Did you know that your HVAC system makes up 50 to 60 percent of your building’s energy costs? If you have an old HVAC system, that could be the culprit behind your increasing energy bills. Also, have you heard that you can lower your building’s energy usage by up to 75 per cent by merely switching to energy-efficient LED lighting? Whether you’re a commercial property owner or manager, here are several strategies to help reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings.
1. Perform Energy Audits
First, you must identify areas of high energy consumption in your building. You can achieve that with energy audits, which can help reveal inefficiencies in your HVAC system, lighting, insulation, and more. Based on the audit findings, you can implement targeted measures to reduce energy consumption in your commercial building and track your progress over time. Here are ways to conduct energy audits:
Conduct a Standard Commercial Energy Audit
A commercial energy audit is a systematic process that examines the energy usage and efficiency of a building. It involves several key steps:
- Analysis of Energy Consumption: This covers reviewing utility bills & metre data and evaluating the building’s equipment and operational characteristics.
- Identification of Potential Energy Efficiency Measures: This step involves pinpointing areas where energy efficiency can be improved, such as lighting, HVAC systems, and operational practices.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: The last step encompasses assessing the financial implications of implementing the proposed measures and weighing the initial investment against the expected energy cost savings.
Use Building Energy Monitoring Systems
Building energy monitoring systems provide real-time data on energy usage, allowing you to track and analyse consumption patterns. These systems can highlight areas where energy is wasted. It also generates reports that offer insights into daily, monthly, and annual energy usage trends—critical data that can help you pick which corrective actions you must take as the building owner or manager.
Utilise Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is a device that allows for detailed monitoring and analysis of energy consumption. Benefits include:
- Real-Time Data Collection: AMI can gather precise data on energy usage at different times and locations within the building.
- Load Balancing: The device can automatically streamline energy use to cut costs.
- Alerts and Notifications: With AMI, you will receive real-time alerts for power surges, outages, or other anomalies.
Engage Professional Energy Auditors
Hiring professional energy auditors can assess your building’s energy use thoroughly. These experts can perform in-depth surveys of your commercial property’s energy systems. Equipped with specialised tools like infrared scanners, data loggers, and energy modelling software, they can identify inefficiencies accurately. More importantly, they can offer detailed reports with recommendations for energy-saving measures & their expected ROI, helping you carry out corrective actions promptly.
2. Optimise HVAC Systems
As mentioned, your building’s HVAC system is a major energy consumer, accounting for 50 to 60 percent of your commercial property’s total energy costs. So what can you do about it? First, you must schedule routine check-ups with an HVAC professional to clean filters, ducts & coils and inspect for worn-out parts. Proper HVAC maintenance can boost system efficiency and prevent costly repairs. That’s not to mention that a well-maintained HVAC system can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality in your commercial building.
Next, consider upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems if your current unit or system is already old. You can also retrofit existing ones with advanced controls and sensors. For instance, installing programmable thermostats can help adjust temperatures based on occupancy, reducing heating & cooling costs by up to 30%.
Do you own or run retail shops? Check out our blog about AC zoning in different retail areas for tips and ways to reduce power consumption while keeping an inviting environment for customers and visitors. If you own or lease a property to a childcare facility, read our post sharing AC maintenance tips for childcare centres.
3. Utilise Natural Lighting & Upgrade to LED Lighting
Lighting is another major energy user in commercial spaces. As discussed, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can reduce energy usage by up to 75 per cent compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Installing motion sensors and timers can also ensure lights are only on when needed, further reducing energy waste.
Besides upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, consider using natural light wherever possible to minimise the need for artificial lighting during the day. You can install skylights and large windows to maximise natural light. While you’re at it, apply window films in all your windows to reduce solar heat gain and improve insulation. Window films or tints can help lower your monthly cooling costs significantly.
4. Insulate and Seal Your Building
Here’s another tip on how to save energy in commercial buildings: insulate & seal.
Proper insulation & sealing can prevent heat loss during the cold months and keep cool air inside in summer, reducing the load on your HVAC system and saving up to ten per cent on energy bills. In Australia, using materials suited to the local climate can enhance these savings even further. Insulate not just the obvious areas like walls and windows but also pipes, HVAC ducts, and electrical outlets. Also, inspect for air leaks. Check your building regularly and seal any gaps or cracks to maintain indoor temperatures efficiently.
5. Integrate Renewable Energy Sources
Looking for more tips on how to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings? Integrate renewable energy sources. For instance, install solar panels to generate clean, renewable electricity on-site. That way, you can reduce your building or property’s reliance on non-renewable & often costly energy sources.
If possible, explore other renewable energy options. See if you can reduce your building’s carbon footprint with the help of wind turbines or geothermal systems.
6. Switch to Energy-Efficient Office Equipment
How to make a commercial building more energy-efficient? Assess your office equipment. Computers, printers, copiers & other office equipment can consume a lot of energy. So, switch to energy-efficient models & enable power-saving features. For instance, using power strips can make it easy for employees to disconnect multiple devices at once. Also, encourage employees, tenants & guests to turn off equipment when not in use and unplug devices that are not frequently used.
Start Today
Every small step towards energy efficiency contributes to a larger impact on both your bottom line and the environment. Start today and watch your energy savings grow!
Ready to start? Talk to our commercial electricians for energy audits and electrical maintenance services to help carry out the energy reduction methods on this blog.
Contact us today for a quick service consultation.
