How to keep your business energy smart

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by: MarkeD
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Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 Time: 9:03 AM
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If you run a business, regardless of its type, shape or size, the chances are you'll be using energy every day. We'd all like to fine tune our usage, so to help, we've put together some energy efficiency tips which could save you money. They might just boost your green credentials as well...

Energy efficiency tips for offices

Whether you are running your business from a small, cluttered office or have desks spreading out as far as the eye can see, effective management of your office equipment could reduce consumption by up to 70 per cent. Here's how:

Lighting...

* Leaving lights on unnecessarily doesn't benefit anyone apart from your energy provider, so ask yourself: ‘Do I really need it?'
* Put up signs to remind staff to turn lights off when leaving meeting rooms
* Install sensor lights that turn themselves off, they are a great way to make sure the lights go out when staff have gone home

Heating...

Lowering room temperatures by just 1oC can reduce your annual heating bill by 8-10 percent* so make sure the heating isn't set unnecessarily high.

Computers & Monitors...

A PC monitor left on overnight or over the weekend may seem harmless but if it's happening consistently, then it's costing you money unnecessarily. Don't forget; a screen saver doesn't save energy so consider introducing a ‘switch off' policy.

Other office equipment...

Set up your printers to print duplex (two-sided) as a default and print in black and white to save both paper and energy.

Energy efficiency tips for restaurants

It's estimated that energy savings of up to 20 per cent - are possible across the restaurant sector*, so keep an eye out for any money-saving opportunities.

In the Kitchen...

Kitchen staff are in and out of fridge and freezers all the time, so make sure doors aren't left open for longer than necessary and remember, placing the unit away from hot ovens or direct sunlight will make it easier to maintain the right temperature.

In the dining room...

* Keep radiators clear from furniture to allow them to be more effective at heating space and don't heat empty spaces. Why pay to heat that function room if there will be no-one in it?
* Can candles or lamps with energy saving bulbs be used to create soft lighting? Who knows, it might improve ambience as well as reducing your energy costs.

Tips for shops and other small retail units

Heating...

When it's cold in the winter, can you keep the shop door closed? Investing in a big ‘WE'RE OPEN' sign isn't subtle, but is more cost effective than paying for escaping heating and why not add a self-shutting mechanism to the door too.

Lighting...

Turn off sign lighting and display lights when the shop is closed and take a look at display cabinets - do they really need that much light?

Fridges and chillers...

If using fridges or chillers, look at keeping the cooling to a minimum and add self-closing doors to stand-up units to keep the chill in. And remember to put the unit away from direct sunlight or heaters to make it easier to keep the temperature right.

Other important energy efficiency steps

Get a competitive energy deal

Business energy is different from domestic energy in that you can't just take a plan off the shelf, you instead get a tailored price to suit your business needs, so shop around to get the best deal for the company's requirements.

Prices are on the rise

Commercial prices have been rising in recent years, but the confused.com commercial energy comparison service could take a significant bite out of your energy bills. Simply answer a few questions about your business energy requirements and let Confused.com generate the best prices from British Gas Business, ScottishPower, E.ON, EDF, Shell, Corona, Opus Energy and npower.

Take advantage of grants or loans to help cut costs

In order to meet carbon reduction targets, there are options for businesses who want to invest in energy-saving projects. The Carbon Trust offers 0 per cent business loans from £3,000 to £500,000 to help you replace old equipment and reduce overheads. The Energy Saving Trust also has 0 per cent loans for Scottish businesses to help with measures that reduce energy consumption. Check with your local authority to see what's available in your area.

Take Control!

By making just a few small changes, you can become far more efficient and cut your business costs.

*Figures from the Carbon Trust

About the Author

How to keep your business energy smart was produced by confused.com, the gas electricity comparison website.