Just about everything is becoming smart. From home devices to TVs, doorbells, and even vacuum cleaners. With the technology available to make any typical domestic and commercial appliance ‘smart’, even the tools we use to control heat and lighting have become smart. Now we are seeing the rise of smart lighting, both in homes and in businesses. With the use of smart light bulbs. But what benefits do they provide and are they really the smartest option when it comes to saving you money?   How to utilise smart lighting in workplaces  In order to get the most out of smart lighting, it’s a good idea to think about how best to apply this to your business. But first, consider how exactly does smart lighting work? And what makes it different to traditional bulbs like LEDs?  Smart bulbs are actually a variation of an LED bulb. They are simply internet-connected. Making them a much more customisable lighting option. Smart bulbs can be accessed both manually but also by mobile devices via brand applications. These apps allow users to customise their lighting usage down to very specific requirements, such as the colour of the bulb, brightness, timing of the light being on or off. With accessibility via an app, this also means that lighting throughout the building, wherever it may be, can be controlled off-site.   The benefits of smart lighting for business For businesses the option to switch bulbs to smart bulbs provides a number of benefits.  From gaining even greater control over the usage of lighting, to controlling the intensity of lighting and creating the perfect working environment.  For businesses looking to cut back on their energy consumption, smart bulbs allow time scheduling and the ability to control lighting from outside the room. So, on one of those days where you’re rushing to get home from work and forget to switch off the lights, you can simply access the bulb via the mobile app and turn off the lights, from home, the supermarket, the kids’ school or just outside the building. Plus, being able to schedule your lighting use means when the lights don’t need to be on or very bright, you can control this, helping to minimise energy waste and cut back your business energy costs.  What’s more, with this added control you can create a working environment that is comfortable but encourages productivity for your employees. Many studies into the working environment and how lighting can impact a person’s productivity levels have been conducted. With results highlighting that lighting that matches the typical movement of the sun throughout the day, from brightness to positioning, has a positive effect on a person’s ability to focus. With many employees found to struggle when working in very brightly lit environments.    Factors to consider when going smart As with all IoT products, smart bulbs do come with some concerns. Particularly if you consider the security of these technologies. While we continue to see developments within the security of new IoT devices, it is vital that you pay attention to the vulnerabilities of your chosen smart lighting solution. Considering how it may put your business at risk of attacks. Some good ways to avoid putting your business at risk are to do your research and to keep your smart bulbs and other smart devices connected to a separate network that would not allow access to any of your business’ financial and sensitive data.  Switching to smart LED light bulbs isn’t essential but in conclusion it can certainly offer your business some benefits and give you greater control over your energy usage. Meanwhile, for those who are yet to be convinced by smart devices, simply switching traditional bulbs to standard LED bulbs is an excellent way to improve the energy efficiency of your business and cut your energy costs.  For more smart devices, why not consider a business smart meter? Monitor your energy consumption, spending and more in a simple and easy-to-use way. For more energy saving tips and advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your business premises, check out more of our D-ENERGi blogs.

A weatherproof business premises is one that has undergone the necessary work to prevent damage and improve the energy efficiency of the building. Weatherproofing can include a number of separate tasks that will come together to secure the building against external factors such as strong winds, heavy rain, frost, snow, and hail. Such weather conditions, which typically occur during the coldest months of the year can have a detrimental impact on a building’s structure and design. This can include causing physical damage to the roof, causing leaks which in turn destroy internal areas of the premises, as well as heat loss, which may eventually result in a rise in energy costs.  In order to prevent the number of issues the weather can cause your building, undergoing various stages of weatherproofing is incredibly valuable.  Below are some handy tips to help you in the process of weatherproofing your business:    Seal air leaks Air leaks can occur around windows, doors, vents, and other openings in the building envelope. These leaks can allow cold air to enter the building in the winter and hot air to enter in the summer, making your HVAC system work harder and increasing your energy costs. To seal air leaks, you can use weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam sealant. Some of which can quite easily be applied without the assistance of an expert. By sealing these air leaks you’ll be ensuring that the heat and cool air that your HVAC systems releases is contained within the working space, helping to maintain a comfortable working temperature all year round.   Insulation in the premises Insulation is paramount for improving the energy efficiency of any building. Used to reduce heat loss and to offer a barrier between the outside and the inside. Insulation, although an expensive job, must be maintained and upgraded when it begins to age. If your business’ building is dated and perhaps centuries old, it is well worth reviewing your current insulation, perhaps identifying where you may be losing heat from within your building. Upgrading your insulation will ensure you have the right quality and thickness, guaranteeing thermal properties within your walls and roof.  You can insulate your walls with fibreglass batt insulation, spray foam insulation, or cellulose insulation. You can insulate your attic with loose-fill insulation or blown-in insulation. You can insulate your crawl spaces with rigid foam board insulation.    Weatherproof your roof Your roof is the most important part of your building envelope when it comes to weatherproofing. Helping to create a sound structure and providing plenty of protection, the roof is however the most likely to be impacted by weather conditions. Particularly in powerful storms. It is therefore important to make sure that your roof is in good condition and that there are no leaks. If your roof needs more work, this may include cleaning gutters to ensure proper drainage of rainwater and upgrades to your downspouts. All this weatherproofing will protect your building from leaks caused by heavy rain.    Although no one wants a leak, some will be under the impression that it’s just a bit of water. In fact, leaks that occur within property can cause much more damage than first thought. From damage to the walls and floors, to electrical equipment, and the risk of mould. There are many reasons to prevent leaks before they occur. This weatherproofing could potentially save you thousands in damages. Now, you may be thinking, what does this have to do with your energy costs? Well, by following these tips, you can help to weatherproof your business and improve its energy efficiency. In the long-term saving you money on your energy bills and helping to protect your building from damage. For more energy saving tips and advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your business premises, check out more of our D-ENERGi blogs.