How to achieve energy efficiency in companies

Companies are seeking to consume less energy in order to reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint.  A list of measures can be taken to improve energy performance, regardless of the sector of activity. Companies can take action by making improvements to the layout of their premises. They are also turning to renewable, clean energy and the circular economy. They are implementing strategies to help generate an internal commitment to this important cause. Manutan gives you a step-by-step explanation of the importance of energy saving in companies.

Make an inventory of equipment

Two major areas of expenditure must be considered in order to reduce energy consumption in offices and warehouses: lighting and heating. Installing suitable lighting should promote employees’ well-being. Every area of the company should be equipped with the appropriate lighting to avoid eye strain and reduce the risk of accidents.

There are several lighting systems that combine visual comfort and energy saving in companies:

• The LED bulb combines the advantages of long life and low power consumption;
• The Paranthom retrofit LED lamp is specially designed to be used in professional settings and it can replace standard lamps;
• Electric fluorescent tubes or strip lights are made to provide excellent colour rendition while remaining energy efficient;
• Another version of strip lighting, the compact fluorescent lamp is ideal for motion detectors because it starts up quickly.

Heating is often a major source of energy expenditure in companies. However, it should be borne in mind that an adequate temperature must be maintained so that the occupants of the premises can work comfortably. A pleasant temperature is a big factor in quality of life at work for every team. To reduce your energy bill, start your project by assessing your buildings’ energy performance.

Renovation work may be necessary to fix insufficient thermal insulation. Good insulation and maintenance save money on both heating and air conditioning, depending on the season. You can easily implement some energy-saving solutions in your company that will act as alternatives to building work. For example, injecting expanding foam stops cold draughts getting in around door and window frames.

Then you should get the energy consumption of your heating system assessed, whether it runs on gas, electricity, or any other form of energy. In order to achieve energy saving in companies, it may be a good idea to completely change an obsolete and energy-intensive heating system with a more energy-efficient technology. Other solutions meet specific needs. A panel heating system is electricity-saving and can be installed in places that are not permanently occupied. The occupancy rate of the premises is, in fact, a key element companies need to consider in order to improve their energy management and efficiency.

Change the layout of the premises to suit the number of people using them

As mentioned above, some of a company’s energy costs go towards keeping the employees comfortable. Not all your company’s premises are occupied in the same way. In rooms with low occupancy rates, it may be appropriate to install an easy-to-move additional heater to suit occasional heating needs.

On the other hand, in heavily used rooms such as offices, the temperature must always be adjusted to the comfort of employees. In such locations, it is best to install a room thermostat, which alters the intensity of the room’s heating appliances to the variations in temperature. The temperature of this type of workspace may vary depending on the climate and the use of heat-generating devices such as computers.

Each building must have a heating system suited to its use and the same goes for its lighting. Using the right lighting helps achieve energy saving in companies. Lighting needs can be minimised by providing natural light sources during renovation work.

Reducing energy consumption in industry can also be achieved by using selective lighting for storage areas. Energy-saving solutions in companies such as installing infrared motion detectors address the need for spot lighting in work areas.

Renewable energy and the circular economy to reduce the cost of energy

Another way to achieve energy saving in companies is to opt for alternative energy sources. For example, wind, water, or solar energy can be used. While installing solar panels is a good way to reduce energy bills for businesses, it is also possible to use devices that can be installed temporarily. These can be folding, mobile and waterproof solar panels.

To help energy conservation, you can opt for solar-powered wall lights with motion detectors that are energy independent. This type of self-lighting setup has several advantages. It provides security for people approaching a building. It also gives the guarantee that the lighting is used as little as possible as the light switches off automatically after a set time.

By using the circular economy when purchasing business equipment, you can capitalise on the low prices of refurbished equipment as well as its eco-friendly benefits. A refurbished appliance is always examined and repaired by an expert before entering the market again. Equipment that has been given a second lease of life is just as efficient and functional as new equipment. Many companies choose refurbished devices for their IT equipment update.

Get more energy efficient by rethinking production processes

A company that aims to become more energy efficient must reduce its energy consumption but it must also consider the environmental impact of all its business-related processes. This is particularly the case when it comes to reducing energy use in industry. A company must consider the environmental impact of the production of raw materials, as well as their processing and transport. As such, it sets up a green supply chain, collecting data from its partners and creating a network of trusted suppliers. The company must also think about how its products are packaged using eco-friendly packaging and consider their method of shipment.

Finally, in order to save resources, a company needs to think beyond just providing environmentally friendly products for offices and warehouses. It must also support the transition to eco-friendliness by involving the employees across its various departments in its transformation process. If you want to include your teams in the company’s energy transition, take the time to explain your approach. To generate awareness, share information and advice with your employees about the eco-friendly actions that they can take daily to save resources both at work and at home. Also consult with each department manager so you can better understand the barriers experienced by each employee when it comes to energy saving in companies and what they expect to see.

Whether it is about energy saving in companies or improving quality of life at work, the content of your CSR policy must be planned carefully. To find out how to make this happen, download our white paper on “Corporate Social Responsibility: The keys to a successful CSR strategy”.