Submitted by sam on Thu, 23/06/2011 - 4:01pm
How your business uses energy depends on the size of your operation and the work you do. Whatever you do, and however you do it, you can use energy more sustainably and save money. It is worth looking at industry experience to see if there are particular sustainability and saving practices that can be of particular benefit to your business. If you would like to network within your industry and you can't see how that might work contact CAfE and we may be able to assist.
There are a range of issues and opportunities, but as a starting point, there are straightfoward tips that can help nearly every business.
- Assess if you can do more or your work remotely rather than travelling to it. When you do travel, use smaller or hybrid vehicles, and adopt energy saving driving techniques (see our smart energy tips for the motorist). These include minimising the number of trips by combining them.
- Adjust your lighting to make the best use of natural light. You can install dimmers or have hours when lights aren't on. Use energy efficent bulbs and other lighting sources.
- Reorganise your premises to make best use of natural lighting and heat, minimise the length of cabling (energy is lost the longer the cables).
- Turn off unused lighting and equipment. At the very least use power saving options where shutting down isn't an option. Occupant sensors for rooms are a good way of making light follow your staff.
- Use energy efficient plant and equipment. As you replace or purchase electrical or mechanical equipment choose options that use less or optimise your power use; for example most computers, printers and photocopiers have an energy star rating. If you're moving premises or opening new space investigate the energy efficiency of the options you're considering.
- Check your equipment regularly to ensure it is running effectively and efficiently, and not wasting power.
- Use fans and ceiling fans to distribute heat (rather than always using heaters) or disburse it in warmer months (as opposed to air conditioning units).
- Ensure your thermostat can be programmed to operate when there are staff in the premises.
- Investigate alternative energy sources. If you have a fleet of vehicles biodiesel and biofuels may be able to provide options that are more sustainable and even save money. If you use hot water your offices can benefit from solar water heating.
- Insulate your premises, and make sure you aren't letting heat escape unnecessarily.
One final suggestion is to create discussion with your staff on ideas they have to save or make the best use of energy. It may be this awareness may have an impact on how you do businesses, and also save money.
