Gas and electricity are one of the most significant operational costs for businesses, and with the rise of energy prices and the push for sustainable practices, gaining control of energy usage is critical. By managing energy consumption efficiently, businesses can reduce costs, enhance sustainability, and meet corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
In this blog post, we will explore actionable strategies businesses can implement to gain control over their energy usage while maintaining operational efficiency.
Conduct an Energy Audit
An energy audit is the first step in understanding where and how your business uses energy. This thorough evaluation helps identify areas of inefficiency, waste, and potential savings.
Hire professionals – Having energy auditors assess your facility's energy use can ensure that your audit is done properly. They will provide detailed reports on lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, machinery, and more.
Use energy management software - Many companies offer energy tracking tools that allow businesses to monitor energy consumption in real-time. This can highlight spikes or irregularities, enabling faster corrective action.
An audit provides a roadmap for optimising energy consumption, which can result in cost savings of 10-40% depending on the business size and type.
Implement Energy-Efficient Equipment
Outdated equipment is often less energy-efficient and contributes to increased costs. Upgrading to energy-efficient technology can reduce consumption and improve operational efficiency.
- Heating - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems consume a large portion of business energy. Invest in modern systems with smart thermostats and controls and ensure regular maintenance.
- LED lighting - Replace traditional lighting with LED bulbs, which consume up to 75% less energy and last longer.
- Voltage optimisation – Reduce your electricity bills by 19% by sending excess electricity back to the grid.
Upgrading to energy-efficient systems provides long-term cost savings through lower energy use and reduced maintenance requirements.
Adopt smart energy management systems
Smart energy management systems allow businesses to monitor, control, and optimise their energy usage remotely. By integrating EMS, businesses can make informed decisions on energy consumption and automate energy-saving actions.
With the data and automation provided by EMS, businesses can reduce energy consumption by 10-30%, ensuring ongoing energy efficiency.
Engage Employees in Energy Conservation
Your employees play a critical role in helping your business manage energy usage. Engage them in energy-saving initiatives and create a culture of awareness around energy conservation.
- Energy-awareness programs - Organise workshops or training sessions to educate staff on how their actions impact energy consumption. Simple practices, like turning off unused equipment and lights, can lead to significant savings.
- Incentivise participation - Reward employees or teams who suggest or implement energy-saving measures. Acknowledging their efforts can increase participation and create positive momentum.
Employees' daily actions can account for substantial energy savings when they actively participate in conservation efforts.
Optimise Building Insulation and Design
A well-insulated and energy-optimised building can drastically reduce heating and cooling costs. Whether you operate from an office, factory, or retail space, making adjustments to your facility’s design and insulation can prevent energy waste.
- Insulate effectively - Ensure that walls, ceilings, and floors are well-insulated to retain heat in winter and cool air in summer. Window upgrades, such as double-glazing, can also help in maintaining a stable internal temperature.
- Natural light and ventilation - Design workspaces to take advantage of natural light and airflow, which can reduce reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems.
Improving building insulation can lead to up to 50% savings on heating and cooling energy costs, especially in large facilities.
Switch to Renewable Energy Sources
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is an excellent way to gain control of energy usage while also supporting sustainability goals. While the upfront costs of switching to renewable energy might be high, the long-term savings and benefits to the environment are well worth the investment.
- Solar panels - Solar energy is a popular choice for businesses looking to reduce grid dependence and cut energy costs. Solar power systems can provide a substantial portion of your energy needs, especially in sunny climates.
- Power purchase agreements - Some businesses may not want to install renewable systems on-site. Instead, they can enter PPAs, where they purchase renewable energy directly from third-party providers at a fixed cost.
Renewable energy sources not only reduce energy costs over time but also contribute to a business's reputation as a socially responsible entity.
Demand Response Programs
Demand response programs allow businesses to adjust their energy consumption based on the electricity grid's demand. These programs reward businesses for reducing energy use during peak demand times, either by shifting operational schedules or temporarily reducing non-essential energy use.
- Peak-savings - By reducing energy usage during peak times, businesses can avoid higher rates and, in some cases, receive compensation from utility providers.
- Automated response - Smart energy systems can automatically lower usage during peak periods without disrupting operations, offering an easy way to benefit from demand response programs.
Demand response programs offer financial incentives for businesses that adjust their energy usage, further reducing overall costs.
Establish Clear Energy Goals
To ensure continued control over energy usage, businesses must set clear energy conservation goals and track their progress using key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Create energy benchmarks - Establish baselines for energy use in different areas of your operations. These benchmarks will help measure the impact of energy-saving initiatives.
- Monitor progress regularly - Use your energy management systems to track KPIs like energy use per square foot, cost savings, and emissions reductions.
Clear goals and KPIs allow businesses to evaluate the success of their energy management strategies and make improvements where necessary.
The Benefits of Controlling Business Energy Usage
Controlling energy usage is not only about cutting costs; it also helps businesses become more sustainable and efficient.
By conducting energy audits, upgrading equipment, utilising smart systems, and engaging employees, companies can achieve significant savings. Moreover, adopting renewable energy and demand response programs can provide long-term benefits that support both the environment and the bottom line.
As energy prices continue to rise and sustainability becomes more critical, businesses that proactively manage their energy consumption will gain a competitive edge and ensure a more resilient future.
If you're looking to save money on your energy bills then why not get in touch today? The relationships Resolve Energy has developed with over 24 of the UK’s biggest business energy suppliers allows our energy experts to source the best business energy rates available for your company right when you need them. Request a free quote today and start saving money on your energy.
