Commercial buildings across the United States are major energy consumers, using more than double what’s used in residential dwellings. With a vast array of devices and appliances connected to their systems, it’s no surprise that these buildings require considerably more electricity for optimal function. As a facility manager, you have the unique opportunity to reduce your commercial building’s energy consumption and costs significantly. Here are seven helpful tips that will not only help your bottom line but also promote more efficient energy usage throughout the entire facility to jumpstart those savings and reduce energy usage today!
Set heating and cooling temperature only as high or low as necessary.
Maximize heat and AC performance with the right habits to successfully reduce energy usage. Setting the temperature only as high or low as necessary is one of the easiest ways to maintain an efficient building without sacrificing comfort. Pushing the air beyond the desired level wastes energy and money, leading to higher utility bills in the long run. Careful habits, like adhering to simple thermostat adjustments, are essential for keeping all your sites comfortable while keeping environmental impact and costs low.
Implement a robust HVAC maintenance schedule.
HVAC maintenance isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential for preserving and improving your building systems. A thorough preventative schedule provides the best opportunity to keep everything in top shape, maximizing efficiency while simultaneously extending their service life. Regular maintenance should include basic cleaning and inspections that regularly examine all components within the HVAC system, such as coils and motors. In addition, these inspections also look out for worn parts that need replacing before more serious issues arise. Not only does this avoid costly repairs, but it reduces energy usage and helps keep workplace conditions at optimum standards.
Educate occupants on best practices for energy conservation.
Businesses wanting to be sustainable and reduce energy usage should focus on educating their occupants. Teaching best practices for conserving energy can make a considerable difference in overall usage. This begins with simple steps like turning off lights and electronic devices when not in use, insulating walls and ceilings, unplugging battery chargers, and properly maintaining HVAC systems. Even the smallest efforts toward conserving energy can have considerable long-term returns. By regularly informing staff on best practices for conservation, businesses can ensure their success in creating efficient operations with sustainable savings.
Monitor energy usage regularly and identify opportunities for improvement.
Without regular energy consumption monitoring, it’s impossible to identify and capitalize on opportunities for improved efficiency. Gathering data provides the insights needed to truly optimize your business’ usage – a step that should not be overlooked when aiming for higher levels of performance. Through regular tracking and analyzing of energy data, businesses can:
- Pinpoint times of highest usage.
- Identify opportunities for conservation measures.
- Evaluate whether existing measures are producing the desired results.
Structured energy monitoring is a powerful aid in creating sustainable strategies to optimize efficiency and preserve resources.
Install energy-efficient lighting fixtures and controls.
Cut energy costs without sacrificing light and ambiance by investing in LED bulbs! This simple switch is a great way to reduce electricity bills while providing enough illumination. Automated lighting solutions help improve energy efficiency, ensuring that lights only illuminate when needed. Motion sensors and timer systems are an easy way to make sure your lighting is never on longer than needed.
Invest in energy-efficient equipment and appliances when it’s time for replacements or upgrades.
Investing in energy-efficient replacements or upgrades can help maximize returns – both financial and environmental. Technological developments are revolutionizing everyday appliances, enabling them to run more resourcefully while making a positive environmental impact. Refrigerators and air conditioners are on the frontlines of this transformation, paving the way toward sustainable buildings. Therefore, if it’s time for replacements or upgrades, consider investing in energy-efficient options for a sound financial and ecological boost.
Ensure that your building envelope is well-insulated and airtight.
Adequate insulation and airtightness keeps your building efficient, safe, and healthy. Neglecting these elements can be costly in terms of both money spent on energy costs and potential health risks to occupants. By investing in top-notch insulation and conducting proper air loss assessments, you can ensure your building’s temperature is accurately regulated while using minimal energy. Additionally, quality insulation eliminates the risk of unwelcome guests like mold and mildew. This reduces bills and protects our environment by eliminating excess emissions into the atmosphere.
As a facility manager, there’s no need to compromise stewardship of the environment with running a successful, cost-effective business. Use the steps above to ensure both are possible for more energy-efficient buildings and long-term savings!