The need to reduce energy use in your small business is more important now than ever. With the costs of fuel and electricity constantly on the rise, saving money and resources has never been more vital. In this post we’ll go over some ways you can save money on energy costs by making changes around your office.
Building Design
There are many ways you can design your building to save energy, and thus money. The main idea is to make sure the structure has enough insulation so that outside weather does not affect how well it holds in or keeps out heat.
Having an efficient heating system is also very important; if the temperature changes drastically throughout the day then you will waste a lot of energy.
Another important factor is windows; insulated windows let in light during colder months, but block out excess sun when it’s warm outside to minimise the need for air conditioning. Think about how much natural lighting and ventilation each room will need, and ensure the building design will allow for this.
Using Energy Efficient Equipment
When it comes to using energy efficiently in your small business there’s a lot you can do with equipment as well as office layouts. First of all, try to find out what types of devices are being used most often throughout the day; how much energy do they use, and are there any ways to make them more efficient? For example, you might be able to turn down the brightness of your computer monitor or install a program that shuts it off after a certain amount of time. If you have an older printer consider purchasing a new one- they can significantly reduce energy consumption over time.
Lighting is another important factor to consider; fluorescent lamps tend to use less energy than incandescent bulbs. If you are using halogen or quartz lighting, try switching to LEDS which can be up to 80% more efficient!
Company Vehicles
If you have company vehicles, there are many ways to make them more energy-efficient. For one, make sure they’re properly maintained; this will help improve gas mileage and reduce emissions. When it comes time to buy a new car or truck, look for one that is fuel efficient and has low emissions ratings. You can also install devices like auxiliary power units (APUs) that allow you to plug your vehicle into a generator and power things like laptops, coffee makers, etc.; this can help cut down on fuel costs.
Remote Working
You can significantly reduce your energy bill by allowing your employees to work from home at least some of the time. After all, when employees are at home they use their own electricity to power their computer. Not only is this a great way to save money on the company’s energy bill, it also helps employees feel more comfortable and less stressed by allowing them a more flexible work-life balance.
Pay Attention to the Little Things
There’s so much small business owners could do when it comes to energy efficiency; remember these little tips as well:
- Some appliances, such as microwaves, use more energy when they’re not in use than when they’re on. Make sure to turn them off at night or whenever you’re not using them.
- If you have a lot of electronics plugged into outlets make sure they are all turned off when you leave for the day; this can save a lot of energy over time.
- Keep your heating and cooling systems well maintained.
Small Changes for a Big Difference
Making small changes in your daily routine can add up to big savings over time. In 2022, every business should be doing what they can to reduce energy usage and save money, so put these tips into practice today.