Operating a business can be expensive – especially with the rising costs of products, labor, utilities, and more. As businesses look ahead to the new year, it’s important to cut costs wherever possible to start the year off cost-efficiently. As energy is an expense nearly all businesses can't cut out, completing a year-end energy assessment is vital to saving money...and conserving energy!

Conduct an Energy Audit

Begin by conducting a comprehensive energy assessment or audit of your business.

An energy assessment will help identify areas where energy is being wasted and provide a roadmap for improvement. Consider hiring an energy consultant or utility company to perform the audit or use online tools that provide guidance on conducting a DIY audit.

Understand Your Energy Use

Examine your energy bill – when does energy use spike? Where does your business use the most energy? Has your energy use been consistent over the past few months, or have there been drastic changes? Answering these questions can help inform your next steps – whether that be small changes or an energy overhaul.

Start Small

As a business owner, your time is limited, and your main priority is protecting your bottom line. Luckily, there are many small steps you can take to save energy with little to no cost.

• In the winter, lower the heat during hours when your building is unoccupied.
• Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light – this helps cut down on heating and lighting costs.
• Put notes next to light switches and equipment to remind employees to power down before leaving for the day.
• Use power strips with on/off switches to prevent phantom loads.
• Search for and seal any air leaks and drafts in windows and doors.
• If your business allows, go hybrid – pick a day or two each week when employees can work from home. You’ll boost morale and save energy as you cut down time in the office.
• Ask your team to brainstorm creative ways your business can save energy. Offer a prize – like a gift card or day off – to help incentivize conservation.
• Check for government programs, grants, or tax incentives available for your business to increase energy efficiency. These can help offset the costs of energy-efficient upgrades.

Make Simple Upgrades

After you address the small things, you should see a change in your energy bill. But if you’re looking for a more significant way to ramp up your savings and are willing to spend a little money to get there, here are a few incremental upgrades to boost your business’s efficiency.

• Swap out old incandescent lighting for LEDs – they use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer!
• Upgrade to programmable thermostats so you can control temperatures from wherever you are. And be sure to check with your utility to see if they’re offering any smart thermostat rebates.
• Get your HVAC system checked to ensure it’s working properly – if not, it could cost you a lot of money!

Overhaul Your Energy Efficiency

If you’re looking to make a big impact on your energy bill (and the planet), here are some ways to make your business environmentally friendlier and more energy efficient.

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances, office equipment, and machinery. Look for the ENERGY STAR label or other energy efficiency certifications when purchasing new equipment.
• Consider installing solar panels or purchasing renewable energy from a green energy provider to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
• If you have the opportunity to redesign or renovate your workspace, prioritize energy-efficient building designs with features like natural daylighting, efficient insulation, and high-performance windows.

After conducting your year-end energy assessment and making updates to become more energy efficient, you’re setting up your business to start the new year off right.

Looking for additional energy tips? Download our Energy Guides for Business Owners or contact the experts at UGI Energy Services today!