In the world of business, efficiency is the name of the game. As companies try to streamline their processes and optimise resources, it is critical to consider the role employee energy usage plays in reducing energy consumption.
By minimising their environmental footprint and embracing energy-saving initiatives, businesses can work together to go green and significantly cut costs.
Raising Awareness
One of the most cost-effective energy conservation methods can be found in raising awareness. Although many employees understand the implications of their actions, some may need teaching and encouragement to adopt sustainable habits. Businesses can conduct workshops, provide educational materials, and integrate energy-saving tips into the company’s culture to raise awareness and foster change.
To foster these changes in employee energy usage, businesses can explain how employees may make some changes at home. Showing how it can directly help their homes might encourage them to adopt the same practices at work.
Companies may also incentivise change through competition and rewards. By giving something for employees to work towards, they’ll likely want to take part and may learn about the importance of saving energy.
Encourage Workspace Efficiency
Businesses might encourage employees to customise their workspace while keeping efficiency in mind. There is evidence that a lot of energy can be saved by doing/implementing the following:
Occupancy lighting and sensing heating systems – These systems only activate when they detect movement within a specific range, meaning they only work when needed. Companies may use these to provide convenience as they don’t have to be manually adjusted. This adds comfort and convenience for employees, increasing productivity without wasting energy.
Automating desk cluster plugs – These are plugs that switch off power if devices go unused for an extended period. Automating these tasks allows employees to focus more on their work without wasting electricity.
Automation through desktop apps – Employees who use apps to control laptops, monitors, phones and desk lights will likely participate in energy conservation as the process will be easier to do from one application.
Turn the lights off – Employers can encourage their staff to turn off lights when leaving offices or instead maximise using natural light sources.
After Hours Audit – Conducting an after-hours audit can ensure that all necessary equipment is switched off. This action alone can return significant energy savings over time.
By collectively using multiple methods listed and turning them into cultural norms, businesses will see substantial energy savings over time.
Thermostat Policy
Creating a temperature-setting policy can prevent unnecessary heating, cooling and conflict between staff. Employers should instead encourage employees to dress in layers to adapt to minor temperature changes. However, companies can tell their team to provide personal climate control to balance comfort and conservation.
Is Commuting Worth It?
Employees can consider the impact of how they get to and from work. Businesses can help by encouraging and incentivising carpooling, biking, and public transportation. Since COVID-19, many companies have Introduced working-from-home options that reduce the need to travel and save office space.
Making Impactful Change With Energy Usage
To understand the benefits of these initiatives, it is important to regularly monitor and audit all processes to generate valuable data to understand what measures need to be taken and what ones need improving to make the biggest savings.
The benefits of addressing employee habits on energy usage should be taken seriously. By encouraging a culture of awareness while providing the necessary tools, businesses can generate significant reductions in energy consumption while making impactful cost savings.
At Next Business Energy, we champion the move towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Embrace energy efficiency, and watch your business thrive both financially and ethically.
Visit our website for more information on the impact of investing in energy-efficient lighting for your business.