Energy efficiency may not seem like the best way to become competitive, but being able to do more with less can give your company the edge it needs. Improved efficiency involves a lot of work, though, and you will need to look into your processes to make it happen.
Here are some things you can do to ensure that your business operations are not wasting energy:
Energy Audits re Always a Winner
Getting an audit done may sound like a pain in the neck, but having your operations be evaluated by professionals can be a big help. An energy audit focuses on your operation’s energy performance and points out the various ways they can improve. Several government programs can assess you; this increases the chance that the analyses can be trusted.
Additionally, you can be sure that they are effective. Studies show that even the smallest suggestions can increase productivity and efficiency over time.
Invest In Additional Equipment
It might surprise you at how many pieces of equipment can save you energy. For example, a buffer tank can save you energy by storing hot water at a certain temperature. Instead of heating the water again, the tank keeps the water in reserve. When you need it, you turn a valve and you have instant hot water without needing to heat things again.
Even simple insulation can go a long way towards keeping energy costs down. Determine the equipment you might need and invest in it.
Automate Energy Management
Energy efficiency can also be much more achievable when done automatically. There are software tools that can monitor energy usage and tweak it when necessary. Implementing this into an existing operation can be complex, but it also allows you to keep proper track of energy consumption. You’ll know where you are wasting energy in real-time so that you can take steps yourself or you can have the program do it for you. Shop around for software solutions so that you can make this happen in your own company.
Follow Industry Best Practices
Various industries have their best practices and standards. It could be in your advantage to follow these specifications. For example, LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is an international standard for ensuring that a building performs better in terms of energy and water efficiency, along with ensuring that a building is environmentally responsible and minimizes waste. Following these standards can mean additional costs but getting certified in them can mean minimal waste and you can take pride in the certification.
There are other certification programs that can help increase efficiency. Look into your particular industry to see what standards to meet and try to exceed them.
Improved efficiency ensures that your company gets the most from its energy consumption. It will not be easy, though, and you will need to invest in the right equipment and training. But in the long run, you will be able to get your money’s worth from being more energy-efficient than your competitors.
