We want to save the planet as a global community. To do this, we lower our home energy consumption, recycle, and find other ways to reduce our carbon imprint. In turn, we want the businesses we deal with to do the same thing.
In fact, two-thirds of consumers in North America look to purchase items from companies that are eco-friendly. As the opinion of shoppers goes so does the purpose of the business. This is why you need to find ways to improve its energy efficiency. Here are a few examples.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are no longer a fad. They’ve been used in residential and commercial applications for decades. They’re used to reduce electric costs and find ways to maintain power in areas off the grid.
You can use solar panels in your business as easily as a homeowner. Actually, new technologies have reduced the size of the equipment into a solar power pack. While the initial cost of this energy-efficient equipment takes a bite out of your budget, it also has a greater return on investment for the future.
Raised Access Floors
You probably have raised access floors but don’t know about them. It’s okay because you probably don’t need access. Normally, your network and utility engineers pull panels out to examine fiber optic cables or the cooling system.
This means you don’t know the energy advantages of these raised access floors. However, companies like Air Fixture do. They understand that air can be pushed up from the floor instead of down from the ceiling. In turn, the fans that generate heat and cool air use about 20 percent less energy.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters increase energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat required to warm the liquid. When your business utilizes a tank-based setup gas or electric heat continually runs to maintain the proper temperature for hot water. As the tanks are emptied the use of the heating elements increases to warm the new liquid.
In a tankless setup, the water is warmed as it flows through the pipes. Technically, it enters a small unit somewhere nearby that warms the water. Thus, it doesn’t become cold like it would if the tank was empty.
Additionally, the heating elements are only activated when a tap is turned on. Thus, the amount of gas or electricity used is significantly cut.
LED Lights
Fluorescent lights are no longer the most efficient way to brighten the office. On top of being somewhat harsh when working on computers, they also have less staying power. Employees understand this each time one of the fluorescent rods begins to flicker.
On the other hand, LED lights are up to seven times more efficient than these lights and standard incandescents. Once installed, they last for at least 250,000 hours. Furthermore, they cut energy use by as much as 80 percent.
Reduce Peak Energy Use
The hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. are considered the peak time for energy use. It’s when a majority of businesses utilize the most power. In turn, utilities charge higher rates during this range.
To prevent this and make your business energy efficient you want to change things up. Consider staggering the work schedule and running heavy machinery at full-power during the early morning and evening hours. Furthermore, look into a format where half of your employees work from home part of the week while the others remain in the office.
Get An Energy Audit
An energy audit is a fine way to determine where improvements must be made. Done by your local utility or a third-party company, the examination explores all of the ways you utilize your energy. When done, they provide you a list of changes that are recommended or must be done.
There are many ways you can improve your business’ energy efficiency. They don’t take long to enact, nor do they cost a large sum of money to address. What they do need is a commitment toward a more eco-friendly atmosphere.
In the end, don’t do this alone. Announce the initiate to your employees and ask them for their suggestions. You’ll be surprised at their eagerness to help reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
