With their large spaces that require cooling in the extreme summer heat, rows of electronic devices, hundreds of light bulbs in overhead lighting and kitchen appliances to heat up day-old leftovers, offices require a lot of energy to function properly. Not only can all of this energy cost a lot of money, but it can be fairly harmful to the environment and drag down your sustainability initiatives as well.

While energy bills are inevitable, there are ways to reduce their expenses that can improve your bottom line and offer a number of additional benefits.

What is energy efficiency?

"Energy efficiency" refers to appliances or equipment that use less energy while maintaining the same quality and functionality. Both cost reduction and environmental protection are the main objectives. As a result, these buildings' or gadgets' performance improves, gradually lowering the cost of energy use.

Benefits of becoming an energy-efficient building:

  • Reduces cost of energy – Energy-efficient practices and equipment can result in around a 25% reduction in energy bill expenses according to GoSafe with ESI.
  • Prepares businesses for future energy laws and regulations – Many states have begun enforcing energy reporting for commercial buildings in order to meet sustainability goals in specific areas. In some regions, buildings are even mandated to modernize their technologies in order to meet certain energy performance standards.
  • Increases electric grid resilience – When buildings implement energy efficient equipment, they use less overall energy – reducing the load on the electricity grid. Less load on the grid means there is a lesser likelihood of grid disruptions and power loss, leading to a safer and more resilient energy system.
  • Contributes to a healthier environment – According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 30% of all carbon emissions in the U.S. come from residential and commercial building energy use. When businesses opt for environmentally safe energy practices, they help reduce their overall effect on the surrounding environment.

Follow these tips to help your business become energy efficient:

Low cost, quick fixes:

  • Encourage Employees. According to a Pew Research Center survey in 2023, 37% of Americans say they care “a great deal” about the issue of climate change, while 35% say they care “some.” Encouraging employees who already somewhat care about the environment to practice energy-saving behavior in the office can help office buildings lower their energy use. Some general energy-saving ideas include adjusting the thermostat to reduce the cost of heating and cooling the building, turning off equipment when not in use and closing window blinds to block direct sunlight during the summer.
  • Implement Work-From-Home Days. One effective strategy to reduce the energy bill is to not use energy at all. Allowing employees to work from home on certain days of the week means that the building’s lights can stay off, the thermostat can stay at a cost-effective temperature and technology can remain unplugged.
  • Fix Common Energy Inefficiency Issues. HVAC – heating, ventilation and air conditioning – is one of the highest energy costs that businesses face. Sealing air leaks is an easy way to reduce these costs and increase overall energy efficiency. Replacing light bulbs with LED lighting can significantly reduce energy costs as they use up to 90% less energy and last 25 years longer than incandescent bulbs according to the Department of Energy. Many companies have become paperless companies, reducing the amount of paper waste created and reducing the costs of the equipment that paper requires – copy machines, printers, shredders.

Long-term fixes:

  • Conduct an Office Energy Audit. An energy audit is an analysis that identifies how and where energy is being wasted in a building. The audit can also inform facility managers where they are spending too much money and recommend the best improvements to save energy. These energy audits can utilize data to find where energy is being wasted and identify common safety hazards that need to be addressed.
  • Upgrade Technology and Equipment. Investing in energy-efficient equipment can dramatically cut down energy use and costs in the long run. Not only will this lower costs, but it can contribute to your sustainability goals as well – creating a greener workplace. Properly insulating the building, installing smart thermostats and using energy-efficient appliances are just a few ways to get started, but an energy audit can tell you where your money is best spent.

A win-win for you business and the planet

By adopting these energy-efficient practices and making strategic investments, businesses can significantly reduce their energy consumption and operational costs. Not only does this foster a healthier bottom line, but it also supports broader environmental goals by minimizing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability. Ultimately, committing to energy efficiency is a win-win scenario, benefiting both the company and the planet. Taking the first steps towards a more energy-efficient office today will pave the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective future.