With rising energy rates and business costs, many businesses are looking for ways to keep costs low wherever possible to ensure that they remain operational. Keeping energy costs low is also an easy way to reduce your business’ carbon footprint and reap environmental benefits.

Find out how you can optimise your business’ energy consumption and savings below.

Implement energy saving practices for your team
Encouraging staff to adopt energy saving practices can significantly reduce overall consumption. Set clear expectations around energy use, such as turning off heating and cooling systems when not needed and consider implementing motion-sensor lighting to minimise unnecessary electricity use. You can also optimise office equipment by enabling energy-saving settings on computers, monitors, and printers, and remind your team to unplug chargers and cords when they’re not in use. These small changes, when adopted across the business, can lead to substantial savings over time.

Regular maintenance checks

Conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure HVAC systems are serviced and filters are cleaned or replaced. This helps improve energy efficiency and extends the lifespan of your equipment.

Establish a hybrid working model

A hybrid working model in which employees can work from home on certain days of the week can help your business save on energy costs by reducing electricity demand [1]. This can also help to reduce your team’s overall carbon footprint by limiting the need for them to commute to the office.

Review energy usage across electrical equipment

An effective way to quickly identify areas of improvement within your business is to review your energy usage across various types of electrical equipment.

One solution could be as simple as switching to LED lightbulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than halogen lightbulbs [2]. You can also monitor the business’ office temperature to keep it at a modest temperature (between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius) as heating/cooling accounts for around one-third of electricity bills [3].

Implement thermostat control

Optimising thermostat settings for different times of the day can reduce energy usage by lowering heating or cooling when the office is unoccupied.

Use natural resources

Utilising natural light and airflow can enhance office efficiency. By optimising the office layout and arranging workstations to maximise the use of natural light, businesses can minimise the need for artificial lighting.

Additionally, opening windows and doors allows fresh air, warmth, cool breezes, and sunlight to enter the workplace. Not only does this reduce energy consumption, circulating fresh air throughout a workspace has also been proven to boost productivity, help prevent dry eye caused by excessive air conditioning use and decrease the risk of spreading illnesses amongstaff [4].

Installing blinds or shades

In the warmer months, installing and lowering blinds or shades can help to block out direct sunlight. This helps to avoid heat being trapped in the office and can reduce cooling loads.

Invest in energy efficient equipment

Replacing energy intensive appliances and investing in energy efficient equipment and technology is a long-term strategy for reducing your business’s electricity consumption. Upgrading to energy efficient appliances, such as fridges, coffee machines, and microwaves with high Energy Star ratings, can further reduce energy usage.

In today’s digital age, businesses can also opt to go paperless, eliminating the need for printers or fax machines contributing to even greater energy savings.

Changing computer monitors

Desktops require a constant power source unless turned off at the switch, while laptops typically consume about 90% less energy [2]. Switching from desktops to laptops can help reduce energy consumption. Laptops are designed to be more energy-efficient and feature built-in power saving capabilities that help reduce energy use.

These savings can be further enhanced by utilising screen dimming and sleep settings, which reduce energy consumption when the laptop is not in active use. Additionally, applying energy efficient practices, such as automatic sleep modes and encouraging employees to unplug chargers when not in use, can further maximise energy savings. Overall, adopting laptops and optimising their power settings contribute to lower energy costs and a more sustainable work environment.

Install solar panels

Installing solar panels is a long-term solution that allows businesses to generate their own renewable energy, reducing electricity costs after covering the initial purchase and installation costs.

Solar energy systems often qualify for government incentives, which can further reduce upfront costs and accelerate return on investment. Check with your state government for available incentives for solar panel installations. Adopting solar power also supports corporate sustainability goals, enhancing a company’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious customers and partners.

Install smart meters

Installing a smart meter allows you to digitally monitor and record your business’s energy consumption data in real time using the device’s two-way communication system. This technology provides detailed insights into usage patterns, enabling businesses to manage energy demand more efficiently.

By identifying peak usage times, companies can shift energy intensive activities to off-peak times [5], potentially lowering energy costs. Additionally, smart meters can potentially reduce the risk of billing errors by providing detailed interval usage reports, ensuring you are charged only for the energy you use. These insights can also support long-term energy efficiency strategies and sustainability goals.

In Summary

Adopting these energy-saving strategies can help your business reduce costs and boost sustainability. Simple actions, like optimising thermostat settings and using natural light, along with investments in solar panels and smart meters, can make a significant impact. Start making changes today fir long-term savings and environmental benefits.