4 Innovative Ways To Make Your Business Energy Efficient
When I first began exploring ways to make my business more energy efficient, I felt completely overwhelmed. Instead of going big with an expensive adjustment like solar panels, I decided that some simple changes were the best course of action. Discover the four innovative ways businesses can become more energy efficient.
Optimize Your Lighting
These days, making the switch to LED lighting seems like a no-brainer. Even so, I genuinely underestimated the difference it could make in the facility’s energy usage. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs don’t produce excessive heat or require as much electricity. Plus, they last longer!
For my office, I also installed motion sensors in areas such as restrooms and storage rooms to ensure lights weren’t left on when no one was present. Even though this was a simple change, it had an immediate impact on our electricity consumption
Invest in Commercial Door Hardware
I didn’t realize how much energy was slipping out the door—literally. Installing energy-efficient commercial door hardware, such as automatic door closers and weather seals, helped reduce heating and cooling costs.
The back door of my business, in particular, used to be a major problem. Even when it was closed, it wasn’t sealed properly; we were losing expensive air-conditioned air in the summer! Adding new weather stripping was a quick, cost-effective fix.
Upgrade the HVAC System
While upgrading an HVAC system may sound costly, it’s one of the smartest long-term investments to improve a business’s energy efficiency. About a year ago, I upgraded to a high-efficiency unit. Not only are our utility bills much lower, but the facility’s temperature regulation improved tremendously.
One tip I’d recommend is to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system. To avoid unexpected issues and help your system run effectively, hanging air filters and having professionals inspect them twice a year is nonnegotiable.
Encourage Employee Engagement
Sometimes, your team can help you save energy in ways you wouldn’t have thought of alone. We started by creating small initiatives like “power down Fridays,” where everyone shuts off their electronics when leaving for the weekend.
Also, we placed reminders near light switches and power outlets to nudge employees to switch off unused devices. When implemented consistently, these little efforts add up over time.
Simple Steps for Big Savings
Making your small business energy efficient doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive. By adopting these four innovative ways to make your business energy efficient, you can make positive changes that impact you, your employees, and your business.
