10 Simple Ways Businesses Can Cut Energy Costs

Global warming has led to climate change that is rearing its ugly head through droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme weather conditions. The problem has become a global concern, and it has come down to individuals and entities to play their part in reducing its impact. Energy consumption by businesses is one of the top reasons for greenhouse gas emissions.

Thus, entrepreneurs need to take cognisance of the problem and implement ways to reduce power consumption. The most prominent benefit of this measure is the lowering of energy bills and moving towards sustainability, which is the need of the hour. Also, it helps strengthen the position of the business as an eco-conscious entity and increases its credibility and popularity. Thus, here are a few simple ways of cutting down energy costs.

1. Replace Your Energy-Consuming Bulbs with LEDs

If the office still has some incandescent light bulbs, they should be immediately replaced with CFLs or LEDs. The entire office should have energy-efficient lighting that reduces the energy bill considerably. Another advantage of using LEDs is that they are durable and long-lasting. Thus, you will not have to change them for 10-15 years.

The Energy Ministers presented a regulation for lighting in 2018 that will work on phasing out all the incandescent and halogen bulbs in the country. Also, only the bulb can be switched instead of replacing the entire fixture. It is called retrofitting and it helps in reducing the effort of replacement and installation.

2. Introduce Energy Efficient Equipment

Besides lighting, the entire office should introduce energy efficiency in its daily operations. Thus, they should switch to low power consuming equipment and appliances, such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, dishwashers, coffee machines, photocopiers, printers, computer monitors, etc.

It is sensible to check the energy ratings of the equipment while purchasing. The rating showcases the energy consumption and energy performance criteria. Their star rating should be above 6 to be energy efficient. Seasoned entrepreneurs who invest in a business for sale Brisbane must pay attention to the fixtures in the office and get them replaced if needed.

3. Make Use of the Ample Sunlight

Using all the lights during the daytime is not a good idea if you are concerned about global warming. Make use of the windows and allow natural light to brighten up the interiors of the office. Pull up the blinds and remove obstructions that limit the penetration of light into the rooms and cubicles.

Entrepreneurs must also invest in skylight or roof light, which involves installing a window or translucent glass on the roof to get ample daylight into the building. Minimising the use of artificial lights will bring down the energy costs automatically.

4. Use Hibernation Mode on Computers

The employees must be trained to follow business energy-saving practices at work. The most crucial part of this is putting the computers and laptops in sleep mode when not in use. Usually, these devices are kept on during meetings, lunch breaks, phone calls, coffee breaks, etc., which is not a good practice.

Also, putting appliances on standby consumes energy. Thus, if you know that you will not be using the printer or the photocopier anymore during the day, it must be switched off.

5. Reduce the Use of HVAC Systems

The heating and cooling of the office with the HVAC system should be reduced. Since Brisbane has a subtropical climate, which is mostly warm throughout the year, cooling is essential than heating. To reduce the dependency on air-conditioners, entrepreneurs should rely on ventilation. Sustainability is one of the best ways to reduce costs and increase profits.

Keep the windows open during the morning and evening hours. Cover the windows with a reflective film to reduce the heat absorption. Install floor fans in addition to ceiling fans to keep the staff cool. They are energy efficient and do not add to the rising temperatures like the air-conditioners. Also, introduce more summer drinks in the office pantry, so coffee and tea consumption are reduced.

6. Restrict Overtime and Close Down at Six

Many employees tend to stay back after 6 pm for meetings and work that needs to be completed. However, the CEO must make it clear that the employees should not be stretching the work hours. They should be trained in time management and there should be clear instructions of shutting down the entire office after 6 pm to avoid the use of electrical appliances, equipment, and lights.

Those who want to engage at a personal level can go to restaurants and bars after work instead of lazing around in the office. Also, all the computers must be switched off before they leave.

7. Install Motion Sensors in Parking

Motion sensors catch the presence of a person in the area and automatically switch on the light. It is switched off as soon as the person leaves the area. It is typically used in parking lots because of the enormous power consumption in these spaces. Several businesses for sale in Brisbane add this feature to their going concern to make it more attractive for buyers.

Since the parking lot is in the basement, there is no natural light. Thus, most building owners keep the light on throughout the day to allow people to see clearly whenever they visit the area. However, using motion sensors to control lighting helps in reducing energy costs.

8. Block Heat and Cold Effectively

To block the scorching sunlight, blinds should be used to block the direct penetration of the sun. This will reduce the amount of heat in the office and cooling from fans will be sufficient to maintain the temperature. However, some natural lighting should be allowed to avoid the use of artificial lights.

During the winter months, the windows should be shut properly to stop the cool breeze. Also, sealed doors should be installed to keep away the heat and cold wind from entering the rooms.

9. Allow Work from Home

The pandemic has created a flexible work culture where employees are allowed to work from home. While it was mandatory in 2020, it has now become a norm because of the comfort extended to the workers and the increase in their productivity levels.

Many businesses have adopted a hybrid work model that allows the customers to work from home whenever they want. It has helped them to bring down the energy costs significantly as the number of workers in the office is reduced. So, there is less need for lighting, cooling, using computers, etc.

10. Invest in Solar Power

Besides all the above-mentioned ways, entrepreneurs can also switch to solar energy. Businesses that install solar panels can get incentives from the government and tax benefits. The renewable source of energy may appear costly at the beginning, but the reduced bills help in recovering the money over the years.

Solar power can be used to light up the office and power up all the appliances without depending on electricity. Thus, your energy costs come down automatically.

Conclusion

Energy saving is the need of the hour and businesses must realise that they can contribute to this cause by using simple ways of cutting energy costs.