What do you do if your workplace lacks energy efficiency?

Before implementing any energy efficiency measures in a workplace that lacks energy efficiency, it's crucial to conduct an audit to assess current energy usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and prioritize areas for improvement. Begin by gathering utility bills, conducting walkthroughs of the facility and examining equipment and systems to understand energy consumption patterns. Engage employees to gather insights on energy usage behaviors and operational practices. Once the audit is complete, develop an action plan outlining recommended energy efficiency measures, their estimated costs, and potential savings.

Conducting an energy audit is an effective way to identify areas of improvement in energy consumption and efficiency within a facility. The audit typically involves a comprehensive analysis of energy usage patterns, including lighting, HVAC systems, and other energy-consuming equipment. The auditor will assess the performance of each system, identify areas of inefficiency, and recommend steps to improve energy efficiency. The audit may also include an analysis of the facility's energy bills, which can help identify trends and patterns in energy usage. By conducting an energy audit, facilities can identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and improve their environmental footprint.

there are two ways 1- Individual Actions: Be an energy conservation champion by making small changes in your own work habits. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, utilize natural light whenever possible, and adjust your computer's monitor settings to lower brightness. Spread awareness and encourage colleagues to join you in adopting energy-conscious practices. 2- Collective Action: Suggest an audit by a professional can pinpoint areas where your workplace is wasting the most energy. This will provide valuable insights for implementing targeted solutions. Bring the issue to the attention of your supervisor or facilities manager.

Engaging colleagues is a crucial step towards creating a conservation culture . By raising awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and encouraging employees to adopt energy-saving practices, facilities can significantly reduce their energy consumption. Creating a conservation culture involves educating employees about the impact of their actions on energy usage, providing them with tools and resources to help them reduce energy consumption, and recognizing and rewarding employees who make significant contributions to energy efficiency. By involving employees in the effort to reduce energy usage, facilities can benefit from the collective efforts of many individuals, which can result in significant energy savings over time.

Engaged colleagues are more likely to adopt energy-saving behaviors, identify new opportunities for efficiency, and become sustainability champions within the organization Their participation fosters a culture of sustainability within the workplace, making energy-conscious practices the norm.

Start by assessing current energy consumption patterns and identifying areas of wastage or inefficiency. Implement energy management systems (EMS) or building automation systems (BAS) to monitor and control energy usage in real-time, allowing for better visibility and management of energy-intensive systems such as HVAC, lighting, and equipment. Install smart meters and sensors to track energy usage and identify opportunities for optimization. Implement energy-saving policies and procedures, including setting temperature setbacks, scheduling equipment operation, and encouraging energy-conscious behaviors among employees.

The Department of Energy estimates that inefficient building controls contribute to as much as 30% of wasted energy in commercial buildings Implementing energy-saving controls in buildings and facilities is a great step towards sustainability. However, to truly maximize their effectiveness and ensure long-term energy efficiency, a thorough commissioning process is essential. Skipping commissioning can lead to missed energy-saving opportunities and even negate the initial investment in controls.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) reports that buildings with certified energy managers achieved an average energy savings of 16%, compared to those without Energy experts bring a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and experience to the table. They can identify the most impactful energy-saving opportunities, navigate complex technologies, and tailor solutions to specific needs, ensuring optimal results.

Incorporate energy/emissions goals as part of your reliability and maintenance program. As this is a function, even when considering reactive maintenance programs, it will quickly bring attention to the excess use of energy and GHG emissions by the facility. Relatively quickly, the energy use will become apparent on the P&L including overall improvements as positive numbers appear. Key areas include compressed air systems (leaks), belt alignment and tension, lubrication, alignment, etc. This may require metering with either a power meter (to evaluate kW and kWh, for example) or electrical signature analyzer to show improvements.