Finding ways to save energy has never been more important for businesses. Whether you see energy conservation and efficiency as part of your environmental responsibility or you are just pursuing your mandate to minimize operating costs, we can all acknowledge that saving energy has shifted from something desirable to a necessity.
At Fitz Electric, we know firsthand how electricity consumption works in commercial and industrial settings. To help, we’ve put together some practical tips that can help you cut energy costs while ensuring efficient energy usage throughout your building.
Electrical Consumption in British Columbia: An Industry Perspective
In British Columbia, the industrial sector leads in electricity consumption, using 23.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2020, while commercial properties used 14.5 TWh. This highlights just how much energy is tied up in day-to-day operations. There’s no getting around the fact that energy is necessary to run operations, but optimizing your usage can make a world of difference. With energy prices rising, it’s clear that reducing energy costs through energy efficiency savings is key to staying competitive.
How to Reduce Electricity Consumption in Industry
1. Conduct an Energy Audit
If you’re serious about cutting energy consumption, the first step is to conduct an energy audit. An audit provides a detailed assessment of your building’s energy usage, identifying where improvements can be made. This helps you pinpoint which systems are draining energy unnecessarily—whether it’s outdated air conditioning units, inefficient cooling systems, or lighting that stays on longer than needed.
2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
One of the fastest ways to start saving energy is by upgrading to LED lighting. Compared to older lighting technologies, LEDs use a fraction of the power while lasting much longer. For large commercial and industrial spaces, the impact of switching to LED lighting can be immediate and substantial.
Adding lighting controls, such as motion sensors or timers, ensures that lights are only used when needed, further contributing to energy savings.
Harnessing natural light through skylights and large windows can also reduce the need for artificial lighting, providing yet another way to reduce energy costs.
3. Optimize HVAC and Cooling Systems
Air conditioning and cooling systems account for a significant portion of energy use in commercial and industrial buildings. Outdated or poorly maintained HVAC systems can drive up energy costs unnecessarily.
Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient equipment and maintaining your systems regularly will improve efficient energy usage and help you conserve energy. Using natural ventilation can also help minimize reliance on air conditioners during cooler months.
4. Automate Building Controls
Why leave energy usage to chance when you can automate it? With building automation systems, you can monitor and adjust lighting, heating, and cooling systems in real-time, optimizing your building’s energy use throughout the day. These systems ensure that energy is only used when and where it’s needed, preventing unnecessary waste.
Automating your building’s operations not only provides significant energy savings but also helps ensure consistent, reliable performance.
5. Invest in Renewable Energy Sources and Storage Solutions
Consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels. With the right setup, you can generate some, or maybe even all, of your own power, reducing your reliance on the grid. Pairing solar panels with energy storage solutions allows you to store excess energy produced during the day for use when demand is highest. This reduces peak electricity consumption and lowers your overall energy expenses.
Make Energy Efficiency a Long-Term Goal
Reducing energy consumption isn’t just a one-time project—it’s an ongoing process that can deliver substantial energy savings over the long run.
Our services are here to help you implement the best solutions for your business. Ready to take control of your building’s energy use? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you reduce costs and optimize your building’s electrical systems for the future.
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