Facilities management is essential to any organization, as it ensures that the organization's buildings, grounds, and equipment are maintained and operated efficiently and cost-effectively. However, as energy costs continue to rise, it has become increasingly important for organizations to focus on energy efficiency and cost reduction in their facilities management practices.
In this blog post, we will discuss several strategies for increasing energy efficiency and reducing expenses in facilities management.
Conducting an Energy Audit
The first step in increasing energy efficiency and reducing facilities management expenses is conducting an energy audit. An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of a building's energy usage, and it can help identify areas where energy is being wasted, or improvements can be made.
The audit should focus on:
- Lighting
- Heating
- Cooling
- Ventilation systems
- Other equipment or appliances that use significant energy
For a deep dive into conducting an energy audit, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published this Guidebook for Energy Efficiency, Evaluation, Measurement and Verification, which may be useful.
Implementing Energy-Efficient Technologies
Once an energy audit has been conducted, the next step is implementing energy-efficient technologies. For example, consider utilizing LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and building automation systems. These technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs.
Encourage Energy-Efficient Behaviors
In addition to implementing energy-efficient technologies, it is also essential to encourage energy-efficient behaviors among building occupants. A few ideas include turning off lights and equipment when not in use, adjusting thermostats to reduce heating and cooling costs, and promoting public transportation and carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Effectively Monitoring and Tracking Energy Consumption
Monitoring and tracking energy consumption is essential in reducing facilities management expenses. By monitoring and tracking energy consumption, organizations can identify energy use patterns and adjust to reduce consumption and lower costs.
There are myriad ways this can be accomplished, including using energy management software, which allows organizations to monitor and track energy consumption in real-time.
Utilizing Renewable Energy
Organizations can use renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, to generate electricity and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Making this commitment not only can help reduce expenses on the electricity bill but also help to decrease the environmental impact.
Preventative Maintenance For the Win
Proper building infrastructure and equipment maintenance can keep them running at optimal performance, reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements. Scheduling regular maintenance checks can increase energy efficiency and extend the life of equipment, saving money in the long run by spotting minor issues before they become major hassles.
Reducing Expenses with More Efficient Energy Consumption
Increasing energy efficiency and reducing expenses in facilities management is essential for organizations that want to stay competitive in today's business environment. By conducting an energy audit, implementing energy-efficient technologies, encouraging energy-efficient behaviors, monitoring and tracking energy consumption, using renewable energy, and proper maintenance, organizations can significantly reduce their energy costs and improve the overall efficiency of their facilities management practices.
SaniGLAZE is the Efficient Solution for Tile and Surface Restoration
Just like improving energy efficiency helps increase a facility’s bottom line, SaniGLAZE helps save time and money in your facilities management budget with a revolutionary process for restoring tile and hard surfaces. High-traffic areas like bathrooms and lobbies take a beating, but SaniGLAZE’s proprietary products and processes can restore these surfaces to like-new condition—all without the hassle and expense of a complete demo.
Get in touch with our team to see which SaniGLAZE process is best suited for your unique situation.