5 Ways Small Businesses Can Cut Energy Costs

Energy costs can put quite a dent in a company’s monthly expenses; greater awareness of environmental problems has brought “going green” into the mainstream, and individuals and businesses have a growing interest in doing their part. Concerted efforts at reducing energy use will offer benefits for the business and the planet, and here are some ways to accomplish this worthwhile goal.

Energy Audit

One of the most important steps in implementing change is doing a thorough evaluation of what you are currently working with. If you are really serious about cutting energy use, you should consult with your local utilities company for a personalized energy audit; they are inexpensive and sometimes, free. A professional can evaluate how your business uses energy, your individual needs and what changes you can make to lower costs.

Online Energy Calculators

Like an energy audit, online calculators that allow you to input information about your company and its energy use can prove a useful tool in guiding your new-found efforts at becoming more energy-efficient. These free calculators can provide very specific suggestions for reducing energy use as well as the cost of implementing changes and how much you can expect to save over time.

Heating and Cooling Improvements

Heating and cooling commercial spaces can add up to big bucks and accounts for a huge chunk of a company’s energy use. Many systems are bigger than they need to be, and not as efficient as they should be. Improvements in this area can cut energy consumption by a whopping 40 percent. You can consider switching to a more compact and efficient unit, or, if that is not an option, look into controlling the motor speed with a variable speed drive.

Lighting

Lighting is one area in particular where little changes can add up to major savings when it comes to energy use.  Traditional light bulbs are highly inefficient and a huge energy drain—any eco-friendly business will be using either CFL or LED lights, which are super-efficient and last longer than regular bulbs. If you currently use T12 florescent bulbs, switch to T8—they are much more efficient. Install motion sensors in areas where people come and go so that the lights are only on when someone is in the area and off when they are not—just make sure to install it in an area where it can ‘’see’’ the person, not behind a coat rack, door or bookshelf.

Office Equipment

Investing in office equipment that carries the Energy Star label ensures you are using an energy-efficient product that works just as well as their conventional counterparts. Turn off anything that is not in use—this tip sounds quite obvious but is often forgotten around the office. Switch off the computers—it is always better to go this route than screen saver mode. Anything that uses electricity will continue to draw it in small amounts even if it is turned off so long as it is plugged in—either unplug equipment or use power strips that are turned on and off.

Source:-  http://toptenpk.com/5-ways-small-businesses-can-cut-energy-costs/