Reducing energy costs is a top priority for businesses of all sizes in 2022. Companies are looking for new and innovative ways to reduce their energy consumption, particularly with the US government’s recent focus on climate change and rising energy costs.
Here are eight solutions that can help your business reduce energy costs in 2022:
1. Use software to track and monitor energy usage.
You can use energy monitoring software to track how much energy your business is using. This software can help you see where you are using the most energy and what changes you can make to reduce your consumption. Some metrics that you may want to track include:
– Total energy consumption
– Energy consumption by department or process
– Energy intensity (energy use per unit of production)
2. Advocate for energy-efficient software and hardware.
When it comes time to purchase new software or hardware for your business, advocate for energy-efficient products. This will help reduce your business’s overall energy consumption. Some things to look for when purchasing software or hardware include:
– ENERGY STAR® certification
– EPEAT® rating
3. Use software to automate energy-saving tasks.
Many software programs can automate energy-saving tasks for your business. For example, you can use software to schedule when lights are turned off or on, set thermostats to more energy-efficient temperatures, and control other energy-using devices. Automating these tasks can help you save energy without changing your daily routine.
4. Find an energy broker.
An energy broker can help you find the best energy deals for your business. They will work with you to understand your energy needs and then find suppliers that can provide you with the energy you need at the best price. Working with an energy broker can help you save money on your energy costs.
5. Monitor your carbon footprint.
Carbon footprint monitoring can help you understand your business’s impact on the environment. This information can help you make changes to your business operations to reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change.
6. Educate your employees about energy efficiency.
Employees are a business’s biggest resource for reducing energy costs. Educating your employees about how they can save energy will help them become more mindful of their energy consumption. Some ideas for educating employees about energy efficiency include:
– hosting an energy efficiency training
– creating energy efficiency policy guidelines
– posting energy efficiency tips around the office
7. Find government incentives.
Many government incentives are available to businesses that want to reduce their energy consumption. These incentives can help you save money on your energy costs and make it easier for your business to become more energy-efficient. Some government incentives that are available for businesses include:
– tax breaks
– grants
– low-interest loans
– rebates
– energy audits
– energy efficiency certification
8. Use a green energy provider.
If you want to use renewable energy in your business, you can work with a green energy provider. These providers offer renewable energy products such as solar and wind power. Using renewable energy can help you reduce your carbon footprint and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Finally, implement an energy management system. An energy management system (EMS) is a software program that helps businesses manage their energy use. EMS programs can help you track your energy consumption, set energy-saving goals, and monitor progress. Having an EMS can help you reduce your energy costs and become more energy-efficient.