As a facility manager, energy efficiency is an important tool to save money and get your building running at its best. Even though Canada is taking steps to improve energy efficiency, such as the Ontario government’s $342 million pledge for next year, there are some things you can do now to improve energy efficiency in your building without breaking the bank.
Get a baseline
Before you start making changes, you need an idea of your current energy efficiency. This doesn’t have to be complicated as there are free tools available online to help you get a benchmark so you can measure improvement year over year.
Make your building airtight
Your building envelope is what contains your facility and where there is air leakage, there is inefficiency. Check doors and windows to make sure they’re sealed. Increasing insulation in new buildings or open areas like warehouses will also help to keep the heat in.
You also want to look at your ventilation system to prevent moisture buildup. Things like recovery ventilators can help heat incoming air with the air in your building without using additional energy.
Upgrade your equipment
Upgrading doesn’t have to be a hefty investment; you can do it slowly and over time – but it can make a significant difference.
For example, computers certified by Energy Star can save 30 to 65 per cent of energy consumption, and LED lights can reduce your energy use by 75 per cent over incandescent lighting. These are simple upgrades you can make to lower your everyday use and save money.
Weigh the costs
Retrofitting may sound beyond your budget, but according to Natural Resources Canada, retrofitting a building typically pays for itself within three years. The government can help absorb some of the costs, too, with grants and incentives all easily accessible on the web.
You may find that the benefits outweigh the costs and it’s worth making the investment to improve efficiency for your whole building.
Save money by upping the energy efficiency in your building. Once you have your baseline, you can design a plan to increase efficiency and stretch your budget for years to come.
