For the past few years, homeowners and companies all over the United States have increased initiatives for energy efficiency. Largely due to the rise of a remote workforce, businesses are now welcoming staff back into the office workplace. For months, many remote employees enjoyed the convenience of working from home, presenting companies with the additional challenge of increasing incentives to again work on-site. With that in mind, it’s now more important than ever for companies to provide team members with a comfortable and safe atmosphere.
The good news is that an energy-efficient office doesn’t merely provide a healthier, more welcoming workplace. Monitoring your company’s energy consumption is also better for the environment and can greatly reduce your monthly energy bill. If you’re interested in keeping your staff safe and amassing new energy savings, here are three investments that will make your business a clean-energy superpower!
1. Natural Light and Heat
One cost-efficient investment for higher energy efficiency is new windows. Not only can natural light save a bundle on the energy bill, but sunshine can work wonders on employee morale. While working from home, employees had the option to adjust the lighting and temperature of their individual workspace. Now returning to the office, employees may want that same comfort. Depending upon the type of window, it’s possible to cut down on both energy loss and heat loss, making certain replacement windows an incredible investment towards energy savings.
If you’re contemplating energy efficient windows, just consider a few of the amazing benefits and options. A professional installer can instruct you on the amount of energy efficiency possible with diverse window panes and materials. Additionally, opting for an efficient window design that complies with a high Energy Star rating ensures both minimal heat loss and air leakage.
2. Indoor Air Quality and Energy Costs
Another important factor in promoting clean energy is the proper maintenance of your HVAC system. Many business owners are unaware of how much energy loss is a direct result of their air conditioning units and heat systems. Many innovations in clean air technology have made it cost-efficient to run HVAC operations with a keen eye on conservation and a smaller environmental impact. Aside from scheduling periodic inspections for your vent and duct leaks, there are certain tasks you can perform to lower your energy costs. For example, simply replacing your HVAC’s air filters every two months can drastically lower your energy bill by increasing the unit’s efficiency. When those filters become clogged with debris, dust, and other allergens, the airflow is weakened, which determines how much heat or cool air reaches your office space. In addition, those toxins lower your indoor air quality.
Using clean filters can allow the machine to run more smoothly and also purifies the oxygen levels within the office. With one easy task, you can boost both safety and savings. As a rule of thumb, it’s also always best to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system. A professional technician can ensure the most durable filters and parts for your equipment, as well as guarantee that any equipment issues are covered by your original warranty.
3. Office Water Consumption
A common staple of any office space is a water cooler in either the breakroom or lobby area. Here, an Energy Star rating can help you select a cooler good for both energy and water conservation. However, there are other small steps that you can add to your office’s location. For example, swapping out the faucet taps and fixtures for water-conservative designs can contribute to utility savings. Likewise, you may want to consider bottled water delivery. Using smaller bottles for distribution among your staff doesn’t require the additional power of running the larger, industrial coolers. As a bonus, most water delivery companies will still schedule pick-up appointments to collect the recyclable empties, which shrinks your company’s carbon footprint.