October Is National Energy Awareness Month!

The U. S. Department of Energy has declared October “Clean Energy Action” month—a time to start making plans and taking steps to save energy during the winter months. For distributorships, saving energy during the winter is essential for many reasons, ranging from cost savings to long-term environmental sustainability to improving personal comfort.

Here are just a few of the compelling reasons for your company to take additional steps to conserve energy this winter:

• Environmental conservation
• Cost savings
• Resource preservation
• Energy security
• Reduced strain on energy infrastructure
• Access to government Incentives
• Creating a more comfortable workspace

Not to mention that it’s just the right thing to do.

Start Early—Maximize Impact

October makes sense as energy awareness month since it takes time to implement policies and make investments before the air really starts turning cold. If you wait until November, you’ll lose precious time and won’t be able to take full advantage of the investments you make.

What are some steps that you can start taking right now?

1. Energy Audit: Begin with an energy audit or assessment of your facility. Identify areas where energy is being wasted and opportunities for improvement. This can help prioritize energy-saving measures.
2. Upgrade Insulation: Adequate insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing heat loss. Insulate walls, roofs, and floors to minimize heat transfer.
3. Seal Leaks: Seal gaps and cracks in the building envelope, including windows, doors, and around pipes and vents. Weatherstripping and caulking can prevent drafts and heat loss.
4. Efficient Heating Systems: Invest in energy-efficient heating systems, such as high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, or boilers. Regular maintenance and tune-ups can optimize system performance.
5. Programmable Thermostats: Install programmable thermostats to control heating settings based on occupancy. Lower the temperature during non-working hours and raise it before employees arrive.
6. Zoning: Implement zoning systems to heat different areas of the building independently. This allows you to heat only the spaces in use.
7. Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL lighting. Consider motion sensors or timers to control lighting in areas with low occupancy.
8. Natural Lighting: Maximize natural lighting through windows and skylights. This reduces the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
9. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrade to energy-efficient office equipment, appliances, and HVAC systems. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when making purchases.
10. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for HVAC systems, including cleaning and replacing filters, to ensure they operate efficiently.
11. Employee Education: Educate employees about energy conservation and encourage them to turn off lights, computers, and other equipment when not in use. Offer incentives for energy-efficient behavior.
12. Remote Work: Consider implementing remote work options, which can reduce the need for office heating and electricity.
13. Energy Management Systems: Invest in energy management systems (EMS) that provide real-time data and control over energy use. EMS can help identify energy-saving opportunities and automate adjustments.
14. Alternative Energy Sources: Explore the feasibility of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to offset energy consumption.
15. Monitoring and Benchmarking: Continuously monitor energy consumption and benchmark your business’s performance against industry standards. Set energy-saving goals and track progress.
16. Incentives and Rebates: Take advantage of government incentives and utility company rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. These can significantly offset upfront costs.
17. Green Building Certification: Consider pursuing green building certification, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which promotes energy efficiency and sustainability.

Pick Your Starting Point

Adopting energy-efficient practices and making energy-conscious choices doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Even small steps will make a big difference over time—and there are so many steps you can take. Take a real look at the list above. Which one(s) of these steps is well within grasp right now?