by Emily Newton
Although many decision-makers may initially make guesses and assumptions to determine the best ways to cut unnecessary resource usage, a commercial energy audit is a much more reliable option. It is a comprehensive assessment performed by well-trained professionals.
Improve existing energy-savings measures
Many industrial leaders realize they must take strategic actions to prevent excessive energy usage and participate in a more sustainable future. Renewable energy technologies have become widely used, especially as they are increasingly accessible. Businesses may qualify for grants or other assistance to make these upgrades more budget-friendly.
A commercial energy audit can reveal unexpected gains and how those involved can make changes to optimize outcomes. In one example, a family-owned artisan distillery applied for a grant and had an energy audit conducted as part of the process. One of the goals was to maximize the positive effects of previously installed solar panels.
This investigation revealed several actionable ways to address current efficiency challenges while making the work environment more enjoyable by reducing noise. Based on the audit findings, leaders installed motion-activated LED lights, a centralized compressed air unit and a wall-mounted radiator. It soon became apparent that these changes would allow the company to meet customer demands while keeping its operating costs reasonable.
Make realistic estimates of future energy usage
A commercial energy audit can also help industrial leaders prepare for changes that will likely cause them to use more resources, such as making new products or moving to larger sites. The auditor calculates what a business currently uses, including the machines or processes most responsible for that dependence. That baseline reading can help people anticipate the changes made by specific energy-related improvements.
Auditing professionals can also set realistic expectations or offer greater clarity for decision-makers. A wind turbine can produce enough electricity for 940 homes on average each month. Suppose manufacturing professionals are also interested in that power source. In that case, the energy audit can verify whether it is feasible and which backup power sources the involved parties might also need based on what they plan to do soon.
Matching energy-related upgrades to corporate aspirations can keep a business stable and future-proof, allowing it to maintain competitiveness and profitability. Whether leaders want to invest in new machines or expand the size of their workforce, those changes will use more energy. Once the audit shows how much energy a company currently uses, it becomes much easier for people to prepare for what is ahead.
Increase awareness to inspire meaningful changes
Most people are highly motivated to stick with what they know. Unfortunately, that tendency can make them more resistant to making positive changes that could help them save energy. Some individuals also think there is no need to do things differently because they are not yet experiencing significant difficulties. The great thing about a commercial energy audit is that it can prove those parties wrong by increasing their awareness.
Once people realize it is time to make significant changes, they can use real-time energy monitoring solutions to set goals and track their progress. The associated data can show managers relevant information, such as consumption patterns and demand fluctuations. Some also notify users of energy savings opportunities or unusual developments. That timely information enhances decision-making by encouraging people to make prompt adjustments.
Depending on how the monitoring tool works, people may be able to control equipment from a centralized dashboard. Remote capabilities may include turning off lights if occupants forget to do so before a business closes for the weekend. Action follows awareness, and an energy audit is an excellent way to show business leaders what they can improve and why it matters.
Quantify the benefits of particular upgrades
Some business leaders have modest budgets for resource usage improvements, so they must prioritize which areas to focus on for the biggest wins. Similarly, they want assurances that their investments will bring measurable success. A commercial energy audit’s results can reveal those specifics, which may also improve executive buy-in among those making budgetary approvals.
When professionals audited two Jordanian bakery chain locations, they identified several energy management opportunities related to the fuel, electrical and water systems. Additionally, the results indicated implementing all of these measures would lower fuel energy costs by 24% and reduce electricity bills by 21.2% each year. Executives could also look forward to paying 5% less for water-related expenses and the benefits applied to both branches.
Learning about the likely outcomes can motivate people and convince them it is time to act. Although some improvements come with high upfront costs, they pay off by substantially reducing the energy used, resulting in lower bills. Many leaders are much more likely to agree to pay for upgrades now if they can look forward to money-saving opportunities over time.
Get a commercial energy audit to identify the best improvements
Commercial energy audits can be fantastic tools for showing leaders the ideal approaches to achieve the greatest energy savings and other operational benefits. The results can help people feel confident and excited about what the future holds because energy-related improvements can save money while enhancing sustainability.
