Your complete guide to commercial energy efficiency
Tips for improving your business’s energy usage
Today, there is an increasing trend towards commercial energy efficiency. More and more businesses, no matter their size, scope or location, are thinking of ways to improve their energy-saving habits.
In Australia, the non-residential sector (including commercial buildings such as offices, shops or restaurants), is responsible for approximately 10% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
But how much do you really know about commercial energy efficiency? Are you doing everything you can to make your business more environmentally friendly with best practices to save power, reduce bills, and make your business environmentally friendly?
Fortunately, saving power may be one of the simplest ways of improving business profitability. Your business can easily cut costs and boost productivity by reducing waste and improving the energy efficiency of your building.
The Jaric team can show you how different lighting strategies can help you reduce your power bills, minimise carbon pollution, and save energy at the same time.
Ways to save energy with office equipment
Use “power-off” instead of “stand-by mode”
There’s a common misconception that standby is equivalent to shut down in terms of energy usage. That’s not actually true! While ‘sleep mode’ is considered to be economical, it’s still a waste of unnecessary energy. So encourage your staff to turn off computers, monitors, printers or copiers at the end of each working day.
Choose appliances with high energy ratings
If your office uses old devices, their running costs might be causing higher monthly power bills. That’s why upgrading to newer appliances that display an energy rating label can be a really good investment for your business. Remember: the more stars, the more savings. And the more successful your commercial energy efficiency campaign will end up being!
Switch from desktop computers to laptops if possible
If possible, consider replacing your business’s desktop computers with laptops, since they use half the energy. Over time, you will definitely see some major positive changes in your electricity bills. And as a bonus, laptop machines may offer your staff extra flexibility with ‘work-from-home’ policies.
Schedule regular electrical safety inspections
A key point for ensuring commercial energy efficiency is scheduling electrical safety inspections with your licensed electrician. Whether it’s preventive electrical maintenance or test and tag services, you will have the peace-of-mind of having your business compliant and your equipment 100% safe at all times.
Ways to save energy with your business lighting
Did you know that up to half your business’s energy bill could be down to lighting? Here are some lighting strategies that you as a business owner can use to lower your energy usage.
Enforce a lights-off policy at the end of the day
With business energy efficiency, small changes really can make a big difference. Think of your business as your own home. Just like you manage your household energy consumption, it’s important to raise awareness at work too. Simple things like switching off the lights at the end of the day represent healthy habits and have long-term results. So, be creative! Place stickers, reminders and constantly encourage staff to turn off lights when they leave the office.
Use natural lighting as much as possible
Of course, the healthiest and most beneficial type of lighting is natural light. Take full advantage of it by moving work desks to brighter areas, or choosing bright walls colours to enhance natural light. This has the added benefit of increasing employee wellbeing and satisfaction at work.
Install lighting control systems
Think of ways to manage your business lighting more easily, such as installing motion sensors and timers to optimise lighting use. You can also invest in lighting fixtures that have a dimmer, so you can manually adjust the light intensity of each area of the office. And for best performance, consider choosing smart lighting that’s integrated into your Building Management System
Upgrade to energy efficient lighting options
Try to replace traditional lighting such as incandescent or halogen light bulbs, and embrace high-performance LED technology. Despite their upfront costs, LED bulbs are the most cost-effective type of lighting – in fact, they’re 4 to 7 times more efficient. And thanks to their long lifespan, they can also make a great option for a commercial building’s exit and emergency lighting.
Small changes can have a big impact on your business as a whole
These helpful energy saving tips can have a huge effect on your commercial energy efficiency. They’re a cost-effective way to manage rising energy prices, increase productivity, and reduce your operating costs.
Need a certified electrician to help your business improve its energy efficiency? Get in touch with Jaric online or call us on 1300 452 742 and talk to the experts today.