Offices are the core of every business. It’s responsible for keeping employees comfortable and productive throughout the workweek. But one thing that can kill an office’s productivity (and your business’s bottom line) is high utility bills.
It’s estimated that businesses spend about $2 per square foot on their utility bills. So if your office is 1,000 square feet, you’re likely paying $2,000 monthly on utilities. But there are ways to reduce these costs without sacrificing employee comfort drastically. Here are five ways to save on your office’s utility bills:
Have More Natural Light
Electricity bills are some of the most expensive for businesses. And a large portion of that cost comes from lighting. According to the Department of Energy, lighting can account for up to 40% of your business’s electricity usage.
One way to reduce this cost is by using more natural light. This can be done by installing more oversized windows or adding skylights to your office space. You can also use skylights. These are the best option if you want more natural light in your office. If your office doesn’t have much natural light, try using energy-efficient light bulbs or investing in solar-powered lights. If you want to reduce electricity consumption drastically, consider using some renewable energy options.
Renewable Energy
Solar energy is becoming cheaper than ever. Right now, solar energy costs about $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. That’s cheaper than the average cost of electricity in the United States, which is about $0.12 per kilowatt-hour. And it will only get more affordable as technology improves and more businesses adopt solar power.
If you’re not ready to make the switch to solar power, there are other renewable energy options you can use to cut costs. One option is to use wind energy. You can do this by installing a small wind turbine on your property. This can generate enough electricity to power your office for a fraction of the cost of traditional electricity. However, ensure that you get the proper permits to do this.
You can also contact a solar farm to see if you can buy energy from them. This is an excellent option if you live in an area with lots of sunlight but don’t have the space to install your solar panels.
The best part about using renewable energy is that you can also reduce your company’s carbon emissions. In addition, this is a great way to show your employees and customers that you’re committed to being eco-friendly.
Reduce Water Consumption
Water bills can also be expensive for businesses. And a large portion of that cost is from employees flushing the toilet or running the faucet too long. But there are ways to reduce water consumption without sacrificing employee comfort.
One way to do this is by installing low-flow toilets and faucets. These fixtures use less water than traditional fixtures, saving you money on your water bill. You can also install sensor-operated fixtures, which turn off automatically when they’re not in use. This can further reduce water consumption.
Another way to reduce your water bill is by using greywater. Greywater is wastewater used for things like washing dishes or clothes. You can reuse this water for things like watering plants or flushing toilets. This can significantly reduce your business’s water consumption and costs.
You can also choose to install a water well in your business. The well can be a great alternative to using city water. First, however, ensure that you have robust well pumps installed. The pumps are used to draw water from the well. This can ensure you have enough pressure to distribute water from the well to different parts of your office.
Reduce Air Leaks
Another way to reduce your electricity bill is by reducing air leaks in your office space. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leaks account for up to 30% of a building’s heating and cooling costs.
You can reduce air leaks by sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows. You can also install weatherstripping and caulking. These are materials that help to fill gaps and cracks.
Ensure that your office space has adequate insulation. This will help keep the heat in the winter and the cool air in the summer. You can also use window treatments to reduce air leaks further.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Heating and cooling costs comprise a large portion of your business’s electricity bill. But there are ways to reduce these costs without sacrificing employee comfort.
One way to do this is by adjusting your thermostat. During the winter, set the temperature to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. And during the summer, set the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also install a programmable thermostat. This thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can select the temperature lower when your office is empty and higher when it’s occupied.
This is an excellent way to reduce your business’s electricity costs without sacrificing employee comfort.
Utility bills are a necessary evil for businesses. But there are ways to reduce their costs drastically. Following the tips above, you can reduce your business’s utility bills without sacrificing employee comfort.
