Many businesses operate within commercial buildings smaller than 50,000 square feet, which account for nearly half of U.S. commercial building energy use. If you’re looking to reduce your business’s carbon footprint and save on costs, adopting energy-efficient practices can be a game-changer. The good news? You don’t always need to make significant investments or undertake drastic changes. Here are seven affordable energy-saving measures that you can implement.
1. Turn off lights
Installing LED lights will save your business the most energy, but no matter what type of lights you have, you must ensure they’re not left on in empty spaces. Make it a habit to remind staff to turn off lights when they’re the last one leaving the room or building at the end of the day. For added convenience, consider installing occupancy sensors and timer controls.
2. Use power strips
Phantom energy — the power used by electronics turned off but still plugged in — can add up over time. To combat this, use smart power strips, which automatically cut power to devices not in use. It’s a straightforward solution that can reduce your overall energy consumption.
3. Adjust thermostats
Heating and cooling can significantly impact energy bills. Implement strategies to optimize temperature settings, such as programming thermostats to adjust automatically during non-working hours or setting them a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer. Zone-based heating and cooling can further decrease unnecessary energy use in unoccupied areas.
4. Conduct periodic energy audits
Regular audits help you understand how your business uses energy. They pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend changes that can lead to substantial savings. By scheduling periodic audits, you can stay on top of your energy consumption and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency.
5. Prioritize natural light
Maximizing natural light in your workspace can reduce the need for artificial lighting. Position workspaces near windows and skylights, and keep walls lightly-colored to reflect daylight.
6. Invest in smart technology
Energy-efficient companies often embrace advanced technologies to optimize their energy use. This includes smart thermostats, which optimize energy savings by automatically adjusting building temperatures based on your operating schedule, while also provide advanced features, such as remote control. Another example is smart LED lighting systems, which can be integrated with sensors and timers to automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy or time of day.
7. Maintain equipment
The equipment and appliances in your facility use a lot of energy and neglected maintenance can really cost you. Have your HVAC system inspected regularly by a qualified professional and establish a routine preventive maintenance program for all energy-using equipment. You'll not only save energy, but you'll reap additional benefits in longer equipment lifespan and lower repair costs.
By adopting these practical habits, you’ll join the ranks of savvy, energy-efficient companies, enhancing both your profitability and sustainability.