Business Energy Saving Tips
Energy consumption is a common cause of headaches for business owners. With prices on the rise, many are looking to reduce their energy costs. This can be done with minimal effort by looking at small changes to business practices.
Business Energy Saving Tips
Tips for reducing energy consumption:
1. Use LED lighting where possible
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are an excellent replacement for traditional light bulbs as they save a lot of energy compared to regular bulbs. A standard 40W incandescent bulb produces about 1250 lumens; The exact quantity of light can be produced by a 9W LED bulb, with energy savings of about 80%.
2. Install occupancy sensors
Occupancy sensors are an easy and effective way to cut back on energy costs. These sensors turn the lights off after a pre-determined time to save energy. The average occupancy sensor will cut back on about 70% of the energy used, which adds up quickly over time.
3. Use motion sensors for outdoor lighting
Motion sensors can turn on outdoor lights when people need the light. The sensors are triggered by movement, so they won’t turn off or on during the day unless needed.
4. Install a timer for equipment
A timer is easy to use and can be set to turn off electronics after a specific period. This can be done with computers, printers, microwaves, radios and just about anything else that uses electricity.
5. Change printer ink cartridges when needed
Printing can be one of the biggest energy wasters in a business, so using printer ink cartridges to the length needed is essential. The reason that this can be so energy-intensive is because of the frequent use and long warm up time. Double-sided printing can be used on almost any printer, and it’s easy to do. While it may not seem like much, this small change can reduce the amount of paper used by up to 50%. This will, in turn, save energy costs.
6. Use natural lighting
Natural lighting should be used whenever possible. Lighting is a very common energy waster, so even small changes can make a big difference. By keeping shades or blinds open during the day or simply moving employees closer to windows, you can substantially cut back on energy costs.
7. Install programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats can be used to keep temperature levels constant throughout the day. This can be beneficial in many ways, such as keeping employees warm in winter and cool in summer.
8. Utilise energy-efficient office equipment
Ensuring that any equipment used in the business is energy efficient is essential. Computers are a massive part of powering a business, and keeping them running efficiently will save money over time. This can involve a significant outlay but will yield considerable savings over time. Modern energy-saving equipment is much more efficient than dated hardware.
There are many ways to save energy for your business, as well as those listed above. There are many other ways to make changes. The best way to make positive changes is by conducting an audit of your business environment. Looking out for wasteful practices and unnecessary usage should yield great results. It’s often the case that 10-20% of energy use could be conserved just by following the low-cost measures laid out above.
Changing the culture of your business is an oft-overlooked aspect of energy conservation. It’s essential, significantly when changing business practices, that the culture among staff reflects a positive attitude towards the changes. Getting your staff on board can be the most innovative energy-saving tactic of all. A good culture will emphasise the importance of following best-procedure and incentivise people to look out for ways to reduce usage further.
By making changes to energy-saving equipment, it’s easy to save energy. However, many other things can be done, many of which can be implemented for little cost. As the saying goes, the easiest way to save money is by not wasting it first, which is very accurate.
Business Energy Saving Tips – To Conclude
Many businesses make a small change that significantly impacts energy usage and costs. Any changes to reduce energy usage must be done with the best intentions and long term in mind. Many businesses will implement an energy-saving measure and then fail to follow through with their plan or fall into old habits, which negate the benefits of the change. If you’ve decided to make a change, you must stick to it.
Find out more about switching business energy providers here.
Other useful links about Business Energy
Affinity Water
Can SMEs Become Carbon Neutral?
Reading Your Business Energy Bills
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