Avoid Complacency: Three Quick Energy Strategies to Implement Now
2015 is already chugging steadily along, and as the months pass, that can lead to a sense of complacency. Complacency is the natural enemy of innovation, which is the cornerstone, of improvement. One potential source of innovation that is often overlooked is energy consumption.
By putting together a solid energy strategy for your business, you can begin to reduce your energy consumption and, as a result, begin to see a reduction in your energy bill.
Here are three tips to improve—or start—your energy strategy:
Exchange your light bulbs: A few years ago, many homes were encouraged to switch their light bulbs over to the more energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). However, less marketed are industrial CFLs. Businesses can and should take advantage of CFLs for their offices, as they use about 75 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Less energy consumption from your light bulbs means less money to shell out for your energy bill.
Don’t forget to shut down: Nearly every piece of technology in your office runs on electricity, which often means a seemingly infinite number of chords to power everything. When your employees aren’t in their offices at the end of the day or for vacation, you should remind them to shut down their computers—or set them to sleep mode—and unplug any additional chargers.
Check your heating: Lastly, set up a programmable thermostat. Most newer thermostats offer the ability to run up or lower temperatures at certain times of day, and by setting the temp to lower after everyone has gone home, you can save a bundle on your heating costs each winter.
There are several more tips available to build a strong energy strategy through 2015. For any manufacturers looking for additional advice on this subject, NJMEP offers the Energy Alliance Program, which is designed to find the best solutions for reducing the energy bills of manufacturers.
The program increases all participants buying power for electricity, creates greater negotiating strength for members, and helps manufacturers achieve lower electricity pricing than they could on their own.
Energy Alliance Program members can aggregate their energy purchases with other NJMEP members. This essentially allows members to “buy in bulk,” receive wholesale pricing and increase their energy purchasing volume.
For any additional questions or comments about energy strategies and the EAP, contact NJMEP below!