While it’s true that the cost of energy has skyrocketed in recent years, with many companies struggling to keep up with rising costs, here are a few ways businesses can reduce their energy costs without sacrificing efficiency.
1. Outsource Utility Procurement
Many businesses have been able to reduce their energy costs by outsourcing energy procurement and management using a business utility broker. Those who do this typically find that they can save more money by outsourcing than they lose by having to pay a company to procure and manage their energy.
2. Install and use energy-efficient appliances
From air conditioning units to light bulbs, choosing energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce the money businesses pay to keep their offices up and running.
3. Replace old equipment with new
Old equipment is usually inefficient and costs a lot to run. Not only does upgrading or replacing old equipment help save money overall, but the new systems are more energy efficient.
5. Insulate your offices
Saving money on heating and air conditioning costs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Install proper insulation to keep your building at a healthy temperature, whether it’s during the colder winter months or warmer summer months.
6. Upgrade HVAC systems
Many building codes require that all new commercial buildings have high-efficiency HVAC units installed to cut energy costs and limit any carbon emissions that may be produced when the building is operated.
7. Use on-site renewable energy sources
Solar panels are a great way to generate energy for your business and often come with government rebates and credits that can help cover the cost of installing them. In addition, many utilities offer special rates for businesses that choose to use renewables rather than traditional forms of energy.
8. Look for energy-efficient products from local businesses
Local businesses tend to be more environmentally friendly than large, national chains, and many of them also choose to purchase a portion of their materials from environmentally friendly companies. This helps reduce the carbon footprint of their products.
9. Increase awareness of environmental issues, especially among your employees
While business owners can encourage additional energy savings by purchasing energy-efficient products and installing renewable energy sources at their facilities, business owners should also encourage employees to be more conscious about the energy they use in their personal lives. For example, encouraging workers to unplug all electronics when they’re not being used can help decrease wasted energy.
10) Fleet management
Many fleets have gas-guzzling vehicles that don’t need to be as large. Replacing these vehicles with smaller cars, trucks, or vans with better mileage can save a business money on gasoline expenses while also reducing its carbon footprint.
11) Use motion-activated lighting
Motion-activated lighting can also cut down on lighting costs. Occupancy sensors switch on a room’s lights only when it’s being used, but motion sensors will also switch on and illuminate the area automatically if someone enters the space. If you have large, open spaces in your workplace (like warehouses), these lights can be set up to illuminate just that space instead of wasting energy illuminating an entire building.
Businesses that follow these suggestions can save a lot of money while being environmentally friendly. Businesses should operate efficiently while also looking out for their customers’ best interests. If a company is known for its energy efficiency policies, it will attract customers who are interested in doing the right thing when they shop.
