The Sustainable Authority of Ireland have so far been successful in helping both the residential and commercial sector to reduce their energy use. One way in doing so has been the introduction of an Energy Audit Scheme. This scheme requires larger business to undertake surveys or inspection to determine whether they are managing their energy sufficiently.
Essentially, an energy audit analyses how and where a business’s energy is used. This determines any energy wastage and helps to identify how to correct this in the best and most ethical way.
While the audit is not a legal requirement for small to medium sized Irish businesses, it’s no harm for these types of organisations to perform their own audits.
Why perform an energy audit?
With a busy schedule, it can become almost impossible to keep track of energy usage in your business.
Performing an audit brings focus back and highlights any urgent issues, or behaviours which are causing unnecessary energy wastage. An audit is essential for two main reasons.
- Reducing carbon emissions which benefits the planet
- Significantly lowering energy costs helps protect and improve your business’s bottom line.
How to perform your own energy audit
Energy audits can easily be completed by having a team member walk around the premises with a checklist of things to look out for. Your checklist should include (but be limited to):
- Lights
- Heating
- Water Use
- Electrical Equipment
Turn the lights off
Are lights left on when no one is in the room? Your business should consider placing reminders for staff to switch off lights when a room is left empty, and at the close of business (when lights aren’t required to remain switched on).
It’s also wise to think about switching your lights to Smart LEDs Bulbs. LEDs efficiently use 60 – 75% less energy than traditional, incandescent light bulbs. By installing Smart LEDs, you can further reduce the energy needed to light the building by having the control to remotely switch on and off lights and set schedules so lights are never accidentally left on again.
Keep the heat in
Heating a premises can be incredibly costly, especially when winters in Ireland seem to last almost all year long. It’s often habit of employees to set high temperatures on the thermostat in the hopes that the room will heat faster – but usually ends up in employees sweltering not long after.
There are a few small tips to follow to ensure you’re making the most of your thermostat including keeping boxes or items which may restrict air circulation away from radiators, or closing blinds at the end of the day to prevent warm air from escaping.
Smart Thermostats are effective in reducing energy use by up to 20% compared to traditional thermostats. How? These thermostats have features that traditional thermostats do not. These include employee lockout so only you can control temperatures, scheduling for temperatures to decrease when the premises is empty and receiving alerts when the thermostat has been adjusted so you can remotely change it back.
Reduce your water use
It’s a good idea to inspect all piping, taps and toilets to ensure there is no presence of leaks. A leak, no matter how small, is an unnecessary wastage of water. During your energy audits keep a close eye on your water meter to see if there are any significant changes or to see if your business might be using far more water than previously thought. If your business is billed according to meter ratings, then taking measures to reduce water use will be financially rewarding for your business.
Switch off electronics
Of course it is essential to leave some electronics on overnight to ensure the most streamlined running of the business. However, not everything needs to be left on. Computers, chargers, printers, lamps etc. should all be switched off at the wall at the close of business. Leaving devices on standby is insufficient as they are still using energy when not needed.
Alternatively, you could consider Smart Plugs. Smart plugs allow you to remotely shut off appliances when needed, or, just like the thermostat, you can set schedules so that electronics are shut down at a specific time of day.
Performing energy audits are a smart way for your business to play its part in reducing its carbon footprint, while also benefiting the organisation’s bottom line. Energy management is a key factor of Smart Business Automation. If you would like to know more about how Business Automation and Smartzone can help your business, feel free to contact our sales team on 0214966248 or fill out the form below and we will get back to you.
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