Running an efficient business is something every entrepreneur should aspire to. Business efficiency is the art of getting more for less. While banishing waste is no easy task, it is a crucial step to reducing costs, delays, and penalties.
Yet, efficiency comes in many forms in the office, including productivity and processes. However, with the energy bills increasing constantly, it has become necessary to make energy efficiency a priority.
First, households in the US account for only 20% of the total energy consumption in the country. The remaining 80% go to businesses. This gives businesses a huge responsibility for energy efficiency.
Second, the United States currently has an energy efficiency of only 42%, which means that 58% of the energy produced is wasted. With businesses as the largest consumers of energy, it has become obvious that things must change.
So what can businesses do to reduce energy waste?
Audit their energy consumption
A professional business energy audit can provide you with clear insight on:
- how much energy the business consumes
- which processes consume the most
- how energy efficient the building and systems are
- quality of insulation
- employee awareness of energy use
The audit acts as your starting point, highlighting areas that need improvements and providing tips for day-to-day efficiency.
Consider renewable energy
If you haven’t already, now’s the best time to reach out to energy providers who focus on renewable techniques. Depending on your investment potential, the business can decide on either of the following strategies:
- Switch to a green energy provider
- Install renewable energy systems such as solar panels
- Work with a provider and your own renewable system
Financing options and grants are available via the USDA REAP program for businesses wishing to use solar installation.
Consider structural improvements
Poorly insulated offices can lose a huge amount of heat through the walls, floor, and ceiling. Upgrading or changing your insulation system can be a worthy investment that will save the business thousands on energy bills. When it comes to business efficiency, lower energy costs and environmental footprint are instrumental to long-term survival:
- Increasing business investment potential
- Building brand awareness
- Improving team comfort in the office
Focus on energy-efficient construction
If you are in a position to invest in a built-to-purpose office building, integrating energy-efficiency strategy into the construction process can make a huge difference in the long term. Professional architects such as David DeQuattro are familiar with the current landscape, combining energy focus with insightful architectural news to help business owners make the right decisions. Indeed, energy-efficient buildings must also show
- a positive social impact
- community improvements
- aesthetically pleasing results
Provide the right tools
Working with tools that aren’t fit for the task at hand can not only cost time and effort, but can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency:
- Longer production time increases energy consumption
- Risks of damage or breakage double production efforts, and therefore, the energy required for it
- The output may not meet the operation schedule, which contributes to increasing delays and energy consumption
Establishing an energy-efficient business is no easy task. However, energy efficiency is a priority in reducing the total environmental footprint of the business sector.
Strategies vary greatly depending on your needs and budgets. Nevertheless, every company has the potential to reverse energy waste in the USA.