If you’re running a retail store or an office, one of the easiest ways to slash your bills is to boost your energy efficiency. Even the smallest changes can make a difference.
An energy-efficient retail store or office won’t only save your company money but may also improve your brand image. Nowadays, customers have become increasingly concerned about problems relating to climate change, so they are placing more value on environment-friendly establishments.
Energy use may vary depending on the retail store or office you own. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your store or office’s energy efficiency. One of these is to enhance your commercial roofing. To learn more about this type of roofing, look for experts to help you.
The following are other ways to make your retail store or office more energy-efficient:
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Upgrade To Energy-Efficient Lighting
Any establishment can look more welcoming when it is warmly lit. Thus, you might not want to turn off your building’s lights to lessen your electric bill. Instead, you can upgrade to energy-efficient lighting.
The old versions of lights you use in your office may not be easy on the pocket. If you want to achieve an eco-friendly green building, upgrading to a more energy-efficient light is an excellent idea as it can help conserve power in your office. Energy-efficient lighting bulbs, like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can help you save on your electric bills.
LED bulbs may produce light that’s 90% more efficient than incandescent light bulbs. These lights also last longer, making them a worthy investment for your company.
On the contrary, CFLs are energy-saving lamps that consume less energy than incandescent bulbs. Thus, this lighting option may help minimize your office’s energy consumption, allowing you to save more money. Using CFL lighting is also a perfect way to protect the environment.
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Maintain Your Heating And Cooling System
Maintenance of your air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating system, including regular cleaning, annual tune-ups, and replacing filters, must be done right before peak heating or cooling seasons. Proper maintenance sustains your heating and cooling system for a long time. This results in a lower annual maintenance cost and offers better indoor air quality.
When maintaining your heating and cooling units, never forget to check your doors or windows for leaks that might seep in cold or warm air and reduce your system’s overall efficiency. If you need to replace your units, opt for energy-efficient models to save on your energy bills.
Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems are known to reduce energy consumption. However, don’t forget to take advantage of natural sunlight peering through the windows to warm your retail store or office instead of relying on your units only. For example, you may also consider using solar screens and awnings during the summer to keep the sun out and keep your office cooler.
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Opt For Soft Copy Documents
Another way to save energy is to get rid of hard copy documents and opt for soft copy ones whenever possible. Besides, documents can now be sent through email. A perfect way to practice this is by telling your employees to use printers or copiers only in cases where documents need physical signatures or when needed to be sent in hard copy.
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Invest In Programmable Thermostats
Each business is different, which means that people don’t work at the exact working hours and days all the time. That’s why investing in programmable thermostats can make a difference.
By using these thermostats, you can easily adjust the settings according to the unique schedule of your business. In addition, for every degree lowered on your thermostat during the winter and raised during the summer, your business can save more on your monthly energy bills.
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Switch To Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources, like wind turbines and solar panels, are the key to a more energy-efficient office or store. So, if you want to save money and be known for being an environment-friendly establishment, you can never go wrong with switching to renewable energy sources. However, make sure to work with professionals.
For instance, if you want to install solar panels, you have to note that not all solar panels may meet your requirements. By working with professionals, you’ll know which solar panels are suited for your business and which can benefit you more in reducing your energy consumption.
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Upgrade Your Office Devices And Appliances
Due to the increasing awareness of the effects of global warming, energy-efficient options have been readily available in the market. Remember that your office’s computers and lights aren’t the only cause of high energy expenditure. Offices with kitchens may also have appliances like refrigerators, microwave ovens, and coffee makers.
Business energy-efficiency upgrades may lessen your overall energy consumption and expenditure over time. Energy-efficient devices can be recognized easily using an energy guide label or the presence of the Energy Star logo. This is often given to energy-efficient appliances and issued by authorized organizations.
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Engage Your Employees Into Your Energy-Saving Process
If your employees aren’t interested in your energy-saving process, you won’t get results with your approach to conserving energy. It’s crucial to communicate with your employees about your plans. Educate them by explaining the importance of energy conservation to save on electric bills and be recognized as an eco-friendly establishment. Changing your employees’ mindset and integrating energy efficiency into your business culture can bring significant results.
One of the ways to achieve that is by starting a competition between the departments and challenging your employees to consume less energy, save electricity, and go green. Throw in a little reward as a way to thank them for their efforts.
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Turn Off Your Office Equipment After Work
Another way to have an energy-efficient retail store or office is to turn off your equipment after work or when no one’s working. This includes air-conditioners, computers, printers, and others. Although other pieces of equipment may remain turned on outside the working hours, turning off the non-essential ones can help lessen your consumption to give way to a more energy-efficient business.
Conclusion
The strategies mentioned here may help you turn your company into a more energy-efficient one, allowing you to enjoy savings on your daily operating costs. Energy conservation can also pave the way to a more sustainable office or retail store, enabling you to maximize its market value and get higher profits over time.
