There are many benefits to implementing no or low-cost energy saving measures, not least the direct cost savings on your bottom line. You can also benefit from a more comfortable working environment, increased profitability, improving your green credentials, reducing your exposure to future energy price rises and importantly the wider benefits to society from reduced carbon emissions.
Read my top 10 tips and then contact me with any queries or for more help with saving your business energy:
1. Heating – Ensure heating timers take account of different working hours at weekends.
2. Heating – Set the temperatures in corridors, storerooms and areas of higher physical activity lower than in areas where people sit for longer periods.
Heating costs increase by around 8% for every 1°C increase, turning it down 2°C would save £140 on a £1000 bill (Carbon Trust).
3. Lighting – Ensure light switches are labelled clearly. Create reminders and promotional materials to raise awareness so staff know to switch lights off when not required or install timers to ensure lights are switched off out of working hours.
4. Lighting – Install movement sensors on outdoor lighting and in areas which aren’t frequently used e.g. toilets, kitchens.
5. Lighting – Get the windows and skylights cleaned and install daylight sensors on lighting so that lights switch off when there is sufficient natural light.
6. Equipment – Ensure printers are set to go to sleep after a few minutes of inactivity.
7. Staff – Reward energy-efficient behaviours and habits to engage employees in helping your organisation save energy e.g. leave chocolates for those staff that switch off their screens and desktops at weekends.
8. Compressed air – switch off compressors when not in use, idling still uses 20-70% of full load power.
Compressed air can be responsible for 10% of your energy bill, half of which can be due to leaks (Carbon Trust)
9. Compressed air – Listen for and fix air leaks in the system, A 3mm hole can cost £700 a year (Carbon Trust).
10. Building – Check the draught proofing on all doors and opening windows as this will stop the cold air from entering the building.
Finally, take a walk round your buildings after hours and record what has been left on that doesn’t need to be – energy saving straight away!