From installing energy-saving equipment to teaching your employees the best practices—here are our top tips.
Countries and companies are consuming too much energy today. The abrupt power cuts in China are a testimony to that. The country was forced to cut power across factories and towns to meet their energy goals. Energy efficiency—using less energy to do more—does not have to be this challenging and cumbersome, not for large corporations or startups.
In fact, becoming energy-efficient as a company can help lower your overall business costs in the long run. So, here are some ways you can make your startup more energy-efficient:
#1 Get an energy audit done
An energy audit will survey your existing energy consumption. It provides a thorough breakdown of the consumption, allowing you to modify how you use certain appliances. In fact, the surveyors usually advise where your company can cut energy costs. By discovering your weak links, you can reduce precious energy costs in the long term.
#2 Install renewable energy systems
Companies such as Target, Walmart and Amazon, among others, have been foraying into solar energy. They are doing so to reduce their overall power bills and meet their sustainability goals. Target installed over 500 solar panels in five years. On their motivation, Target Spokesman Lee Henderson said, “It saves us money, it saves us energy and it does good by the local communities.”
#3 Set monthly energy consumption goals
After an energy audit, you will have a good idea of where your company is spending too much energy. With that in mind, set monthly energy consumption goals. These goals will help you come up with a plan to save energy and, subsequently, money. Microsoft and Facebook have implemented different methods to reach their energy goals. Microsoft increased the use of renewable sources of energy across its offices. Plus, it charges its associated business units a fee for their carbon emissions. The company invests these funds in their energy programs.
#4 Avoid phantom energy
When leaving the office, simply shutting the electronics off isn’t enough. That’s because many devices keep consuming power even when they are not being used. This is known as phantom power or vampire power. This can add up to 10% to your monthly bill. From the computers and power strips to the TVs and coffee machines—many devices are responsible for phantom power. You must make sure to not just switch these off, but also unplug them.
#5 Use energy-saving equipment
From using LED lights to switching to energy-saving pantry equipment—offices have been doing plenty to cut down their energy consumption. Along with that, you can also install energy management systems, which helps take care of all your energy needs. These standardized systems help optimize your power bills and cut energy costs in general, for example, by turning off equipment in the office when not in use.
#6 Inform your employees
The best way to meet your energy goals is by working as a team. In keeping with that, you should make your employees aware of the best practices in the workplace. This includes encouraging them to unplug their computers, turn off the coffee machines and excess lights and more.
A startup has many costs to consider—overheads, salaries, rent and utilities among others. Safe to say, every penny counts. By becoming energy-efficient, startups can save a lot of money in the long term.
Header Image by Pixabay
