For organizations, optimizing energy usage brings an array of benefits, from reducing operational costs to having a positive impact along your sustainability journey. Mantis Innovation understands the importance of energy efficiency for businesses, and in this blog, we'll share a few tips in honor of Energy Efficiency Day to help businesses create energy-saving solutions that maximize savings while minimizing capital outlay.
- Conduct a Comprehensive Energy Audit:
Before embarking on an energy efficiency project, it's important to understand where your energy is going. Conduct a thorough energy audit of your facility to identify areas where energy is being wasted. This will serve as your baseline and help you set realistic goals for improvement.
- Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment:
Upgrading energy-efficient machinery, HVAC systems, lighting, and appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment and consider retrofitting older systems to meet modern efficiency standards.
- Implement HVAC Solutions:
Did you know that 40% of commercial building energy results from HVAC systems? Consider mechanical/HVAC retrofits and upgrades such as boilers, chillers, motor retrofits, AHU/RTU retrofits, VFDs, and controls. Even better are turnkey HVAC solutions, many of which can be combined with other energy savings measures and often qualify for significant utility incentive dollars.
- Optimize Lighting:
Switching to LED lighting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save energy. LEDs consume significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs, last longer, and produce less heat. Additionally, implement lighting controls such as motion sensors and timers to ensure lights are only on when necessary.
- Manage Peak Demand:
For many businesses, peak demand charges can be a significant portion of their electricity bill. Implement strategies to manage peak demand, such as load shedding, demand response programs, and subscribing to receive peak demand notifications to avoid penalties and reduce costs.
- Develop an Energy Management Plan:
Create a comprehensive energy management plan that outlines your energy goals, strategies, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Regularly review and update this plan to adapt to changing circumstances and technologies. By taking a comprehensive, holistic approach to your energy strategy, you’ll be able to identify and integrate energy efficiency projects more readily.
- Engage Employees:
Your employees play a crucial role in your energy efficiency efforts. Educate and involve them in the process. Encourage energy-saving behaviors like turning off lights when leaving a room, shutting down computers, and reporting energy waste.
- Manage Performance through Building Automation Systems:
Gain visibility and improve efficiency with building automation systems (BAS). BAS can encompass the various systems in a facility, including HVAC, mechanical, security, and lighting, which can be a powerful tool for facility personnel when optimized.
- Work with a Trusted Advisor:
Consider partnering with energy efficiency experts like Mantis Innovation to guide your organization through the process. They can provide insights, strategies, and solutions tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Mantis Innovation provides cost-effective retrofit solutions for our clients. Our comprehensive approach and deep knowledge of federal, state, and municipal incentive programs allow us to identify, develop, and install solutions that maximize savings while minimizing capital outlay.
Connect with our team today to learn more about how our team of experts can help your facilities run with greater efficiency.
