30 Energy saving tips For Your Business

With power bills continually increasing, using energy effectively in our homes and businesses is becoming more of a priority. While working on commercial building projects in Bundaberg our commercial builders at Murchie Constructions work with business owners to create energy efficient building designs equipped with an array of energy efficient features. We’ve put together a list of 30 energy saving tips for your business which will cut energy use and reduce operating costs.

1.     Reduce standby operation of computers, fax machines and other appliances at the end of the day.

2.     Ensure that you have the ability to make sure air conditioning and lighting is turned off over weekends and at the end of the day. Work with the building management to achieve this.

3.     Have air conditioners regularly serviced and filters cleaned so they run most efficiently.

4.     Upgrade lighting to more energy efficient options including compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) or LED lighting.

5.     Consider installing dimmer switches to reduce intensity of light.

6.     Maximise use of natural light to reduce artificial lighting requirements.

7.     Use ceiling fans as an alternative to air conditioning.

8.     Use emails instead of printing memos and look at other ways to cut down on the businesses paper trail.

9.     Invest in the highest energy star rated model that you can afford when purchasing new appliances or equipment. Use LCD computer monitors instead of older monitors.

10. Maintain the seals of refrigeration equipment so cool air is not escaping.

11. Encourage the use of smaller appliances were needed.

12. Use window blinds, shutters and other window furnishings to prevent heat transferring into your business from windows.

13. Upgrade older electric hot water systems to more energy efficient gas or solar hot water models.

14. Connect your electricity supply to more energy efficient tariffs where possible.

15. Shut off areas of the building that are not being used to reduce heating and cooling costs and close doors in areas where possible to stop warm or cool air escaping.

16. Install energy efficient window glass including double glazed windows.

17.Reduce any air leaks to the business by maintaining windows and doors and sealing any unnecessary openings.

18. Reduce your hot water systems temperature (not below 60 degrees as this presents a bacteria risk)

19.Ensure hot water systems are sheltered and pipes and fittings are insulated to reduce heat loss.

20. Set your office or business air conditioning system to 24 degrees.

21. Use a lighter colour scheme with walls, flooring and other surfaces in the business to reflect  and maximise natural light

22. Use an inkjet instead of a laser printer – they are 90 per cent more energy efficient!

23. Use automatic motion sensor lighting in bathrooms, storage areas and daylight sensors for other transient spaces around the business.

24. Upgrade the insulation in the roof and walls of your business to one with a better thermal mass.

25. Shop around with your power provider to make sure you are getting the best deal

26. Make sure all staff have sleep timers set to their PC’s to save energy when on breaks and away from their computer

27. Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. Extra water will use up to triple the energy to boil each time and often will be wasted.

28. Shut down equipment at the power points at the end of day to cut standby power use.

29. Use energy efficient building materials when building, renovating or remodelling your business including reflective roofing, sarking and insulation.

30. Create an energy conscious work culture by motivating with the team about the new energy saving challenge and incentivise this by passing on some of the savings you have made on power bills to reward staff. Over time good habits will be formed and staff will adopt these energy saving practices without needing reminding.

Typically heating and cooling costs will account for the biggest energy usage costs in a business, so this is often the best place to start. While some of these measures require investment, over time more energy efficient equipment and cooling and heating will pay for themselves. Many other strategies can be implemented right away! 

A remodel or refit of your business can be one of the best opportunities to not only transform the look and functionality of your business, but implement a range of energy efficient measures during the building stage. Murchie Constructions can advise you on a variety of strategies for a forward thinking, sustainable and energy efficient business – just contact us today on (07) 4132 7777