Are you looking to reduce costs and improve the energy performance of your facility? By combining simple energy conservation measures with long-term planning, you can achieve both goals.
Start saving today
Here are some commonly used energy-efficiency strategies that can help you start saving now:
- Use only what you need. Turn off lights, motors and electronic equipment when they're not being used. Timers, occupancy/vacancy sensors and other energy-management devices are low-cost alternatives that add convenience and optimize energy savings.
- Adjust building temperatures. Adjust temperature settings to save energy according to your operating schedule. Maintaining comfort settings after hours is a significant waste of energy.
- Power down. Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they're turned off and not in use. Implement sleep mode on computers and office equipment to power them down when they're not in use. Advanced power strips automatically cut power to unused devices.
- Tune up. Check building controls and make adjustments based on changing seasons, operating schedules or space usage.
- Limit personal appliances. Remind employees to turn off or unplug their personal appliances when they're not being used. To limit their use, maintain a comfortable building temperature and make appliances available in a central break room area, which is easier to control.
Steps to successful energy management
Long-term energy savings require careful planning and a commitment to continuous improvement. Follow these steps to implement a structured process for improving your energy performance.
Make a commitment. To be successful, an energy plan requires the full support of the business owner or top management and must include goals and objectives. Goals should include both short-term and long-term objectives and a measurable standard for tracking progress. For example, your organization could set a long-term policy goal to reduce overall energy use by 20% over five years and set interim savings goals to achieve that objective.
Assess performance. Evaluate mechanical and building systems and examine your energy bills over the past three years. Establish metrics and selection criteria and benchmark your energy performance against similar facilities. Use the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® to assess your building's energy performance against that of similar facilities nationwide.
Put your plan into action. With goals in place, develop a detailed action plan for reducing waste and improving overall energy efficiency. A facility energy audit can help you target the most effective cost-saving opportunities.
Evaluate progress. Compare energy use data and the activities carried out as part of the action plan to your performance goals. Use evaluation results and information gathered during the review process to create new action plans, identify best practices and set new performance goals.
Recognize achievements. Publicizing energy-saving improvements will motivate staff and sustain momentum for your program. Reward staff or departments that have achieved individual goals. Recognition from outside sources validates your program and provides positive publicity for your organization. Consider incorporating LEED or ENERGY STAR building certification into your program.
By following these measures, you can reduce your energy use and operating costs now and in the future.