Energy audit: Reduce business costs and improve office energy efficiency

One of the best ways to reduce your business costs is to do an energy audit of your premises. But being energy efficient won't just save money - it will also give you the satisfaction of doing something good for the environment.

So what should be considered when performing an energy audit of your business?

Lighting

"A lot of the lighting in buildings is outdated and uses a lot of power," explains Greg Edwards from Ecotec Building Group. "There are now products on the market that offer a significant reduction in power use while providing the same level of light."

And the good news is that many existing buildings can be retrofitted with these products.

"Many commercial buildings have grid ceilings, allowing for simple replacement of existing light units," says Greg. "However, usually it involves replacing the entire light fitting, not just globes."

Another way to improve your energy efficiency is to install sensors, so that lights only come on when people walk into the room and immediately turn off after they leave. 

Heating and cooling

In an energy audit, heating and cooling will account for a large proportion of energy usage, so thinking green is important. Like lighting, airconditioning and heating systems can be modified to run in particular zones or at particular times. 

"You can also install shutters on the outside of windows to stop sunlight hitting the glass, and you can open them up on colder days to maximise the light," says Greg. "Or you can treat your windows with films that reflect ultraviolet radiation, thereby lessening your cooling requirements."

A more unusual method of reducing the need for airconditioning is to install a garden on your building's rooftop, which has been found to reduce the heat load. Sophisticated air exchange systems can also harness and circulate the heat from bodies and equipment to heat buildings.

Replace your computer monitors

The newer LCD computer screens use about half the energy of the old cathode-ray tube monitors and don't generate any heat at all, so replacing your old monitors can significantly reduce your energy costs.

Benefits of improving your energy efficiency

• Greatly improve your overheads through reduced energy costs
• Minimise the carbon emissions that are released into the environment
• Create a healthier office, for example through reducing the use of recycled airconditioning, which can carry bacteria
• Create a positive perception of your business as being 'green' focused
• May allow tax concessions for businesses that improve their energy efficiency 

Go green and save

Improving energy efficiency in the workplace is great for your hip pocket and for the environment.

So to start saving money and have your premises undergo an energy audit, contact a sustainable building company today.