Tips to help reduce your energy bills in commercial buildings
Saving energy and money makes good business sense. Increasing energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways for a business to reduce operating expenses. These tips below can help reduce energy bills in commercial properties.
Beware of vampires.
Did you know vampire loads — or power consumed even when electronics are turned off — can add up to high costs? Advanced power strips, primarily used for workspaces, prevent vampire loads by cutting power to specific outlets until you use your devices again. Can’t find a smart power strip or unable to locate one online? Keep unused, non-essential electronics unplugged until you need to use them again.
Get connected.
Install a programmable thermostat that you can control over the Internet. A smart thermostat has the capability to automatically adjust the temperature of your workplace when no one is working, and you can control your building temperature from afar. Less heating and air conditioning can result in significant energy savings for your business.
Stack the savings
Consider where energy is used and look for opportunities to save across the whole workplace. Educate your employees on using the energy-saving features of smaller appliances such as air conditioners, printers, and microwaves to help reduce energy costs. If you have a hot water heater, consider turning the temperature down or off (if appropriate) to save energy. Also, by enacting policies and training staff to turn off computers or switch them to hibernate mode at the end of the workday, energy savings can add up quickly.
Harness the power of technology.
Virtual meeting technologies allow you to hold meetings, give presentations, and make long-distance phone calls without going to a client’s office or holding meetings on-site. Additionally, allowing employees to work from home using remote technologies will mean lower utility costs from lighting, cooling, and water heating.
Take control.
Lighting controls can help stop excessive use by automatically turning off lights that aren’t being used. You can also program lighting zones to light workspaces while they are in use and dim corridors, cafeterias, and meeting rooms when not in use.
Access incentives
Local utilities may offer commercial incentives for energy-efficient upgrades to your building’s heating and cooling, lighting and other equipment.