from home.
For example, employees could come into the office 2-3 days per week and work from home the other days. Or, employees could work in the office for 4 hours per day and work from home for 4 hours per day.
How much can you save with a hybrid work setup?
The average business can save 10-20% on energy costs by implementing a hybrid work setup. Of course, this number depends on factors like the size of the business and the energy-saving measures implemented.
If you’re interested in implementing a hybrid work setup, there are many resources and online tools that can help.
Final Thoughts
Helping the planet however we can is crucial, and energy-saving tips for businesses are a great place to start.Â
From energy-efficient appliances to conducting energy audits, there are many ways businesses can save energy and money. Read on how to lower electric bills in Summer for more energy-saving tips!
Call me Sandy, a writer, and blogger of LifeStyleConvo & UrbanHouses, who worked as a full-time content creator. A writer by day and reader by night.
