5 Simple Ways Businesses Can Reduce Energy Consumption

More and more businesses are looking to improve their energy efficiency to save money and protect the environment. A study conducted in 2022 found that 89% of global enterprises expect their investments in energy efficiency will increase over five years. With the increasing number of companies aiming to reduce their carbon emissions and some even setting a net zero target, most businesses will likely have to follow suit due to added consumer pressure. 

With limited budgets and a rising cost of living, this transition could be difficult for many small businesses. However, there are many simple but effective ways to reduce energy consumption. 

1. Energy Audits

During an energy audit, a professional will analyze a business’s energy use and recommend ways to reduce energy consumption.

A business needs to examine energy use and wasted energy to reduce energy consumption successfully. An energy audit is the most effective method of analyzing these consumption trends. It is an evaluation of how inefficient or efficient a business is. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air conditioning engineers (ASHRAE) separates energy audits into three levels.

Energy audits are a great way to get professional advice on how to change your energy consumption habits and should be the first step any company can take towards net zero emissions. 

Level 1

The cheapest level, level 1, is best used to identify massive problems in how a business uses electricity. Professionals on a level 1 audit will review utility bills and interview staff on how they use energy. Low-cost upgrades or a further audit are suggested after this process. 

Level 2

A Level 2 audit builds upon the procedures in Level 1. A Level 2 audit does the above with more detailed energy reviews, financial reviews, and calculations. Data is usually taken from an extended period compared to the first level to produce more precise results.

Level 3

Even further analysis of the way the building uses energy. A level 3 audit will use a larger corpus of data and more complex formulas to find the best options for the client. 

2. Lighting

Lighting is a massive part of energy consumption. LED lighting uses less energy in comparison to halogen and incandescent alternatives. LED lighting is not only highly efficient, but it is also more durable, meaning you’ll spend less time and money replacing bulbs. 

LED lighting is also better quality and more customizable, coming in various colors and brightness. Businesses can adapt LED bulbs to the demands of their industry.

The easiest way to save money on lighting is to maximize natural lighting. For example, using skylights and bright colors reduces the cash needed to power artificial lighting during daylight hours.

3. Solar Panels

Installing solar panels is becoming a popular way to incorporate clean energy into the home and the business. By reducing the reliance upon traditional, non-renewable sources of energy, companies will not only become more eco-friendly, but they will also decrease the amount they spend on utility bills. In addition, if solar panels produce enough energy, a business can make money by selling the energy produced and putting it back into the grid.

To make the most out of solar energy, it is best to:

• Clean panels regularly: anything on the surface of the panels has the potential to obstruct access to light. 
• Use more electricity during the day: make the most of solar energy by switching on the most wasteful appliances during daylight hours.
• Clear away trees: keeping trees trimmed or cut down will once again maximize the sunlight your solar panels have access to.
• Use energy-efficient appliances: By using energy-efficient appliances, the power your solar panels have generated will last longer.
• Add a battery: Adding a battery means you can store the excess energy your panels make. Then, instead of being sent back into the grid, this power can be used in the closing hours of the day.

If installing traditional solar panels is too expensive for a company, a solar power generator kit is a great alternative. These kits are great to use as backup generators and can be used to reduce reliance on damaging energy sources for shorter periods.

4. Energy-Efficient Equipment

Many businesses use equipment that consumes lots of energy but do not upgrade their technology to its energy-efficient counterpart to save short-term cash. Buying energy-efficient equipment will reduce carbon emissions and save money in the long term, even if the initial investment for this equipment is usually more expensive. Businesses should look for equipment that is, for example, Energy Star Certified and reduce operating costs. This tip is handy for companies that are reliant on technology. Energy-efficient equipment is also more durable and will last longer.

5. Encourage Energy-Saving Habits 

Encouraging employees to adopt eco-friendly habits will increase a business’s overall energy consumption. Little things can make a big difference in this department, especially if the company hires many employees. Even turning off lights when they are not needed can make a massive difference. 

Encouraging employees to care about the environment can help create a stronger culture in the workplace. In addition, by taking responsibility for energy consumption, employees will have another set of goals to aspire to. To strengthen this responsibility, a company could create bonuses for the employees made up of what the company can save on utility bills.

Final Thoughts

Not only does reducing energy consumption positively impact the environment, but it can also improve brand image and increase a business’s liquidity. The methods of reducing carbon emissions and the benefits of doing so are nearly endless. As more and more people become aware of the dangers of climate change, the pressure for businesses to lower their carbon footprint will increase. 
Companies should implement long-term strategies now to prepare themselves for any future changes in trading laws. Businesses are now grabbing people’s attention by creating strong brand images with their eco-friendly principles. Every business should have plans in place to reduce its carbon footprint for both ethical and financial reasons.