One of the main concerns that commercial building managers have is energy consumption. While it is necessary for daily business operations, there has to be a strong balance between its use and conservation to keep costs reasonable. Thankfully, there are a few measures you can enact to improve energy efficiency and keep these expenses low.
1. Run an Energy Consumption Audit
The first process that can inform the rest of the energy efficiency program for your building is an audit. A commercial building energy audit helps you understand how exactly the area uses electricity and guides the efficiency strategy for the specific building. You can run the audit yourself or hire an experienced consultant to handle the procedure. A great place to start the audit is by reviewing energy bills, as well as equipment maintenance and repair records.
2. Use Energy Efficient Appliances
There are plenty of devices and appliances that can help you with consumption reduction. You can always research these energy efficient items and install them in your industrial facility. For instance, hvls fans move a large amount of air at low speeds, stopping heat from escaping and reducing temperatures during winter and summer, respectively, without consuming too much electricity. Newer devices like refrigerators and vending machines also inherently use less energy than older versions.
3. Install Proper Insulation
Insulation is a necessary part of both commercial and residential buildings. Properly-installed insulation ensures heat is retained inside the property during winter, while also maintaining cool air inside during the summer. This dynamic means that the HVAC units do not have to compensate for any temperature leaks by consuming more energy. Ensure every wall, window and pipe has newer insulation. Pipe insulation also has the additional benefit of preventing burst pipes and potential water damage.
4. Teach Employees Responsible Energy Use
Increasing energy efficiency for the building is not a job you have to do alone. The employees and other individuals who use the building should also embrace responsible electronics use to increase savings. Collaborate with the employees and the audit results to create a guideline that teaches the crew how to use equipment in moderation. The simplest measure involves turning off lights after leaving a room and shutting down most devices when they are not using them.
Many businesses use a significant amount of energy for their operations, but operators like yourself can reduce the quantity without sacrificing productivity. Efficiency procedures help you reduce costs for the company without changing much.