Reducing energy consumption in summer: Best business practice

Summer marks the return of fine weather. While we all look forward to this time of year, the air is a lot hotter and dryer. As a result, this type of weather can encourage businesses to consume more energy. Air conditioning and other electrical appliances need to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature for employees. As a result, this leads to higher energy bills and a negative impact on the environment. So, how can companies reduce their energy consumption during the summer? This article sets out 5 best practices..

1. Use energy-efficient appliances

Using energy-efficient appliances is an effective way to reduce a company’s energy consumption over the summer. To find out if an item of equipment is energy efficient, try checking the following:

• The energy rating label: As with household appliances, it can be found on office equipment and tells consumers the energy rating of printers, photocopiers, scanners, etc.
• Quality labels: The “Energy Star” or “NF Environment” labels guarantee that the equipment meets quality and energy performance standards.
• The device’s technical information can also provide details about power consumption.

Similarly, using alternative lights is one of the easiest eco-gestures to implement at work. It is therefore a case of encouraging the use of low-energy light bulbs (LED or compact fluorescent). This type of lighting is much more sustainable and costs less than incandescent lights.

2. Optimise the use of IT equipment

Using electronic devices is a significant factor in electricity consumption all year round and particularly over the summer. This applies mostly to businesses in the tertiary sector where IT is the main work tool. So, how can companies reduce their energy consumption?

The first step to saving on your energy bill is just common sense: Completely turn off any appliances that are not in use. Computer screens that are not being used for a certain period of time can also go into sleep mode.

Another source of energy savings can be found when replacing computer equipment. Generally, the older the computer equipment, the more its speed slows down and, conversely, its power consumption goes up.

The performance required from this type of device varies depending on the business sector. Where a company is mainly digital, upgrading every 3 to 4 years is recommended. In other cases, equipment might be upgraded every 5 years.

Finally, cutting down on the number of printers used in offices also reduces energy bills.

3. Improving facilities management to reduce electricity consumption

Optimising facilities management is also a way for companies to consume less energy. Over the summer, it is a good idea to favour natural light wherever possible. If there is a heat wave at work, it is a good idea to close the shutters and doors. This effectively prevents heat from getting in.

On the other hand, if the weather stays mild, it is advisable to provide ventilation by opening windows rather than turning the air conditioning on. This indisputably reduces the electricity bills for the premises. This simple act also contributes to saving the environment.

Companies can optimise their energy performance by turning to technology as well. Smart thermostats mean the room temperature can be set depending on whether anyone is there and the working hours.

Similarly, motion detectors help adjust the room temperature depending on whether anyone is there. This technology saves electrical energy by not unnecessarily cooling down empty spaces during the day, at night, over the weekend, or when the company is closed for any length of time.

Summer is also pollen season, which can be a problem for employees prone to allergies. To keep them comfortable while at work, companies might want to install air purifiers in the premises. These air treatment devices are also designed to remove all allergen residues.

4. Make employees think about energy consumption

Making employees think about energy consumption is a key element in achieving energy savings. The goal is to encourage them to adopt the right behaviour patterns. Internal communication actions might be instigated for this, such as:

• Posters reminding people of good practices;
• Information e-mails;
• Training in eco-friendly measures.

Here are some simple measures which employees can apply during their working day:

• Turn off the lights when leaving a room;
• Set computers to go into standby automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity;
• Only print documents if strictly necessary;
• Shut computers down at the end of the working day;
• Shut the doors in air-conditioned rooms

All of these actions reduce the environmental footprint and result in real energy savings.

Employees can also be involved in this process of optimising electricity consumption: They should not hesitate to report any appliance breakdowns, as well as any problems with temperature control.

5. Carry out an energy audit of the premises

A building’s energy audit reports on its energy performance and provides recommendations for improvement. This assessment provides an idea of the work to be carried out or the opportunities for energy savings. If the company has green areas, the auditors can, for instance, recommend maintaining them by using:

• Plants that adapt to the local climate: This vegetation requires less watering, which reduces the energy consumption needed for its care.
• Efficient irrigation systems such as low-flow sprinklers: These devices reduce energy costs associated with pumping water.
• Shade structures: These help reduce direct exposure to the sun and therefore limit the air conditioning needed.

Following these tips means taking smart, sustainable energy conservation measures. It means you are acting responsibly, while saving energy over the long term.

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