Energy Efficiency: Use Less = More Profits

With a continuous 28 day steak of high temperatures in Houston, TX, many of our clients are exploring ways to reduce energy bills without negatively impacting employee and customer experiences. In fact, as explained in our sustainability consulting practice, many businesses could cut energy costs by over 10 per cent through cost-effective measures. At Taiga Company, we view energy efficiency as the low hanging fruit for business owners wanting to reduce monthly energy bills and also do their part for the environment.

Although the task may at first seem daunting, active management of daily consumption can stabilize energy expenses and contribute to an overall business sustainability plan. As professional consultants, it's easy to remind clients that for every $1 less spent in energy, which is $1 more profit for business. The first step is to benchmark current consumption.

When visiting with clients, we explore energy efficient measures from all sides of the business. Areas business owners are encouraged to explore include:

Which appliances and/or equipment are consuming the most energy?
How are these high energy consumption items being run -simultaneously, non-efficiently?
When are these high energy consumption items running -when not needed, during peak load times?
What kind of light bulbs are used in the business?
Has an energy audit been performed within the last 3 years?
Are lighting fixtures equipped with control features (sensors, dimmers, timers)?
Is regular maintenance performed for HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)?
What percentage of your electrical equipment is Energy Star?
Which energy and lighting policies do you follow in the business?

Conservation and active energy management are first steps in reducing energy costs. With small business resources being constrained in today’s economic environment, we encourage clients to start small and prioritize energy efficiency efforts. Other suggestions include:

Use high -efficiency HVAC equipment.
Purchase renewable energy.
Run non-essential high demand items during off-peak hours to minimize usage charges.
Stagger your high demand equipment to minimize your demand charges.
Evaluate the efficiency of your high demand equipment to improve your power factor.
Don't waste electricity in an unoccupied space.
Start a daytime cleaning program to reduce lighting needs at night.
Improve energy efficiency in the workplace.
Implement energy efficient "contests" to train and educate workers for improved eco awareness and energy efficient behavior.

Companies that conserve energy reduce operating costs and improve their bottom line. Customers, tenants and employees also appreciate the benefits of more efficient technology: better lighting, climate control and ventilation.