How to Reduce Workplace Electricity
There are a lot of costs associated with running a business, such as rent, utilities, employee salaries, and supplies, to name a few. Whenever possible, it’s important to reduce costs to improve bottom-line results. During the winter months, a great place to start is by contacting electricity providers in Alberta to make sure your utility expenses are as low as possible. Let’s delve into different options available for reducing workplace electricity.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Devices
One area of a business that often provides many opportunities to reduce electricity is the IT department. That’s because the selection of devices used throughout the company will have an impact on your electricity bill. There are energy-efficient devices that can significantly lower costs. This includes computers, mobile devices, and copiers. This also applies to kitchen appliances used in the lunchroom, such as the coffeemaker.
Require Employees to Turn Off Electronics
Turning off electronics when they’re not in use is important, especially in the workplace. When leaving the office for the day, taking just a few seconds to turn off electronics will make a big difference in the electricity bill. For this to be a success, it usually requires you to communicate with all employees on a relatively consistent basis. The best way to provide this reminder is by posting signs throughout the office as a simple reminder to turn off electronics before leaving for the day.
Consider A New Electricity Provider
Finding the best electricity providers in Alberta if you live in an area such as Canada may not be as difficult as you think. It simply requires you to look at the different electricity plans provided by each provider to identify one that will work best for your business. It’s worth the time and effort that it takes to find a plan that offers lower rates and supports your business needs.
Implement Energy Alternatives
There are a growing number of companies opting for energy alternatives to better manage expenses. The options available are wide-ranging, such as larger windows and intelligent lighting controls. By maximizing the use of natural daylight, you can slash your energy expenses considerably. During warmer months, you can use energy-efficient blinds to minimize the amount of heat that enters the building.
Introduce Electricity Use Standards
People tend to be more conscientious about the amount of energy that’s being used at home than they are about the energy used at work. Subsequently, it’s best to implement electricity use standards that all employees are required to follow. For instance, if you have copy machines in a separate room, there should be a requirement to turn off the lights when exiting that room.
Maintain a Consistent Temperature
There should also be a standard temperature for the office. It’s usually difficult to accommodate everyone’s preference, which means not everyone will be happy, but that’s understandable. Another benefit of maintaining a consistent temperature is that a fewer number of people will get sick. It’s common for colds and the flu to run rampant in an office, especially during flu season because of fluctuating temperatures. Consistent temperature throughout the year can mitigate this issue.
Start Using LED Lights
Depending on the size of a business, using LED lights can result in significant energy savings. While the average is about 30 percent, some companies are able to save 50 percent by implementing an LED lighting program. Companies that are eco-friendly prefer LED lights because they’re sustainable and don’t have the hazardous chemicals contained in traditional light bulbs.
Use Smart Technology
There are different technologies that can help you save energy in the office. For instance, smart thermostats can detect areas that are colder or warmer than others so that any necessary adjustments can be made. You can find out about problems with the AC system before it starts to seriously impact your energy bill. There are also systems that can automatically change the temperature settings based on how it has been programmed. This is best for controlling the temperature to ensure you are not cooling or heating an empty building.
There is always an opportunity to further reduce workplace electricity. Maximizing the outcome requires the commitment of all employees.