Lighting
Upgrade your Lighting: If your facility relies on outdated and inefficient lighting systems like incandescent, halogen, HID, or T12 fluorescent, you’re missing out on substantial savings. Traditional lighting technologies, such as incandescent, fluorescent, or high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, can consume a significant portion of a warehouse’s energy usage, often accounting for around 40% or more of the total energy consumption. Replacing your lighting is an excellent initial step towards improving your building’s energy efficiency.
Operations and Maintenance
Neglecting best practices for operations and maintenance in any facility can lead to increased energy costs, equipment repair and replacement expenses, downtime, decreased productivity, occupant discomfort and safety issues, regulatory compliance costs, and potential damage to equipment or products. The specific financial impact varies based on the extent of neglect and the facility’s unique circumstances, but proactive maintenance and efficient operational practices are essential for reducing these costs and enhancing overall performance.
Implement these five energy-saving best practices:
- Regularly clean and maintain HVAC systems for optimal efficiency.
- Establish a preventive maintenance schedule for all equipment and systems.
- Train staff to follow energy-efficient operating procedures and practices.
- Use advanced energy management systems to monitor and control energy usage.
- Implement a comprehensive energy data tracking system to identify consumption patterns and areas for improvement.
- Conduct an Energy Audit: To assess energy usage and identify areas for improvement, consider conducting a comprehensive energy audit. During an energy audit, experts examine your facility’s energy consumption, uncover inefficiencies, and offer tailored recommendations for optimization.
Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a pivotal factor in driving energy efficiency within organizations. Research indicates that informed and engaged employees are more likely to actively participate in energy-saving initiatives and exhibit energy-efficient behaviors. Engaged employees tend to collaboratively identify opportunities for improvement, leading to a culture of continuous energy conservation. Moreover, such engagement can enhance productivity, align personal values with organizational sustainability goals, and result in substantial cost savings through reduced utility bills.
To foster employee engagement, organizations should prioritize effective communication of energy-saving objectives, provide regular training and educational resources, and create a workplace culture that encourages employees to be environmentally responsible. The alignment of employees’ personal values with the organization’s sustainability goals is a crucial element in driving energy efficiency and creating a more sustainable workplace.
Procurement
Energy-Efficient Products: When procuring products, prioritize energy-efficient options that not only reduce energy costs but also maintain quality. Explore ENERGY STAR certified products, estimate potential savings, and incorporate them into your purchasing policies and contracts.
For example, when evaluating new manufacturing equipment, examine the manufacturer’s documentation and motor nameplate. Look for efficiency specifications expressed as a percentage and ensure compliance with energy efficiency standards like NEMA Premium or DOE regulations. If you’re uncertain, consult with specialists or engineers for guidance. Additionally, consider whether the equipment supports Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to enhance energy efficiency and precise motor control.
Verify Incentives
In states such as New Jersey, utility companies offer complimentary energy assessments to clients. These assessments come at no cost to you and play a vital role in pinpointing areas where energy is being wasted. They will provide recommendations for improvements that can potentially put 5-30% of your energy bill back in your pocket. The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program in New Jersey offers further assistance, including rebates and low-interest financing options for eligible clients, to turn these energy-saving recommendations into reality.
Link to Federal Incentives: Federal Incentives for Commercial Photovoltaic Systems in 2023 (bigshineworldwide.com)
Link to Incentives and Rebates: Empowering Businesses with Rebates for Energy Efficiency (bigshineenergy.com)
