How to save big on energy costs 

The following are several straightforward and actionable measures that you can implement to cut down on energy consumption – a move that not only aligns with environmental responsibility but also fosters substantial cost savings. 

As property owners and employers work to meet the standards of today’s eco-conscious tenants and adhere to stricter environmental regulations, the strategies mentioned above serve as a blueprint for making meaningful progress towards reducing energy consumption. 

As we move forward, it’s crucial for everyone to continue exploring innovative solutions and adapt to evolving technologies that further streamline energy usage. The journey toward energy efficiency is continuous. With the right measures in place, you can achieve a harmonious balance between operational demands and responsible stewardship of our planet’s resources. Remember, every step toward energy conservation not only impacts your bottom line but also contributes to a larger collective effort in combating waste of our natural resources and climate change. 

Ways to reduce energy usage 

Here’s a dive into five pragmatic ways to curtail energy usage effectively, enhancing your building’s operational performance while keeping an eye on sustainability goals.

1. Encourage employee participation

Sometimes, the easiest adjustments come from the end-users. Educate employees about energy conservation methods and encourage practices such as switching off lights and computers when not in use, taking advantage of natural light, and using power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once. 

2. Upgrade to LED lighting

Replacing old, inefficient lighting with LED alternatives is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Several commercial buildings have made the switch and have seen significant reductions in their energy bills. 

Many utility companies offer rebate incentives to upgrade to high-efficiency lights and lighting controls at a fraction of the cost and reduce your energy usage by up to 30%. 

https://www.duke-energy.com/business/products/smartsaver/lighting

3. Regularly maintain HVAC systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can be major energy hogs if they are not maintained properly. Ensure regular servicing to keep these systems running at peak efficiency. This includes cleaning/changing filters, checking for duct leaks, and ensuring that the system is correctly sized for the space it’s serving. 

Many commercial leases mandate an HVAC maintenance servicing 2x annually

4. Install occupancy sensors

Areas such as conference rooms, restrooms, and individual offices may not need to be lit or temperature-controlled at all times. Occupancy sensors can help to reduce energy consumption by turning off or adjusting lighting and HVAC systems when these spaces are not in use. 

5. Implement a smart tech systems

In the same vein, an intelligent energy management system can monitor and control energy consumption in real time, making adjustments to heating, cooling, lighting, and other systems to optimize for efficiency. This technology can often identify areas where energy is being wasted and suggest corrective actions. 

Meanwhile, an intelligent HVAC management system such as Hank can integrate with your existing building management system (BMS) or building automation system (BAS) to autonomously optimize HVAC equipment across your buildings – lowering energy consumption (and costs) to deliver immediate ROI. This technology can cut your energy costs by 20% a year.