This free guide from businessenergyuk.com to energy efficiency for business was created by Ener-G, a CHP specialist, in conjunction with ExxonMobil, the world’s largest publicly traded oil company. It covers the policies that affect businesses, common energy-wasting problems, and employee energy-saving practices. For example, a 20% reduction in energy costs can result in 5% more sales. It also covers common energy-wasting issues such as lighting, air conditioning, and heating.
Components of an Energy Audit
Performing an energy audit for businesses can identify wasteful usage habits and identify areas for improvement. Businesses should also use energy consumption data to track the usage of each department, building, or site to determine where they can make the biggest savings. Using such data, business owners can explain the savings to managers. There are many tools available online for determining energy usage patterns. Companies can also contact their energy providers for help. Several components of an energy audit for business are listed below.
Identifying rate structures is the first step in conducting an energy audit for business. Rate structures can vary greatly, ranging from simple to complex. A typical electricity consumption report includes a customer charge, a demand charge, a power factor charge, and other miscellaneous charges. While these rates can seem complex, few customers understand them. In these cases, an energy audit can help business owners prioritize energy efficiency projects.
Identifying equipment issues can be another important aspect of an energy audit for business. A simple leak in the compressed air system, for example, can cost a business a great deal of money if it occurs later on. A thorough energy audit can pinpoint such issues and help a business make the best decisions for its operation. A checklist can also help businesses build momentum and convince colleagues to invest time and money into the process.
Measurement of building envelope characteristics is an important component of an energy audit. Depending on the size of your business and the services you choose, the audit may involve recording various aspects of the building envelope. These may include walls, floors, windows, skylights, and ceilings. Each of these characteristics may affect the building’s resistance to heat and cool air. The quality of door and window seals affects the air leakage rate and air infiltration.
Alternative Sources of Energy
For the sake of business energy efficiency, one can choose between solar power and wind power. The latter is the most efficient in certain parts of the US, where the daytime hours are long and the heat is high. In countries with limited daylight hours, solar panels are less effective. However, they are still a viable energy option. Listed below are some alternative sources of energy for business energy efficiency. The following are some of the benefits of solar power and wind power.
Solar photovoltaics and onshore wind power are the most affordable energy production options. These renewable energy resources can significantly cut costs and reduce yearly carbon dioxide emissions by up to 1.8 gigatons. Other alternative energy sources are bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, and nuclear energy. With these technologies, business energy efficiency can be easily achieved. Using these sources can save the company money on electricity, gas, and water, which are necessary for running their business.
Wind energy is another renewable resource for business energy efficiency. The installation of solar panels and wind turbines on a property can reduce the electricity bill. The latter can cover a large portion of a company’s energy needs. Researchers in Japan recently achieved a record efficiency for solar cells made of silicon. Renewable energy resources can reduce a business’s energy bills by up to 75 percent. For many businesses, it’s the best option to reduce expenses.
In addition to using renewable energy, many businesses can also produce electricity by using other resources. Solar power, for example, can be produced domestically on a small scale. Hydroelectric energy, on the other hand, can be used on a larger scale to generate electricity for consumers. Another renewable energy source is hydroelectric power, which is generated through the energy of moving water. The water behind a dam causes turbine blades to spin and generate electricity.
Equipment Efficiencies
If you’re looking for ways to lower your business’s energy bill, consider implementing energy-efficient equipment. By turning off lights, you’ll save money and extend the life of fluorescent lights. And by using more efficient lamps and fixtures, you’ll reduce the need for replacements. If you’re already running fluorescent lights in your office, you can consider replacing your old lights with new ones that use less energy and water. Just be sure that the light level is sufficient before you make the change.
The average commercial building wastes about 30% of its energy each year. Energy efficiency upgrades can eliminate this waste and reduce energy costs and utility bills. Other benefits of energy efficiency upgrades include increased equipment life, reduced production downtime, and improved employee comfort, safety, and productivity. Moreover, energy efficiency solutions are also good for the environment. Investing in energy-efficient solutions is one of the most affordable ways to help the environment while saving money. Businesses that invest in energy efficiency solutions can enjoy a range of benefits, including reduced maintenance costs and a lower carbon footprint.
Employees’ Energy-saving Practices
Several simple energy-saving practices can be implemented in the office. Employees can switch off the lights when they are not in the use of natural light to illuminate their workspace. They can also install LED “EXIT” signs and occupancy sensors, and check the refrigerant level in their HVAC units. They can also share their own ideas on how to reduce energy use within the office. By sharing their ideas and making it a team effort, businesses can become more environmentally conscious and help reduce energy costs and emissions.
Even if it’s difficult to convince everyone in a business to adopt energy-saving practices, small steps can make a big impact. Incorporating energy-saving practices into employee routines can improve morale in a workplace, and encourage employees to adopt energy-efficient habits. The benefits of a green office go beyond the bottom line. For example, implementing a simple energy-saving tip can boost morale and improve employee retention. It can also enhance communication throughout the company, which can help improve overall company morale.
Another key benefit of energy efficiency is the improvement of Corporate Social Responsibility. As more individuals consider CSR when purchasing products and services, energy efficiency can boost the CSR ratings of businesses. It can also help boost employee motivation, which will increase the company’s appeal among prospective employees. So, incorporating energy-saving practices into your business will definitely make a difference! The guide is available in two formats: a PDF file that outlines the best practices for employees and a PowerPoint presentation that comes with speaking notes.
An energy-efficient workplace will benefit from a highly effective leader and champion. Senior management should support the energy-saving campaign and identify a champion. This person should be enthusiastic and willing to lead energy-efficient initiatives. Moreover, the champion should recruit volunteers from all areas of operations. Lastly, the champion should be able to communicate the achievements of the company’s energy-saving program. A good leader will be able to build the trust and commitment required to make the program a success.
Cost Savings
If you’re a business owner, you might be looking for ways to reduce the amount of electricity your business uses. You may even want to consider installing energy-saving equipment in your office. Some local governments offer incentives for businesses that install such equipment. But if you’re unsure about whether or not energy-saving technology is right for your business, here are some suggestions to help you cut costs. Follow the suggestions from SRP for the best results.
Investing in energy-efficient technology is an excellent way to lower your company’s energy costs and boost profits. Many best practices are free or very low-cost. Even if you do need to invest in an energy-efficiency upgrade, the return will be substantial. If you’re willing to make this investment, the financial and social benefits of energy-efficiency improvements will pay for themselves over time. By the time you see your savings, it will pay for itself.
Businesses can extend lean practices to improve their energy efficiency. Adding more energy-efficient technologies to their buildings will reduce waste by default. For example, one chemical company changed its process to release heat faster during the polymerization stage, allowing evaporation to begin earlier. This change allowed the production line to achieve a cost benchmark within the industry. Another example of a business that improved its energy efficiency is a steel player in South America that developed a boiler optimization model that reduced energy losses in its boilers to 3 percent lower than competitors.
Another option for businesses is to purchase natural gas. IGS offers both green electricity and natural gas at affordable rates for small and large businesses. Many businesses can take advantage of this alternative and still maintain their business operations at a lower cost. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. The investment will pay for itself many times over in the end. You’ll see savings in the long run, and your employees will thank you for it.
