Energy efficiency is a top priority for most businesses today. A study has shown energy efficiency is key for reducing pollution, job creation, lowering bills, and improving lives. For small businesses, energy efficiency can impact your bottom line and give your business a competitive advantage. However, this may require changes to cut costs and save more money. With this in mind, you can consider these four strategies to make your small business more energy efficient.
- Audit your business energy consumption
Energy consumption audits are a good way for businesses to ensure energy efficiency. Energy audits allow your business to appreciate how much energy it consumes and better manage it. You can make the right changes and make the business more energy efficient through this evaluation. More so, an energy consumption audit can help you recognise safety concerns in your electrical systems, ventilation, and wiring to make your business space safer. The audits can be preliminary or detailed, depending on your business’s needs. Experts recommend performing an energy audit at least once every two years to ensure optimal business energy efficiency.
- Upgrade your old technologies
Another way to boost energy efficiency in your business is to upgrade your various technologies. For example, you should consider upgrading your printer or replacing a forklift with an electronic alternative if you’re in the warehouse business. This is because the older they get, the more energy they consume. Although you may be worried about the cost when upgrading your old equipment, upgrades don’t always have to be expensive, especially when you are proactive and search for good deals. You can consider financing forms such as business loans to spread the cost. Ensuring that your upgraded devices are eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternatives is vital.
- Take advantage of natural lighting
Natural lighting can be your best bet if you want your business to become more energy efficient. It wouldn’t be necessary to use artificial lighting to power your workplace, especially when your business is located in a region that is naturally warm or sunny. Natural ventilation, for instance, louvres, can be economically and ecologically useful to improve air, heat and moisture concentration in your workspace and enhance energy efficiency. Using energy-efficient windows can also bring fresh air and natural light into your sustainable structural designs. According to researchers, most people spend their time indoors, so it can be beneficial to make natural light available even within the office setting.
- Set energy-saving goals
One of the best approaches for achieving energy efficiency is to set monthly energy goals for your small business. The best part is that these goals don’t have to be complicated and can be as simple as using energy-saving devices or limiting your energy consumption. Other ways to express your energy-saving targets include increasing staff awareness, increasing staff training on energy efficiency, setting realistic energy-saving targets, etc.
While most businesses appreciate the benefits of making energy-efficient adjustments, many focus on other business areas to increase their revenues. However, improving your energy efficiency doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with these strategies.