You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Real-time monitoring allows facility managers to move from a long reactive cycle to a much shorter, proactive one, saving significant amounts of energy.” Joe Fullerton, Energy & Sustainability Manager, SMCCCD.
Small facilities can achieve significant energy and cost savings through practical, low-cost strategies that also support broader sustainability goals. Below are actionable tips, supported by real-world data and examples, to help small businesses and facility managers reduce energy use, lower operating costs, and enhance their green credentials.
Conduct a Sustainability Audit
- Begin by assessing your current energy use, waste generation, and material sourcing.
- A sustainability audit identifies inefficiencies and highlights opportunities for improvement, forming the foundation for a targeted energy-saving plan.
Adopt Energy-Efficient Lighting
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lamps or ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). LEDs use about 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
- Upgrade older fluorescent tubes (T12) to more efficient T8 LED tubes with electronic ballasts for further savings.
- Install occupancy sensors and daylight dimmers in low-traffic areas to automatically turn off or dim lights when not needed, reducing lighting expenses by 10–40%.
- Maximize use of natural daylight by opening blinds and using skylights, which can further reduce lighting costs and improve occupant comfort.
Optimize Equipment and Appliances
- Encourage employees to turn off lights, computers, and equipment when not in use to prevent unnecessary energy waste.
- Use smart power strips to eliminate “phantom” energy draw from electronics left in standby mode.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and machinery where feasible. Even small changes, like using variable frequency drives (VFDs) on motors and pumps, can yield significant savings.
Improve HVAC and Temperature Management
- Adjust thermostats to match building occupancy and seasonal changes. Set back temperatures during unoccupied hours to save energy.
- Perform routine maintenance on HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance and prevent energy loss.
- Use programmable thermostats or building automation systems to control heating and cooling more efficiently.
Leverage Real-Time Energy Monitoring
- Install real-time energy monitoring systems to gain immediate insights into consumption patterns and identify inefficiencies.
- Facilities using real-time monitoring have reported substantial reductions in energy waste and operating costs by quickly addressing issues as they arise.
- Example: The San Mateo County Community College District implemented real-time energy monitoring, enabling facility managers to make proactive adjustments and realize significant energy savings. https://www.facilitiesnet.com/energyefficiency/article/How-Real-Time-Energy-Monitoring-Saves-Energy–16128
Reduce Waste and Promote Recycling
- Minimize paper use by shifting to digital recordkeeping and cloud storage.
- Set up recycling stations with clear signage to encourage proper waste sorting and recycling among staff.
- Source office supplies and materials from sustainable or recycled sources to further reduce your facility’s environmental footprint.
Engage Employees and Foster a Culture of Sustainability
- Educate staff on the importance of energy conservation and provide regular reminders to adopt energy-saving behaviors.
- Make energy usage visible through dashboards or displays to promote accountability and encourage ongoing participation in sustainability efforts.
Real-World Data and Impact
- Switching to LED lighting can cut lighting-related energy costs by up to 75%.
- Installing occupancy sensors can reduce lighting expenses by 10–40%.
- Reducing fan speed by 10% can save approximately 25% on energy costs in HVAC systems.
