Energy expenses are one of the most frustrating aspects of running a business. These costs are always present, and it can sometimes feel like there is no way to change or reduce them. Thankfully, there are many small steps you can take to do exactly that – but understanding what those steps are and how to take them is the barrier that keeps many business owners from successfully reducing those costs.
Here are eight easy-to-understand ways the experts at Dyce Energy suggest for reducing your business’s energy expenses:
Conduct an Energy Audit
To reduce energy expenses, your company will first need to identify areas where energy use and waste are a concern. Conducting a comprehensive energy audit is the best way to do this. This assessment will determine your current energy use both overall and in specific areas, as well as identify potential problems. This can help your team find opportunities for improvement, which will ultimately lead to savings in both energy use and costs.
Partner with an energy company like Dyce Energy to ensure that you gather the correct information from your audit. If your energy company cannot provide these services, they can likely offer recommendations for providers who can help!
Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment
You might think there is no way to reduce the amount of energy your team uses with your regular equipment. This is especially likely if you are in the business of manufacturing, since this machinery is often designed with function, not energy savings, in mind. However, many manufacturers are now seeing upgrades available to their usual equipment, offering energy savings. Talk to your equipment supplier to learn more about these options.
If your business is more of a corporate setting, there are still plenty of ways you can save on energy expenses. Look for energy-efficient light fixtures, machinery and appliances that show the Energy-Star mark and replace anything outdated by more than a few years. This way, you can ensure that your technology is giving you the greatest performance for the least amount of energy use.
Implement Smart Lighting Solutions
If your facility is still relying on incandescent or halogen lighting, you are miles behind in terms of energy efficiency. While LED and other energy-efficient lighting options can be more expensive upfront, these bulbs last significantly longer and offer a massive reduction in energy use. This will lead to long-term savings that should not be overlooked.
Optimize Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Your buildings’ HVAC systems can be a major contributor to excessive energy costs. This is because heating or cooling large spaces is difficult for these systems – and many of these buildings are not built for energy efficiency. Upgrading your heating and cooling systems can help you reduce costs and improve efficacy, giving your team a more comfortable place to work.
Embrace Remote Work and More Flexible Scheduling
Now that things have settled down after the COVID-19 pandemic, most employers are moving toward bringing employees back to the office. However, there are still substantial benefits to be had in relying on remote work – as well as giving employees more flexibility with their on-site scheduling. The fewer employees you have onsite, the fewer people are using resources like electricity. While this may not be applicable in places like warehouses or factories, office buildings and other corporate settings stand to see a significant savings by letting some employees work from home, at least part-time.
Upgrade Your Insulation and Sealants
Most people do not realize how much leakage of air can seriously impact energy costs. If you are trying to cool or heat a space, air leakage can impact how well your technology does its job. Give it a helping hand by upgrading your sealants at doors, windows, and any other areas of concern. Further bolster your energy savings by ensuring that your buildings’ insulation is the best quality your budget will allow for.
Monitor and Analyze Energy Usage
Once you have energy conservation measures in place, it is important to monitor your company’s ongoing energy use. Failing to monitor this usage can leave you unaware of issues you may still be dealing with, such as energy inefficiency in specific areas of your operation. Tracking energy use in real-time, setting usage goals, and analyzing trends and historical data to identify anomalies can prevent waste and keep energy costs exactly where you want them.
Educate and Empower Your Employees
Your employees are a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to reducing your energy expenses. They are the ones conducting business, running equipment, and otherwise using energy directly in your facilities. Training your employees on ways to reduce energy usage is important, but so is educating them about why this conservation is important.
Working with a company like Dyce Energy can offer support through this process, as many energy companies provide resources for education on both a personal and professional level. Ensuring that your staff is educated at every level about smart energy use is the best way to cut down on both usage and expenses!
