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Achieving energy efficiency not only aligns with sustainability goals but also serves as a smart strategy for lowering costs in the dynamic Irish business landscape. Energy-efficient practices are not only an important part of businesses' efforts to be environmentally responsible, but they also have a significant impact on their bottom line as well. In this blog post, we'll explore some top tips for energy efficiency tailored to Irish businesses that aim to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your business utility bills.
With the colder months approaching, it’s important to save your business money where you can, starting with these steps:
It is important to know when your energy contract expires. If it is within six months, start searching for a new contract to avoid falling out of contract. Commercial gas and electricity prices are constantly rising and impact your business, so it is crucial to find the best energy deal to avoid overspending. Do not wait for your contract to expire.
Want to improve your energy usage? Start with understanding it. Regular energy audits can help you find ways to be more efficient. Upgrade your energy-intensive equipment to save costs in the long run. Our Annual Energy Audits can help your business reduce energy consumption. We can also help you switch to LED lighting, monitor your energy usage, go solar, or try biomass. These measures will drastically decrease your energy usage.
Even though it sounds obvious, it's easy to overlook, whether it's a light switch in a workplace or a printer left on overnight. Whenever appliances are on standby, they use a small amount of electricity that can add up over the year. Be sure to turn them off at the plug if they are not in use.
With smart technology, you can control heating and cooling systems precisely. For example, smart thermostats and metres ensure energy is used only when necessary which can really change how you manage your businesses’ energy. To reduce wasted energy, consider motion sensors and timers that automatically turn off lights and equipment when not in use. With smart technology, you can control heating and cooling systems precisely. For example, smart thermostats and metres ensure energy is used only when necessary, revolutionising your energy management. To reduce wasted energy, consider motion sensors and timers that automatically turn off lights and equipment when not in use. The initial investment may seem high, but the long-term savings and environmental impact make it worth it.
If your gas and electricity bills are soaring each month and you don’t know the cause, you could consider switching your energy supplier. Procure.ie offers free, impartial advice, our team makes sure you’re not overpaying for energy and by switching you could save up to 50% on your business energy bills.
Another way of saving when looking further into your energy suppliers, is to look at how your energy is being charged. We’d recommend that you go for a tracker or fixed product, depending on your business type and size, as this will vary for each client.
You can boost your energy generation with solar panels on your roof, soaking up those rays and generating energy, especially in the summer months. Look into The Solar Electricity Grant to make it even more affordable. Choose LED lighting instead of traditional bulbs, which consume 80% less energy. You can save even more by getting grants for LED lighting and light sensors if your business already has lighting infrastructure in place. An LED retrofit can effortlessly upgrade that infrastructure and reduce your energy consumption. You can create an energy-efficient and customisable lighting ambience with dimmer switches. The heating thermostat should be set at a comfortable but energy-saving level, and you should consider installing smart metres to track your energy consumption in real time.
“Our client, Louis Fitzgerald, has solar panels on their roof. When the sun is shining, the panels generate energy for their business. This allows them to be taken off the grid while still having electricity supply. If they use 1000 units in a day, 600 units are generated from the solar panels, and these units won't appear on their bill. It's completely free.”
Keith Donohue
Managing Director at Procure.ie
Creating and adopting an energy-saving culture at work is a simple and effective way for businesses to reduce their energy usage. By implementing guidelines that promote energysaving measures such as turning off lights and closing windows, everyone can contribute to lowering their workplace's carbon footprint and energy bills.
To save money, it is important to consider the kilowatt (kWh) rate charged by your energy supplier and how it will affect your bill. Procure.ie makes switching business utilities easy by comparing different energy suppliers so businesses of all sizes can choose the most costeffective and convenient option. In your energy contract, there is also a KVA load that represents the amount of electricity provided by your provider. If this load is exceeded, a reactive power charge will be applied as a penalty. It is important to understand this concept and take measures to remain within the allowed limit. Procure.ie's utility consultants compare your KVA load and KWH rate to make sure you're not paying more than you have to.
Save money where you can with Procure.ie! We're here to help you find the best energy deals and implement cost-effective measures for your business. Get immediate pricing and start your journey towards a more energy-efficient and cost-effective future. Small changes and smart choices can lead to BIG savings. Take the first step today and embrace a greener, more cost-effective future for your Irish business.