Energy-saving Devices for Your Business

In an increasingly competitive business world, keeping an eye on your outgoings has never been more important. And one of the best ways to reduce them is by reducing your energy bills through greater energy efficiency. The effect on your bottom line isn’t the only benefit of reducing energy usage. You’ll be having a positive impact on the environment, and this, in turn, will improve your corporate image. In some industries, it may be a matter of regulatory compliance. 

Understanding Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the concept of using less energy to provide a given amount of service. For example, equipment that is more energy efficient may use a lower amount of electricity to obtain the same result as older, less efficient equipment. This, in turn, contributes to greater environmental sustainability, a lighter load that keeps us all working, and operational savings. 

Types of Energy-saving Devices for Businesses

Businesses can hire or purchase a broad range of energy-saving devices. 

Energy Efficient Appliances

Upgrading your appliances, such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) systems, refrigeration, lighting, and electronic equipment, will carry significant benefits in the long term. Reduced energy consumption will lead to lower energy bills. It is also worth remembering that upgrading your appliances will improve their lifespans. 

Energy Saving Gadgets

Energy-saving gadgets such as smart thermostats, programmable timers, and motion sensor lights can significantly contribute to energy savings while offering greater convenience. Smart thermostats can adjust the temperature according to your needs, while programmable timers can reduce your energy usage to the minimum necessary out-of-ours without getting involved. Motion sensor lights ensure that your lights are only on when you need them to be. 

Energy Efficient Products

In recent years, there has been a massive increase in the availability of specifically energy-efficient products. LED lights, for example, consume substantially less energy than older types of lighting, while electronic devices such as computers and printers now come with energy-efficiency ratings so that you can check how much they’re using and compare like with like. Electronic devices such as these can use a lot of energy; the savings can be considerable.

Advanced Energy Saving Technology

Plenty of other energy-saving technologies are available for those who want to go a little deeper. Energy management systems, for example, can fully integrate into your energy systems to optimise your energy usage in real time. In contrast, AI-powered energy analytics uses the latest iterations of new software to take a broader view of how you use your energy and how you can use less of it.  

Implementing Energy-saving Devices in Your Business

The first step towards implementing energy-saving devices in your business is to assess your current energy use. An energy audit can help you understand what your business does daily. You may even be surprised at what you can change without upgrading your devices. 

You should ask yourself many questions as you carry this out. Do all devices need to be switched on? Might some have been superseded by newer, more energy—and time-efficient designs? Always check the energy-efficiency ratings for any products you are considering, and bear in mind that you should always test critical systems thoroughly before fully implementing them to ensure minimal disruption to your business operations. It’s best to introduce new devices gradually rather than all at once if possible. 

Benefits of Energy Saving for Businesses

Energy efficiency can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. By reducing energy consumption, businesses can lower their utility bills. For example, implementing energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems can reduce energy costs by up to 25%. Additionally, energy-saving measures often have a relatively short payback period, meaning the initial investment can be recouped quickly through savings on energy bills.

Reducing energy consumption helps lower a business's carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability. Businesses can decrease greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy, which is crucial for combating climate change. This benefits the planet and enhances a company's reputation as an environmentally responsible entity, which can be attractive to customers and investors.

Adhering to energy efficiency standards can help businesses comply with regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties. Staying ahead of regulatory requirements can also position a business as a leader in sustainability, further enhancing its market position.

Are There Any Incentives for Businesses to Invest in Energy-efficient Products?

Yes, there are! The government has an entire webpage devoted to the financial support available to businesses in a broad sense, and we have a guide to the financial incentives for going green. 

Business rates, for example, are exempt for eligible plant and machinery used in onsite renewable energy generation and storage until 31 March 2035. This includes rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and onsite storage used with electric vehicle charging points. A 100% relief for eligible low-carbon heat networks, which have their own rates bill, is also available until 2035.

Adopting energy-saving devices isn’t just about your business's bottom line, no matter how important that is. We need to move our economy towards a more sustainable future. By taking the first steps towards a more energy-efficient and sustainable business operation, you’re not just committing to your business's future success; you’re making a commitment to ensuring our future on this planet and a statement about what type of business you are.