Environment & Sustainability

76 effective strategies to reduce business energy costs

4 minutes05/11/2024

Written by Scott Carter

The ongoing energy crisis is leading to soaring energy costs and concerns over supply shortages, leaving many businesses scrambling for solutions. However, it’s possible to alleviate some of this pressure by adopting energy efficiency measures that are cost-effective, easy to implement, and reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. 

In this blog, we highlight energy-saving actions that businesses can quickly integrate into their daily operations. Some of these actions may already be in place within your organization, but it’s important to continually assess and optimize energy consumption to ensure maximum efficiency. 

Once these quick fixes have been exhausted, you can explore investments in advanced technologies and systems that meet modern energy standards. Taking a strategic approach to energy management is crucial for long-term sustainability and competitiveness. 

Energy-saving tips for businesses

   
 Quick measures Short-term measures Medium-term measures
   
(< 4 weeks)(< 2 months) (several months)
HEATING AND COOLING
Lower room temperatures (e.g., 19°C)Hydronically balance heating systemsDecommission unnecessary boiler systems
Turn down when not in useReplace old/inefficient heating pumps with high-efficiency pumpsShutdown local heating system in summer 
Optimize the heating characteristic/heating curveDefine heating areas in large halls and roomsUse ceiling fans for air circulation
Ventilate with windows fully open instead of tiltedInsulate window surfaces, pipes, and fittingsUser programmable heating thermostats
Reduce supply temperatureAutomatically regulate operating hoursReplace uncontrolled circulating pumps
Automatically lower temperature on weekends and at nightAutomatically open and close high-speed doorsInsulate waste heat generating plants 
Automatically lower shutters and slats at night Re-insulate pipelines, window, door, and gate seals
Maintain and clean boiler systems  
Reduce hot water supply (e.g., temporarily switch off flow heaters; only provide cold water)  
Regularly ventilate radiator  
Use electronic thermostat valves  
Clear radiators and remove covers  
Clean external air conditioning units  
Reduce speed of room air conditioning  
Adjust temperature in server and clean rooms  
Reduce air exchange rate  
Insulate fittings and flanges  
Insulate condensate tanks  
 COMPRESSED AIR
Lower the pressure levelMaintenance for generation, e.g., filters, clamps, overrun sensorsSubstitute pneumatic tools with technical/electromechanical alternatives
Adjust the pressure bandMonitor leakageAdjust compressor regulation and control
Turn down compressors on weekends and at nightOptimize air intake for air compressorsCompressor heat recovery
Use fewer hand-held fans  
Prevent hoses from tangling  
Repair damaged hoses  
Check for leaks (e.g., air duct accessories, tools, hose points, couplings, shut-off valves, filters, aged hoses, worn gaskets)  
Ultrasonic leak detection  
Replace old components (compressed air guns, blow-off valves)  
LIGHTING
 Reduce illuminanceDemand-oriented control (e.g., motion/presence detector)Lamps protected against internal contamination (water, dust) 
Unscrew unnecessary lamps  Install LED lighting systems 
Switch off light when not in use  
 Regularly clean lamps  
OFFICE/IT/ADMINISTRATION
Switch off electronic devices when not in use (switchable power strips, timers)  
No standby operation  
Use only one monitor!  
Lower screen brightness  
MOBILITY
Avoid business trips and use online/remote tools  
Use public transport if possible  
Reduce speed while driving  
ADAPTING PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES
Establish energy task forceRegularly assign energy scouts (e.g., trainees) to conduct internal energy auditsContinuously monitor energy consumption and energy-saving measures
Launch idea competitionLoad profile management for gasImplement energy controlling or energy management
Define targets for energy efficiency and natural gas substitutionLoad profile management for electricity 
Monitoring and regular communicationManually shut-down high-speed steam generators and other non-energy-efficient equipment 
Employees incentivesOptimize the mode of operation (e.g. of tunnel ovens or continuous ovens) 
Motivate and spread awareness (e.g., information events, competitions, internal campaigns/communication)Test device parts 
 Assess the necessity of certain systems 
 Reduce operating times 

Quick wins for energy savings

Implementing energy-saving measures doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag. These include adjusting light levels, lowering temperature settings, or ensuring proper maintenance of existing equipment to prevent unnecessary energy loss. 

These measures are particularly effective when implemented across various departments and business units, and they require little investment to deliver considerable savings over time. 

 

Enhancing energy efficiency with ISO 50001 energy management

One of the most effective ways to sustain energy savings is by implementing an energy management system (EnMS) in line with ISO 50001. This international standard provides businesses with a systematic approach to continually optimize their energy use, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. 

An EnMS helps businesses track their energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements. With the EU’s goal to reduce primary energy consumption by 26%, ISO 50001 can play a critical role in achieving this target by helping businesses take a proactive approach to managing their energy use. 

 

Reducing costs through smarter load management

Load management is another powerful tool that can help businesses avoid energy peaks that lead to increased costs. Energy control systems can monitor consumption in real-time, allowing businesses to reduce energy loads when necessary, preventing spikes that result in higher charges. 

Large-scale consumers with annual consumption over 100,000 kWh are typically subject to remote power-consumption measurements every 15 minutes. Along with the basic rate and kilowatt-hour rate, these companies pay a demand rate based on the highest measured interval average during the billing period. A single load peak can significantly increase electricity costs, even if average consumption is low. 

By using energy management systems to smooth out consumption, businesses can avoid these costly peaks. 

 

Implement cloud-based EHS & ESG software 

Even without technical upgrades, businesses can make simple organizational changes that lead to immediate energy savings. Reducing light intensity, lowering temperatures, or instituting a policy for turning off equipment when not in use are just a few examples. 

These no-cost or low-cost measures often involve raising awareness and changing habits within the organization, which can lead to lasting energy reductions and cost savings. 

Taking small steps now to improve energy efficiency can make a big difference in managing rising costs. By implementing the simple measures outlined in our infographic and leveraging tools like energy management systems, businesses can reduce their energy consumption, avoid unexpected spikes in demand, and stay competitive during challenging times.

Contact us today. To see how our best-in-class software can help you, request a free demo.  

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