It's December and another year is coming to a close. While you may be busy with the holiday shopping season or planning your business goals, it's also a great time to reflect back on the year that's passed. So, how was your energy year?
If you're not sure, benchmarking is a great way to compare your energy performance against similar facilities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager™ is a no-cost online tool that can help. Just enter some information about your facility and your energy use and you'll receive an energy score of 1 to 100. A score of 50 represents average performance — any score higher is above average.
Common energy-wasting habits
If your score is lower than you'd like, it's time to take a more careful look at your energy use. Here are some common energy-wasting habits. If they sound familiar, take steps to stop wasting energy and start saving money.
- Failing to adjust thermostats. Adjusting building temperatures after hours is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your energy costs.
- Neglecting to replace HVAC filters. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow and reduce indoor air quality. Replace filters regularly according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Blocking airflow. Furniture or equipment blocking air vents can also restrict HVAC airflow, reducing comfort and increasing energy use. Make sure air vents are clear of obstructions.
- Ignoring that dripping sound. Simple water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water per year plus the energy used to heat that water. Regularly search for leaks and fix them immediately.
- Operating cooking equipment during idle times. There's no need to leave cooking equipment operating a full temperature during slow periods. It's a common misconception that bringing equipment back to cooking temperature after setback is costly or time consuming.
Upgrades for a more efficient new year
These affordable upgrades can help reduce your energy costs, improve the comfort and productivity of your workplace and boost your bottom line.
- Install smart programmable thermostats. These models automatically adjust building temperatures according to your schedule while providing advanced features, such as remote control.
- Seal leaks. Air leaks through windows and exterior doors can let conditioned air escape, wasting energy and reducing comfort. Inspect windows and doors and seal leaks with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Get WaterSense. WaterSense-labeled low-flow fixtures use less water while still providing a comfortable flow. WaterSense is a program of the U.S. EPA.
Consider a facility energy audit. A professional auditor will inspect your facility and provide you with a customized set of energy-saving recommendations that you can implement.
Long-term energy savings is an ongoing commitment. Once you've implemented energy-saving measures, use Portfolio Manager to check your score and measure your progress. If you achieve of score of 75 or higher, you're eligible for ENERGY STAR building certification. Achieving certification is a great way to demonstrate to your staff, customers and the community at large your organization's commitment to sustainability.
