Energy efficiency has become a top priority for businesses across the country over the past several years. Is yours one of them?
More businesses are now in tune with the long-term environmental impacts related to the way they operate. Advances in technology also mean that most of today’s energy-related upgrades result in long-lasting savings. Here are ten ways you can use them to help your organization take big steps forward with its energy-efficient initiatives.
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1. Spread the Word to Your Employees
Implementing energy-efficient practices can save your business money and streamline operations, but you’ll need employee buy-in to get the most out of them. Educating your employees about your business’s energy reduction goals will help create a culture that collectively aims to make these changes. Make the issue a personal one for your employees by encouraging them to find new ways to save energy (such as with rewards for solving energy-related problems).
2. Connect With Other Local Businesses
This strategy ties in again with the idea that you don’t have to go it alone on your pursuit to reduce your business’s energy costs. Check out what some of the other businesses in your area are doing to save energy. You may face similar challenges that require similar strategies. Communicating with local businesses may also help you connect with local resources that could help you move your energy-saving initiatives forward with more ease.
3. Perform an Energy Audit
An energy audit will let you know exactly what areas your business needs help with to save energy. With a completed energy audit, you remove all of the guessing games and get straight to the problem(s) at hand. This strategy will need to be executed by an energy audit company. We recommend giving your utility company a call, as many of them offer free energy audit programs.
4. Turn to Solar
It’s no secret that Las Vegas summers bring on some of the highest energy bills in the country. This is one of the top reasons to turn to solar panels for business. Not only is solar an investment in the future of our environment, but it’s also a money-saving initiative for your business.
Here are some other reasons to make the change to solar:
- Raises property value
- Accesses clean energy
- Tax incentives
- Reduces fossil fuel usage
- Improves your green reputation
5. Switch to LED Lights
Take a look around at the light fixtures at your business. Installing LED lights can improve your business’s energy efficiency, decrease lighting pollution and generate savings per the 2005 Energy Act. Be sure to connect with an electrician to make sure these lights are safely and properly installed.
6. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
Not only will energy-efficient equipment help you save money on your energy bills moving forward, but you may also be able to take advantage of energy-related tax breaks. You can learn more about some of the energy programs and potential incentives at the Nevada Office of Energy.
7. Invest in Programmable Thermostats
A programmable thermostat is essential if you are looking to make major cuts to your energy bills. No matter what the schedule looks like for your business, a programmable thermostat will ensure that you aren’t cooling or heating your office when nobody is there. Remove any chance of human error by having your office automatically set to the proper temperatures at all times.
8. Consider the Outside of Your Building
When we think about conserving energy, we most often think about all of the indoor components that make up an office building. However, if you have the ability to manage the spaces outside of your building, you make a major impact on your energy-saving efforts. Trees and bushes can be positioned in ways that can provide shade and block heavy winds. In other words, don’t overlook just how much landscaping can help reduce your energy bills.
9. Check on Your Roof
Take a second to think about the extreme power of that hot Las Vegas heat. The sun’s rays are constantly beating down on the roof of your building. If you don’t have the proper roof insulation in place, your office is likely getting much hotter than it should be during the summer. It’s also helpful to have specific roof tiles that can reflect the sun’s rays.
10. Tune Up Your AC Unit
You are guaranteed to have high energy bills if your HVAC system is running poorly. If your system is older than 15 years, it’s a good idea to consider investing in a new, energy-efficient system. If it’s not time to upgrade, make sure you get a yearly maintenance check-up to ensure that everything is running properly. Bring out a commercial electrician to assess your HVAC system to ensure that you end up with the best results for your situation.
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Implementing these above-mentioned energy-reducing strategies takes time. Many of these tips also require the assistance of energy experts. However, if your business is committed to reducing your energy consumption, the final results are sure to help your organization save money while simultaneously helping the environment. For more information on how solar can benefit your business, reach out to us today for a free quote.