10 tips for saving
Saving energy isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint; it can also save you money. It may even be able to make you money. If you’re looking to put energy-saving and money-saving measures into action, here are quick and easy ways to go about it:
1. Measure how much energy your business uses by taking weekly meter readings. This makes it easier to see when improvements are working, and how much you are saving.
2. Use low-energy light bulbs and replace standard fluorescent tubes with LED (light emitting diode) tubes.
3. Install movement detectors to control lighting in areas not in constant or frequent use, such as toilets and meeting rooms.
4. Use time switches to stop unnecessary heating and lighting use, and use thermostats to control temperatures.
5. Install draft-proofing around windows and doors to reduce heating and cooling costs. An insulated building can help reduce heat loss by up to 40 per cent.
6. Don’t leave electrical equipment such as computers and photocopiers switched on or on standby mode for long periods when not in use.
7. Involve your team. Let them help you to work out an action plan for making the business more energy efficient and therefore more competitive.
8. Enlist someone as the ‘energy champion’ of your business so they can allocate staff certain energy-saving responsibilities.
9. Monitor your progress and keep your energy management system under constant review.
10. Ensure your staff are aware of the reasons behind the carbon tax, what it hopes to achieve and what simple energy saving measures can be implemented.
