Many small business owners would mention energy costs as one of their biggest expenses. According to Energy Star, small US businesses spend approximately $60 million on energy bills annually. As a result, energy efficiency is a top priority for most of these establishments. Improving your business’s energy efficiency isn’t only good for cutting costs but can be a small way you contribute to protecting the environment and making it safer for everybody. Here are a few proven ways your business can be more energy efficient.
- Educate and train your employees
Making staff aware of energy efficiency goals is one of the few things many business owners and managers unintentionally overlook. However, bringing them along the journey can go a long way to benefit your efforts. There is strength in numbers when it comes to becoming more energy-efficient. It can be challenging to make meaningful progress when only a few staff make efforts while others contribute nothing. Therefore, try to get everybody involved and consider making the process more fun and educative.
- Upgrade your tech
Your business type and industry can determine the type of technology upgrade you need to become more environmentally friendly. For example, you may consider upgrading your printer to a more energy-efficient one in a typical office setting and upgrade the switch from an LPG Forklift to an electric alternative in a warehouse. The cost of upgrading your technology may prove an obstacle to your sustainable efforts. However, you won’t have to break the bank if you are smart with your budgeting and can watch out for good deals.
- Rely on nature for heat and lighting
Take advantage of natural light if your workplace has access to it. You may not even need to turn on the lights in workplace areas where windows provide sufficient illumination on a bright day. You’ll be surprised how much energy passive solar heating can save you, and you will likely pay less if you use fewer kilowatt-hours of energy. Aside from light, you can also rely on the outside for heat, but you may need to make some adjustments to your office building. For example, a study has shown that a standard, unpainted metal roof can reflect more solar energy than an asphalt roof. You will see a significant reduction in how much you spend on heating when you absorb more natural heat to warm the workplace. This may require finding the right architectural sheet metal experts to help with achieving an aesthetic and functional energy-efficient roofing solution.
- Consider alternative energy installation
Solar energy is a straightforward way to boost energy efficiency if you have the resources and are willing to invest. Aside from using direct energy from the sun to power your workplace, the panels can also store energy. Besides solar, there are a few other energy efficiency solutions, including wind energy, hydropower, and geothermal. These are future energy solutions for businesses that can benefit the environment, consumers, local economies, and your business profits.
While there are many ways to make your business energy efficient, the tips mentioned above are a few to get started. With a little effort and dedication, your business can make a difference in protecting the environment and save you money.
