Energy management and sustainability go hand-in-hand; effective changes in the world of energy management positively impact both business and environmental sustainability. It can also save your business money if done well. That’s why it’s essential to learn more about how this process works, and what steps you need to take for sustainable energy management.
So, how does energy management help sustainability? Key components of energy management directly impact sustainability. Reducing energy consumption in simple ways and taking steps to change workplace energy culture will have a positive impact on air and water quality, climate change, thermal pollution and solid waste disposal.
Read on to learn more about energy management and sustainability with the energy management experts at Boxfish.
In the UK, fossil fuel dependency stood at 78% in 2021 (although, this has decreased from 96.5% in 1970). As such, it’s important that businesses consider the impact that these fossil fuels have on the environment and global sustainability goals including:
Improving energy management is just one way in which businesses can contribute to sustainability, and it’s not all that difficult to achieve. Learn more about why energy management is important for businesses in our recent blog.
Sustainable energy management is a framework that combines management, technology and sustainable practices with the goal of improving a businesses energy performance in 3 key disciplines: energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy.
Improving energy efficiency means using less energy for the same function and output. For example, simply switching to LED light bulbs saves 75% energy compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs, but the function and output remains the same. What’s more, LED light bulbs are, on average, around 12% cheaper.
Energy conservation relates to behaviours that lead to less energy being used. For businesses, this means a cultural shift across the entire workplace, from cleaning staff right up to the CEO. However, this doesn’t have to be difficult; simply learning to switch off lights and other electricity not being used can save a great deal of energy per year. Another idea here could be to use light sensors which turn off when it no longer senses anyone in the area.
Renewable energy is energy sources that occur naturally and repeatedly in nature; solar energy, wind energy and wave energy are just a few examples which are relatively easily accessible. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy is not finite and will not run out.
The use of energy has a direct impact on the environment, particularly the use of fossil fuels; it is nearly impossible to produce, transport, or consume energy without significant environmental impact. This includes:
With all of the above in mind, our energy management experts have collated their top tips for sustainable energy management for businesses.
First, to make any difference, you need to understand your current sources of energy and consumption rates. Breaking down which parts of your business use which type of energy (and how much) allows you to identify problem areas, monitor usage, and put together a plan of action to reduce consumption.
Collecting and analysing utility bill and meter data is essential for understanding your energy consumption. Depending on the size of your business, this can be a big task but, fear not, businesses like Boxfish exist to collate and analyse your data and provide tailored recommendations.
Analysing your energy consumption allows you to understand where the problem areas of your business are and take steps to reduce consumption. Not only does this contribute to an eco-friendlier energy management solution, but will also help to save money.
From here, you then need to keep an eye on your energy consumption and costs. If the data remains much the same and no progress has actually been made, alternative action should be considered. Tracking your progress like this is a key part of sustainable energy management and should not be overlooked once the hard work is done.
Sustainable energy management doesn’t stop here, though. There are a lot of other ways in which your business can reduce consumption and contribute towards a more sustainable future. We go into more detail about this in our recent blogs, What are 5 Strategies for Business Energy Management? and 8 Tips to Reduce Office Energy Consumption.
At Boxfish, we understand that sustainable energy management can be a complex and difficult field to navigate, especially if you’re not an expert and are already pressed for time. But that’s where we come in. Boxfish offers an incomparable energy management consultancy service that is designed to reduce the time and cost associated with managing all your energy needs. Learn more about our service online, or get in touch for a consultation.