Every business can benefit from using less energy to save money and help the planet. Your monthly bills will decrease, and your customers will appreciate your focus on sustainability.
Here are 7 easy ways to reduce energy consumption and save money, plus tips and resources to get you started! These tips are applicable to all businesses in just about every industry! We hope these suggestions help you along your sustainability journey; our website is supported by our readers which means we may earn a commission, at no cost to you, when you buy through the affiliate links in this article.
7 Easy Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption
1. Use Smart Plugs and Power Strips to Automatically Turn Off Lights and Appliances
Automatically save energy by using smart plugs. Smart plugs turn off lights, fans, and appliances automatically. You can use your phone to set a timer and never leave lights or appliances on again!
2. Install Energy Efficient Light Bulbs (LED)
Energy efficient light bulbs are better for the environment. Plus, they’ll save you money on your monthly electricity bill!
Energy-efficient and LED light bulbs come in all shapes and sizes. There is something for every need and every budget!
3. Use a Green Web Host Like GreenGeeks
If your business has a website, then you can go 300% green with the click of a button by using GreenGeeks.
Every website is hosted on a server. Unfortunately, these servers consume tons of energy and are powered by fossil fuels.
GreenGeeks will host your website with renewable energy for only $2.95 per month! They will even transfer your website for free and will plant a tree when you sign up! Use our special discount below to sign up today and save money.
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GreenGeeks is offering a special discount for eco-friendly entrepreneurs. Get green web hosting with renewable energy for only $2.95 per month.
4. Adjust Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat 2 degrees up in the summer and 2 degrees down in the winter can save up to 2,000lbs of carbon dioxide per year!
5. Use a Smart Thermostat
Alternatively, you could use an energy efficient thermostat that conserves energy by itself.
For example, the Nest Thermostat programs itself to save energy. It learns the temperatures you like and creates a schedule that saves electricity and money.
6. Use Water Conservation Tools in the Bathroom
Conserve water by making two simple changes in the bathrooms and the kitchen.
First, add tank banks to the toilets to save hundreds of gallons of water.
Installing tank banks is easy! Just hang them in the toilet tank; you don't have to get your hands dirty, and maintenance isn't required.
Second, add an automatic sensor to your existing faucets. The automatic sensor below screws on to any standard faucet and automatically turns off the water when you pull your hands away!
Installation is simple and doesn’t require a plumber. All the tools you need are included in the kit!
7. Decrease the Brightness on Your Computer Monitor
According to a Harvard University professor, reducing your computer monitor’s brightness from 100% to 70% can save up to 20% of the monitor's energy.
Most people will not notice the difference from making this adjustment, so it is a quick and easy go green idea.
8. Optimize the Use of Natural Light
If your office has windows, then be sure to optimize natural light. Avoid turning on light bulbs during the day by keeping curtains, shades, and blinds open.
9. Get an Energy Audit on Your Business
It is important to understand your current energy use and see what can be improved.
Either conduct an energy audit yourself by walking through each part of your business and assessing your energy use and utility bills. Or hire a professional to conduct an energy audit for you.
Either way, conducting an energy audit doesn't have to be expensive and it can provide immediate benefits.
10. Allow Your Staff to Work Remotely Whenever Possible
Depending on the type of business you run and the role of your employees, you might have the option for some of your staff members to work remotely from time to time.
Working from home can reduce your employee's carbon footprint and increase productivity and job satisfaction.
Benefits of Reducing Business Energy Consumption
1. Reduce Monthly Utility Bills
First, reducing energy consumption will automatically save you money by lowering your monthly utility bills. You should see your electricity, gas, and water bills go down within a few months of implementing these practices.
That means more profit and more money to invest in your business, pay your employees, and take for yourself.
2. Differentiate Your Business
Additionally, you can market your sustainability practices to differentiate your business. Let your customers know the steps you are taking to go green and reduce your energy consumption on your social media and website, so they know you are serious about the environment.
This simple step can set you apart from your competitors and provide renewed interest for your business.
3. Attract New Customers
Lastly, customers might choose to work with your business instead of a competitor because they appreciate your commitment to the environment. Studies show that younger customers are more likely to commit to eco-friendly brands and businesses and will even pay more for sustainable products.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is business sustainability?
Business sustainability means taking steps to go green and have less of an impact on the environment in your day-to-day business operations. Any business can be more sustainable by making small changes to the supplies they use and how they operate.
2. Why is reducing energy consumption important?
Reducing energy consumption is important because we all must do our part to help the environment by stopping global warming and reducing our carbon footprint. Also, customers are more likely to be loyal to ecofriendly brands and businesses.
3. How can I reduce energy consumption?
Start with making small changes. Turn off lights when you aren't in the room and take advantage of natural light to reduce your electricity bill.
Consider using eco-friendly products or alternatives. For example, energy efficient light bulbs, smart plugs, toilet tank banks, and automatic sensors that attach to your faucet are small changes that can easily reduce energy consumption.
Most ecofriendly products are easy to purchase on Amazon.
4. Are there low-cost ways to reduce energy consumption?
Yes, there are plenty of low-cost ways to reduce energy consumption.
For instance, turning down your thermostat, reducing the brightness on your computer monitor, and optimizing natural light are all free ways to reduce energy consumption. Finally, if your business has a website then switch hosting providers to GreenGeeks and pay as little as $2.49 per month to power your website with renewable energy.
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