While you may not be able to do anything about increasing energy prices, that doesn’t mean you can’t find various ways to reduce your business’s energy costs.
Energy costs for businesses can be impacted by various things, so it’s good to seriously think about how you’re using energy and how you can cut back on consumption. Often there are changes you can make to equipment and behaviours around how you use electricity that may help reduce costs, some can be quick and easy, while other changes may involve an upgrade to existing systems or equipment.
Invest in smart devices
An upfront investment in smart devices in your office can result in significant long-term savings for your energy.
Technology such as smart plugs and timers will help you minimise wasted energy use and reduce costs.
Thermostat control will ensure you’re able to maintain a comfortable temperature in the workplace, and you can also set a timer so that heating or cooling only comes on during a set period of time, and doesn’t get left on overnight.
Investing in motion sensor lighting can help you save on your lighting usage. You won’t have to worry about employees remembering to switch lights off.
Reduce peak demand
It’s important to understand when energy prices can spike, such as during the peak demand period.
Peak demand covers the hours in a day when energy usage is at its highest. This is typically between 9am-5pm on weekdays. Due to higher demand, energy prices can increase during these hours.
It’s important to be aware of the peak demand period and try to reduce your energy usage during this time. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Check your water pumping system
For businesses in the industrial and commercial sectors, water pumping systems can use up to 10 percent of your energy usage.
If you have an older water pumping system, it may be time for an upgrade. The older the system, the less efficient it is likely to be. Invest in the most energy-efficient model you can, and your business can benefit from significant cost savings.
Do you have a dripping tap or leaking pipe? It may seem like a small, yet annoying, thing but the constant waste of water can add up. Fixing this issue as soon as possible can end up saving you a lot of money.
Refrigeration efficiency
It may depend on your industry and the type of business you have, as to how much energy refrigeration accounts for within your business, but it could be up to 85 percent of your energy usage.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the energy costs of refrigeration such as cooling products before refrigerating them, avoiding leaving refrigerator doors open for long periods, and keeping the refrigerator in a cool space away from heat or direct sunlight.
You should also get regular maintenance performed on your refrigerator to ensure it is working efficiently. Check insulation and door seals to ensure no cool air is escaping.
Think about greenery
If you’re in control of landscaping around your business’ building, there are some things you can do outside that can impact energy usage inside.
Strategically placed trees and bushes can help provide shade or block wind, making it easier to maintain the desired temperature inside.
As well as greenery outdoors, you can also bring greenery indoors to help reduce your energy usage and costs.
Indoor plants can improve the air quality of your workplace and also act as natural air conditioning. They give off moisture which increases air humidity and can make a room feel cooler. Place some plants in key areas around the office and see if you can reduce your reliance on air conditioning.
Have fans in your workspace?
Fans can often get ignored in favour of heaters and air conditioners, but if you have them in your workplace, then it may be time to use them.
Equipment involving heating and cooling commonly use high amounts of energy, which can mean your electricity bills skyrocket in the winter and summer months. To reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems, you should instead switch on your fans.
Fans are generally more efficient than air conditioning, as they use significantly less energy. Turn your fans on to cool your office space, and they can also be used in winter to circulate warm air.
When you look at your business energy costs, you may discover areas you are using the most electricity and ways you can save on energy costs in the office. For more ways to reduce your energy usage, check out our business energy insights.