You will hear experts in the energy industry say that the cheapest kilowatt is the one that you don’t use. However this phrase is very true as sustainable cost savings can only be achieved via consumption reduction. Whilst getting preferential energy rates through a full analysis of the market, is an essential key stone of any energy management programme, it may not provide consistent results due to the wholesale cost fluctuations.
But where do you start to reduce your energy consumption. The recommended approach is to carry out either a desktop based energy survey on information provided by the site manager or to arrange for an onsite energy survey where an energy expert attends your site to carry out an in-depth survey. Whilst the costs of an onsite survey is often out of the reach for most SME’s due to the associated costs, a desktop survey can often be a cheaper alternative and can provide valuable information. Most reputable energy consultants, subject to conditions, often provide you these free of charge as part of energy procurement package.
The survey will provide you with energy consumption reduction opportunities and hence a road map to saving you costs. However if you don’t decide to go for a survey there are obvious areas that you can focus on to achieve instant savings, depending upon the type of business that you are.
One area where a quick win can be achieved is through the lighting within your business. Typically 25% of an organisation’s electricity costs come from lighting. Energy efficient lighting measures can reduce these costs by at least 30%, and up to 60% in some cases. Such measures can include the replacement of your lighting through the installation of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL) or LEDs. In some cases these lamps can be retrofitted into your existing fittings, saving you the disruption of having all the fittings replaced as well. As well as the use of replacement lighting there are ‘no’ cost options available to reduce lighting energy consumption such as employee ‘switch off’ and awareness campaigns.
The other area of energy use affecting all businesses is space heating and hot water costs. Within a typical business these can account for as much as 60% of your total energy costs. In usual circumstances it is possible to reduce your heating costs by 30% through measures such as boiler management programmes including replacement & servicing as well as the use of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and destratification systems.
If you want to start along the journey to achieve sustainable energy reduction then Guild Energy can help point you in the right direction by utilising our extensive energy and environmental management expertise. Talk to your Guild Account Manager about our range of energy saving services.
