How to Set Up Your Business Space for Maximum Energy Savings
Design plays an essential role when it comes to energy efficiency in any business. This is actually where you should start making adjustments and consider implementing solutions to reduce the reliance on external sources of energy. It can sometimes take only small modifications to make a great difference, and you’ll be able to benefit not only from cost savings but by being able to project a better image as a brand. Let’s take a look at how you can set up your business space for maximum energy savings.
Have an Energy Audit Conducted
Before you start making physical changes to your office, the first thing you should do is have an energy audit performed. This will allow you to see exactly where you’re overspending on energy, and some steps you could take to become more energy efficient.
Another thing we strongly suggest you do is renegotiate your current energy deal and start looking at other options. There are many services that will allow you to compare business gas per kWh prices between different energy suppliers. These will give you a better idea of what you can get on the market, and give you a ready option if you don’t find the offers that you’re getting from your current supplier satisfactory.
Improve Lighting Systems
The first and easiest adjustment you can do is make sure that you use the most efficient lighting options on the market. If you still have 38mm fluorescent tubes, then we suggest you switch to 26mm tubes. Just making this simple change will save you 10% on energy. You should also invest in LED emergency lights which not only save energy but require much less maintenance.
Improve Insulation
Insulation also plays a very important role when it comes to energy consumption and conservation. It has been estimated that around 25% of the energy lost goes through the roof and 35% through the walls. Being able to reduce the amount of energy wasted will reflect directly on your energy bill, so make sure that you have your insulation surveyed regularly, and make improvements if needed.
Go Solar
While you might not be able to rely completely on solar energy to power your building, it is still a great way to supplement your current energy source. You should also know that solar panels are much more affordable than they used to be. You also don’t have to use solar panels only; there are some solar powered water heating systems that you can use, and you can also install solar windows that will produce additional energy.
Speaking of windows, just switching to double or triple glazed windows could make a world of difference. Triple glazed windows could help you save as much as 50% on energy as they have two pockets of air that allow for greater insulation. While they cost about 20% more than double glazed windows, you’ll be able to recuperate on these costs very fast.
If you make these few adjustments, you’ll be able to significantly reduce your energy and operating costs. You’ll also be able to make a difference by reducing your impact on the environment, which should always be a priority.
