There are many ways to reduce your business electricity costs. Business electricity bills often find a way of creeping up. Without keeping a keen eye on your appliances and they way they are used, your bills can increase. But fear not, as implementing some or all the suggestions below can help both your budget. And perhaps more importantly, the environment.
1. Send It to Sleep
The best way to reduce your business electricity costs is to simply not use electricity! How often do your team members leave the office for the day, leaving their computer on standby or without turning off the office printer? This phantom power is not only dangerous to the environment, it is also dangerous to your power bills. Create a ‘Switch Off’ policy. Ensure your staff are turning computers and printers off at the end of each working day. Not only will this impact your energy bills, it can also extend the life of your equipment.
2. Knowledge is Power
Education is key to lowering your business electricity costs. Your staff are the facilitators of that knowledge. Why not implement an ‘Energy Efficiency Week’ and brainstorm new and innovate ways you and your team can help bring more energy efficiency into the office? Offer a prize for the most creative idea and keep it a regular event on the office calendar. The more involved your staff feel, the more they will want to participate. The more participation, the greater savings your business will experience as a result.
3. Flex Those Working Arrangements
Flexible working arrangements can be beneficial for both your staff and your company. It can reduce business electricity costs by eliminating the need for constant power supply to run lights, computers, printers, microwaves, etc… It can also help reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need to drive or catch public transport to and from the office. Introduce a VPN and cloud-based technology to facilitate a seamless working from home environment. Not only can you reduce your energy costs, you might also create a more positive working atmosphere with team members who become advocates of your brand.
4. Whip Your Kitchen into Shape
A kitchen area is essential when planning any working environment, but it can be a drain on your business electricity costs. Increase your FTE and you will also inadvertently increase your running costs. Think strategically and invest in alternatives to classic appliances. An oven is great for reheating but can take a hit to your energy bill. Why not purchase energy efficient microwaves or air fryers? These types of devices can operate just as well regarding re-heating and cooking a quick lunch but can use a lot less electricity.
5. Let the Sun Shine, Let the Sun Shine In
What’s better than natural sunlight, illuminating your business space while you work? By incorporating large windows into your office design and installing block out blinds, you can leverage the best and cheapest source of heat and installation, the sun. Flooding your space with natural light can also improve productivity as people often feel more energised with the sun shining brightly.
6. Landscape Lower Bills
Does your business premise have an outdoor space? If so, why not utilise its potential with some clever landscaping? The right plants can improve air quality, provide shade during times of heat and warm up the space during the Winter months. In addition to this, planting the right type of greenery can also impact your variable costs. This can result in appliances being used less and lower electricity bills. Indoor garden spaces and green walls are not only in fashion, but can also help purify air in the office. Just make sure you do your research and purchase appropriate plants. Alternatively, hire the services of a professional landscaper.
7. Trade It In
Upgrading your office equipment can decrease your business electricity bills. Technology is continuously improving, and equipment that utilises these new technologies are often environmentally friendly. The cost in energy saving can often outweigh the purchase price. Do your research and find out if spending some of your budget on upgrading your current tools and equipment can save you money in the long run.
8 .Check Your Product’s Efficiency
The Australian Government has an Energy Rating Calculator that compares models of most brands of fridges, freezers, TVs, computers, washers, dryers, air conditioners and dishwashers. This can help you make educated choices about the type of appliances you purchase. The more stars on the energy rating label (as per below), the more energy efficient your appliance is. The label can also detail how much energy the appliance will consume in kWh per year.
Source: http://www.energyrating.gov.au/calculator
As you can see there are many ways to keep your business electricity costs under control. Have you implemented any of these? What were the results? Maybe you take a different approach? No matter the strategy, try implementing some creative ways to get your business electricity costs down and invest those savings into other areas of your business.
To discover if Next Business Energy can help your business, request a free bill comparison.