For years, energy optimization has been viewed by many to be the best way of reducing energy costs. Recent research has been able to back up that claim. According to DB Climate Change Advisors, implementing energy-efficient technologies in US buildings could potentially save over $1 trillion over the next ten years. However, that’s not the only reason why you should consider energy optimization.
Crunching the Numbers
For business owners, cutting energy costs may sound appealing but realistically, it probably won’t motivate too many people to invest time and money into energy optimization. However, cutting costs is just one of the many reasons why you should try it out.
Workplace productivity and employee satisfaction sound like much more important reasons to consider energy optimization, right? According to statistics gathered by Enterprise Solutions, more than 80% of workers find it difficult to concentrate on a task at hand. Lack of focus leads to slacking and on average, distracted workers take 25% longer to finish their tasks.
What’s more, equipping your offices with smart technology will noticeably increase the satisfaction levels of your employees. According to a recent JLL study, 85% of executives believe that “smart solutions” have a direct effect on employee satisfaction. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that people who work in smart buildings are 27% more satisfied.
Even without listing all of the studies and crunching the numbers, it’s easy to see why energy optimization is a good move. When workers feel comfortable in the office, they will start being more productive, concentrated, and even more dedicated to their job.
Energy Optimization 101
Thus far, we’ve talked about energy optimization, however, we failed to clearly define it. In essence, energy optimization means using technology to regulate your electricity consumption and maximize benefits for your workers and the environment.
If you’re doing this for the first time, you will probably need some help. Luckily for you, companies such as Taka Solutions can help you analyze your energy consumption and come up with an energy savings plan. Now, if you want to make a huge change, you should divide your plan into three stages:
- Energy Efficiency: Trying to expand energy-saving in already existing buildings
- Demand Response: Teaching your customers to use energy carefully
- Switch Fuels: Stopping to use of fossil fuels indoors, completely switching to electricity
Around 40% of the United States’ carbon emissions come from business buildings. By sticking to the plan we outlined above, you will undoubtedly motivate more people to join you in the fight for this good cause.
Whether you decide to work on your own on an optimization plan or you decide to hire someone to do the dirty work for you, you still need to be familiar with the basics of energy optimization. Here are a few changes that need to be made for energy optimization to be successful:
- Energy Consumption Analysis: First, you need to establish an operating baseline, look for improvement opportunities, and establish goals that can be reached in a few months.
- Estimates and Direction: Once you are done with the analysis, you need to estimate ROI, see how much work is needed, and decide how much you are willing to spend on optimization.
- Counteractive Action: Your actions should be prioritized by ROI and in this stage if needed, consult a contractor and see how they can help you implement the planned changes.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Once everything is in place, you need to monitor how much energy you are spending, how much money it costs, how much money you managed to save, etc.
Final Thoughts on Energy Optimization
Why should anyone consider energy optimization? For some people, the moral implications are the biggest reason to try energy optimization. The fact is that all of these small changes can add up and make a difference in the world.
Even if you’re not concerned about the environment, there are other benefits of energy optimization that can persuade you to try it. Personally, by installing energy-efficient pumps, bulbs, and heaters, you’ll pay lower energy bills.
Lastly, if you’re a business owner, energy optimization can keep your operating costs low, provide a healthy/positive environment for your workers, and show your customers that you care. Energy optimization is an investment definitely worth your time and effort.