In the last post we gave you the tools and techniques to monitor business energy consumption, in case you missed it, please do read the below article.
In this post, we will cover the low-cost energy-saving methods for your business or at a workplace.
As businesses strive to become more environmentally conscious, reducing energy consumption, reducing their carbon footprint, and ultimately reducing energy costs have become key areas of focus. However, many companies may feel that energy-saving measures require significant investments in technology or infrastructure. Fortunately, there are simple and low-cost energy-saving tips that businesses can implement to reduce business energy usage and costs.
Here are some ideas for reducing energy usage without the need for significant investment.
Turn off lights and equipment when not in use
One of the easiest ways to reduce electricity consumption is to turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), lighting and office equipment can account for up to 40% of a company’s energy usage. Encouraging employees to turn off lights when leaving a room and implementing policies to turn off equipment when not in use can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. The UK’s Carbon Trust recommends installing motion/ occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lights when a room is unoccupied.
Use natural lighting
Maximizing natural lighting is another way to reduce energy consumption. The SEAI recommends using reflective surfaces, such as white walls and ceilings, to make the most of natural light. In addition, positioning workstations near windows can help to maximize natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. According to a study by the European Commission, utilizing natural light can reduce electricity usage by up to 40%.
Implement energy-efficient practices
Implementing energy-efficient practices can also have a significant impact on energy consumption and costs. This may include setting computers and other devices to “sleep” mode when not in use, encouraging employees to use stairs instead of elevators, and utilizing natural light whenever possible. The SEAI offers free energy-saving advice and resources to small and medium-sized businesses to help them identify energy-saving opportunities. The European Union’s Energy Efficiency Directive requires member states to implement measures to promote energy efficiency in buildings.
Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting
When artificial lights are required upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, such as LED lights or CFL bulbs, can significantly reduce energy consumption and associated costs. According to the SEAI, switching from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs can save up to 90% on lighting costs. The initial cost of upgrading to energy-efficient lighting may be slightly higher, but the long-term cost savings make it a worthwhile investment. The UK’s Carbon Trust recommends using lighting controls, such as timers and dimmers, to further reduce energy consumption.
Maintain and replace HVAC filters
Maintaining and replacing HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) filters is a simple and low-cost way to reduce electricity consumption. Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of air conditioning systems, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher energy. Regularly maintaining and replacing filters can improve the efficiency of HVAC systems, reducing energy consumption and associated costs. The SEAI recommends changing filters every three months to ensure optimal efficiency.
Optimise heating costs
Heating in Ireland is a critical cost centre for nearly all businesses and a great area to find opportunities to improve efficiency. Here are some energy-saving tips for using heating systems in the workplace
Set the thermostat correctly
Setting the thermostat correctly is one of the simplest ways to reduce electricity consumption and costs. According to the SEAI, reducing the temperature by just 1°C can reduce heating costs by up to 10%. The recommended temperature for a workplace is between 18°C and 22°C. Encouraging employees to dress appropriately for the season can help to reduce the need for excessive heating.
Use zone heating
Using zone heating is another way to reduce energy consumption and costs. Zone heating involves heating specific areas of a building, rather than heating the entire building. This can be achieved by using individual room thermostats, radiator valves, or zone heating systems. The UK’s Energy Saving Trust recommends using smart thermostats and programmable thermostats to set the heating to come on only when needed and to turn off when the building is unoccupied.
Maintain and upgrade heating systems
Maintaining and upgrading heating systems can also help to reduce energy consumption and costs. According to the Carbon Trust, upgrading to a more energy-efficient boiler can result in electricity savings of up to 30%. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and tuning boilers, can also improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The SEAI recommends replacing old heating systems with more energy-efficient systems, such as heat pumps or solar thermal systems.
In addition to these simple energy-saving tips, behavioral change can play a significant role in reducing energy consumption in the workplace. According to a study by the European Environment Agency, promoting behavioral change through education and awareness-raising campaigns can result in significant electricity savings. Encouraging employees to take personal responsibility for energy consumption, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, can help to create a culture of energy efficiency in the workplace.
Energy monitoring and measurement can also be useful in identifying areas for energy-saving opportunities. The UK’s Energy Saving Trust recommends conducting an energy audit to identify areas for improvement. Energy monitoring systems, such as smart meters, can provide real-time data on electricity consumption, helping businesses to identify areas for improvement and track progress towards energy-saving goals.
In addition to monitoring energy usage, reporting on energy consumption and associated costs can help businesses identify improvement areas and track progress toward energy-saving goals. The EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires member states to ensure that public buildings with a total useful floor area over 250 square meters display an energy performance certificate (EPC). The EPC provides information on a building’s energy efficiency, helping businesses to identify areas for improvement and track progress towards energy-saving goals.
In conclusion, reducing energy consumption in the workplace does not always require significant investments in technology or infrastructure. Simple and low-cost energy-saving tips, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, using natural lighting, implementing energy-efficient practices, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, and maintaining and replacing HVAC filters, can have a significant impact on reducing electricity consumption and costs. By promoting behavioral change, monitoring energy usage, and reporting on energy consumption and associated costs, businesses can identify areas for improvement and track progress toward energy-saving goals. By implementing these strategies, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future while also achieving cost savings.
In April’s blog post, we will discuss the impact of lighting on energy consumption in the workplace and how to choose energy-efficient lighting options.
And, before you go – don’t forget that Pinergy does offer commercial and business electricity plans.
Sources:
Energy Saving Trust. (2022). Energy management. Retrieved from https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/businesses/energy-management/
European Commission. (2022). Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/energy/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-of-buildings/overview_en
European Environment Agency. (2018). The European environment – state and outlook 2015: Energy efficiency. https://www.eea.europa.eu/soer-2015/europe/energy-efficiency
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. (2022). Office energy efficiency. https://www.seai.ie/sustainable-solutions/office-energy-efficiency/
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. (2022). Business energy efficiency – heating. Retrieved from https://www.seai.ie/sustainable-solutions/business-energy-efficiency/heating/
