Maximising efficiency and reducing costs are the key focus of any business, but this can be particularly important if you work in an industrial space. Demand for warehouse space has drastically increased thanks to the rise of e-commerce, so it’s important to ensure that any current buildings are functioning as efficiently as possible.
One practical way to do so is to ensure that energy bills are as low as possible and any business will welcome the chance to save some money! The two greatest energy consumers in a warehouse are usually lighting and temperature control, which means that they require vast amounts of electricity to keep operations running. Reducing your warehouses’s commercial electricity bill not only saves money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and ensures your business is operating as efficiently as possible. If you’re looking for smart ways to reduce the commercial electricity bill in your warehouse, read on for our top tips.
Monitor your usage
It can be difficult to know where to start if you have no idea how much electricity your warehouse is currently consuming, so install an electricity usage meter to track your progress. Electricity meters allow you to monitor your usage so that you can then set targets and track how effective any measures put in place are. Smart meters have been proven to help businesses use less energy, plus you’ll get more accurate bills.
Install motion sensors
There’s no need to keep all lights and equipment on at all times, especially during quieter periods like overnight and at weekends. Motion sensors can save 30% or more on your warehouse’s lighting costs by ensuring that lights are turned on as and when you need them. Sensors detect movement and switch on lighting when someone enters the designated area and they can also be programmed to turn off after a certain period of inactivity.
Sensors can be installed across the entire warehouse, or in certain zones or aisles depending on your specific requirements. Daylight sensors (also known as photocells) can also be installed to reduce reliance on artificial light. These sensors are used to switch off lighting if there’s adequate natural light available, helping to save you money on electricity bills. They’re even more effective when combined with dimming technology for maximum efficiency throughout the day.
Reduce lighting costs
Motion sensors are one great way to reduce lighting costs, but there are plenty of other methods too. Research by The Carbon Trust found that lighting accounts for between 65% and 95% of energy use in some warehouses, so there are significant savings to be made.
If you’re looking for a long term investment, make the most of natural light by installing extra windows in walls or ceilings if necessary. Natural light is proven to increase worker productivity and wellbeing and it reduces an overreliance on artificial lighting. Some areas will still require artificial lights, so make the switch from fluorescent to LED bulbs.
LED lights typically reduce electricity bills by around 70% and they’re far more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. LED bulbs use roughly 85% less electricity than fluorescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light and they also produce far less heat. LED bulbs last much longer than traditional bulbs too, which reduces maintenance costs.
If you haven’t installed sensors, encourage staff to switch off lights whenever the last person has left an area, especially during the summer when there’s more natural daylight.
Increase insulation
The majority of a warehouse’s electricity costs are spent on lighting and temperature control, but there are alternative ways to keep a stable temperature. Increasing your warehouse’s insulation can help to keep a stable temperature all year round, drastically reducing the amount of electricity used for cooling or heating systems.
Roof insulation is a good place to start, as around 25% of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated building. Spray foam insulation is popular for use in warehouses, as it seals gaps, strengthens the roof and can be applied directly to corrugated iron or metal roofs. Partition walls can also increase a warehouse’s insulation properties and they’ll help to organise the space more efficiently.
Green energy saving tips
Did you know that adding more greenery can reduce your warehouse’s electricity bills? This might sound farfetched, but planting trees and other greenery around the perimeter can help to reduce energy consumption. Concrete absorbs and stores heat, increasing building temperatures in summer and leaving warehouses reliant on electricity-run air conditioning. Planting trees around the building not only improves the aesthetics, they also help to reduce the temperature of the building meaning less energy is spent trying to keep the interiors cool.
Reduce air conditioning
It’s important to keep workers cool and comfortable during the hot summer months, but air conditioning units can consume a great deal of electricity. Lowering the temperature might seem like the smart option but this just means the conditioner has to be switched on for longer, using even more power. Try alternating periods of running the air conditioner at a higher temperature (say 24 degrees) and then switching it off once the warehouse is at a comfortable temperature.
Make the most of natural ventilation too by opening windows, doors and skylights where possible. A cool breeze from outdoors prevents your warehouse becoming stuffy and uncomfortable and it reduces reliance on electric fans and air conditioning units.
Work with a professional service
If you’re looking for an expert, efficient way to reduce your commercial electricity bills, work with an electricity procurement service that specialises in helping companies save money. Companies like The Energy Desk specialise in end to end energy management, including electricity services, renewable energy options and expert advice to help reduce your gas and electricity bills.
There are several options available for those looking to reduce their commercial electricity costs, including energy auction services. These online auctions see suppliers go head to head to offer the best deal and customers can compare all rates on offer in real time.
If your warehouse consumes an extremely high rate of electricity, there are also options for high intensive users. These services help customers to switch energy suppliers with as little disruption as possible and they’ll ensure that you get the best deal possible. Professional services can save your warehouse significant amounts of money on your energy bills, as well as valuable time spent securing the best deal. Many companies are also making conscious efforts to be more eco-friendly and a professional company will be able to explain any renewable energy options for your business, as well as ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Save money on your commercial electricity bills with The Energy Desk
If you’re looking to reduce the electricity bills in your warehouse, get in touch with the experts at The Energy Desk. We specialise in helping businesses save money with our energy management services, with a range of options including energy auctions, high intensive user services and renewable energy options.
We’ll work with you to get an idea of your specific requirements and then provide the solutions to reduce your energy consumption and save money on bills. We’ll compare prices on a wide range of electricity contracts to secure you the best deal and we can discuss green energy solutions to help reduce your carbon footprint. For more information about how The Energy Desk could save you money on your commercial electricity bills, give us a call today or contact us via our website.