How to Reduce Large Business Energy Consumption

Running a larger business means spinning a lot of plates, many of which require energy expenditure. As your facilities grow and you hire more staff, you’re going to have to keep more lights on, operate more desktops, run larger HVAC systems and so much more. Large business energy consumption is always going to be harder to reduce energy costs. 

Small businesses can also struggle with this, but keeping things moving in large businesses’ operations naturally takes more effort and consideration. This blog will offer advice on business energy conservation, even if you’re running a more substantial operation. 

Conduct energy audits and data analysis

If you’re operating in the realm of high-energy consumption businesses like manufacturing , the public administration or printing, among others, tools enacting detailed energy audits is always a smart move. This will break down the energy inefficiency across a business’s operations. Similarly, other tools like Energy Monitoring Systems (EMS) can provide consumption data at a granular level. 

Analysing usage data and comparing it to KPIs is essential for larger businesses, as things can easily get lost in translation without careful analysis. Bringing in smart meters, IoT equipment and using an energy consumption calculator is a great way to set up better data collection. 

Effective strategies to reduce energy consumption

Businesses of any size should consider optimising their physical workplace to reduce energy consumption, whether working across sites or in one place. Some of the typical building upgrades that can make a difference to your consumption levels include: 

• Smart HVAC controls: Regular system maintenance, along with locational zoning to ensure proper heating and cooling situationally
• Proper ventilation wherever possible
• LED lighting: Upgrading lighting to LED systems, installing occupancy sensor and adding daylight harvesting systems
• Improving the building envelope: Improve insulation, sealed air leaks and more energy-efficient windows and doors
• Installing reflective cool roofing: This reduces solar heat absorption

Insulation and lighting are the most controllable and impactful things about your building in terms of energy expenditure. Some of these things might require a significant initial investment, but they’ll all save you money in the long run. 

Create an energy-efficient culture of accountability

To effectively manage large business energy consumption, create a clear, standardised culture of accountability and energy management. This means creating dedicated positions for energy mindfulness in every department of the business and properly educating employees about consumption at all levels of the operation. 

Make sure that the company is clued up about: 

• Energy-efficient equipment purchasing
• Regular appliance and equipment maintenance
• Turning off and unplugging idle equipment
• Analysing production lines and optimising manufacturing (when relevant)
• Any overarching sustainability initiatives

Make responsible consumption part of your company culture to keep all the moving parts accountable. 

Embracing renewable energy  

Switching your business electricity providers to embrace renewable energy can be a great way to reduce energy consumption in large businesses. Lowering consumption could be as simple as finding a provider that offers alternative fuel sources, as they are, by nature, better for the environment and generally less tough on the wallet. 

Conclusion

Reducing energy consumption in large businesses is a multifaceted approach that involves energy audits, energy-efficient upgrades, cultural change and renewable energy adoption. For more insights into energy efficiency and sustainability, visit our blog today. 

If you’re ready to find the right energy supplier to help reduce your energy bills, get a free, no-obligation quote, visit our get a quote page.