Making an effort to use less energy can help you lower your business’ operating expenses. Here are a few simple things that you can do to reduce energy usage.

Conduct an Energy Audit

A professional evaluation could be the best way to identify your business’ biggest problems. An electrical engineer can analyze how much electricity you’re using to power your business’ operations. After an energy audit, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining what percentage of your total energy usage typically goes towards specific activities.

Give Your Team the Opportunity to Work Remotely

When you have fewer people working in the office at once, you may be able to downsize your operating space. A hybrid workplace makes it possible to get by with less square footage. Personnel can share space easily when you structure remote work into their schedules. The option to work remotely also helps companies go green by reducing transportation needs and carbon emissions. Project management programs and sales prospecting tools will give your team the resources that they need to be productive no matter where they are working. Furthermore, the option to work remotely is a popular work perk that can attract top-tier candidates to fill vacant positions.

Replace Electrical Equipment

Outdated electrical equipment in older buildings can present a considerable safety risk. Companies should make it a point to conduct electrical safety inspections on a regular basis. Upgrading older panels with breakers can minimize energy loss in the form of heat transfer and distribute steadier streams of power throughout a building. Preventing surges with circuit breakers can ultimately be an opportunity to optimize energy delivery throughout your building.

Use Surge Protectors

At the end of a workday, turning off workstations doesn’t totally stop them from continuing to draw power. Plug all of your workstation electronics into a surge protector so you can eliminate draw when equipment isn’t in use.

Set Equipment to Power Down

If your workforce shares equipment, you may be leaving it running all day long. Check out settings on basic office equipment such as multifunction copiers or 3D printing machines to make sure that they are set to a power saving mode and will shut down automatically when they’re not actively in use for a certain period of time.

Install LED Lights

For the most part, it isn’t necessary to get new fixtures to upgrade your business’ lighting system with LED bulbs. With some fluorescent ceiling lights, you may have to retrofit fixtures to accommodate LED ballasts.After the switch to more energy efficient lighting options, you’ll be likely to see a considerable change in the utility bill for your operating space. Another advantage of this upgrade is that it could enhance the quality of lighting in commercial space. LED lighting produces a cleaner look, and it won’t make buzzing sounds or emit heat like traditional commercial lighting.

Clean Your HVAC System

Not cleaning the HVAC system that supplies hot and cool air to your workspace can create serious problems with its performance. Systems that go without regular cleaning and calibration may run nearly non-stop in order to reach a set temperature. They could also spread allergens or other bacteria throughout a facility. Cleaning removes buildup that impedes airflow and leads to mechanical issues. Preventive maintenance that keeps everything in good working order will prevent unnecessary drains on energy.

Any improvement in your energy usage could have a positive effect on your business’ operating budget and reduce your carbon footprint. Get your entire workforce on board to get the best possible results from your energy savings initiatives. Taking steps to make your business more sustainable is good for your corporate culture and team members will be happy to make a contribution.