Effective energy management is essential for maximising operational efficiency, improving sustainability, and reducing costs. By taking a proactive approach to energy usage, businesses can make a significant impact on their environmental footprint while boosting their bottom line.
Here are 10 essential tips to help your business reduce energy consumption, optimise performance, and stay competitive in the market.
- Trend spotting: Measuring and Monitoring
Regularly track energy use to identify trends, spot inefficiencies, and set improvement targets. Accurate data is essential for efficient energy management. Key areas to monitor include energy consumption, waste, water and business purchases. Installing smart meters will help you accurately measure and monitor your energy consumption by providing 30-minute real-time updates showing gas and electricity usage throughout the day.
- Calculate consumption: Energy Assessment
Conduct an in-depth energy audit to determine where and how energy is consumed in your business. This audit will reveal high-consumption areas, allowing you to take targeted actions that improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary energy use.
- Shop smart: Energy supplier review
Reviewing energy contracts regularly ensures you’re getting the best deal. Switching to suppliers offering renewable energy or better rates can deliver cost savings. It’s worth shopping around to see what offers are out there and visiting a comparison site before switching. If your business operates during off-peak hours, consider suppliers with cheaper night rates to lower expenses further.
- Climate control: Temperature management
Use programmable thermostats, timers, or radiator valves to control heating and cooling. Installing smart systems allows you to adjust heating remotely or in specific zones, helping to reduce your energy demand, optimise staff comfort and lower costs. Reducing temperatures by just 1°C can lead to substantial energy savings and associated costs.
- Wrap it up: Insulation solutions
Proper insulation reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling by maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, keeping buildings warm in the winter and cool in summer. This not only cuts down on energy expenses but also creates a more comfortable work environment.
- Seal the deal: Windows and Doors
Installing energy-efficient windows and doors, or sealing existing ones, prevents draughts and reduces heat loss, keeping energy usage and costs down, particularly in colder months. The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) operates a scheme to identify energy-efficient windows. When choosing windows, look for the BFRC rating to ensure you select the most energy-efficient option available.
- Bright ideas: Lighting Assessment & Controls
Conduct an assessment of all lighting, evaluate usage patterns and staff behaviour and switch to energy-efficient LEDs when feasible. LED’s are more efficient than other lighting alternatives reducing electricity consumption and offer significant cost savings. Additionally, installing motion sensors and timers in spaces such as toilets, corridors and store cupboards ensures lights are only on when needed, further cutting unnecessary energy use. Photocells can be useful for controlling indoor and outdoor lighting by automatically adjusting the light levels based on natural sunlight, reducing energy consumption.
- Health checks: Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance of equipment ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency. Old or damaged machinery can use more energy and increase running costs. By scheduling regular maintenance and repairs, you extend the lifespan of your equipment whilst minimising energy wastage and associated costs.
- Keep it cool: Refrigerant Use
Managing and maintaining HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system is essential to controlling energy use. Regular TM44 assessments improve the performance of air conditioners and refrigerators, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Well-maintained systems also prevent costly breakdowns and ensure more efficient operation.
- Empower your people: Staff Awareness and Training
Educating employees in energy-saving practices ensures everyone contributes to reducing energy use. Regular training and awareness can embed energy-efficient habits across the business. Giving staff the opportunity to be involved in sustainability accountability can be a way to empower people and add to their personal career development. Training can also provide ideas and feedback on how to tackle the environmental challenges within each business division.
