Improving energy efficiency is an important topic on the agenda of most businesses these days. The benefits are numerous, from reducing carbon footprint to the most important of all cutting down on costs with energy. So million dollar question is: How to enhance business energy efficiency?
There are many ways to do so but this is not quite what I want to talk about in this article. I won't be suggesting you change all the lights in your business to LED lights, even though that is one the most cost effective ways to enhance your business' energy efficiency.
In this article I'd like to discuss what is more effective consumer education or infrastructure updates. One could say that by combining both you could achieve greater results but that you will have to decide once you have finished reading this article.
Consumer education has proven to be an effective way to improve energy efficiency of households and businesses alike. When combined with programs that apply social science to energy conservation it can incite individuals to reduce consumption and make decisions that will enable their companies to save as well.
Such programmes are an attractive way to reduce energy consumption since they have low upfront cost and require little change to existing business processes / lifestyles.
A recent study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy listed 10 programs that spurred companies and customers to save energy. The findings clearly show that behavioural programs can be incredibly effective.
However, simply relying on consumer/employee education might not be enough. There is a real danger that energy efficiency gains seen from consumer/employee behaviour will go away over time.
That is when infrastructural upgrades come into the picture. Even though they require a bigger upfront investment if evaluated properly and done correctly such upgrades could generate greater benefits. The down side is that most of these benefits will only be noticed in the long run.
But there isn't a better time to start upgrading your business with more energy efficient machinery. With many governments around the globe creating funds to subsidise these changes. For instance here in the UK the Government is creating the Green Investment Bank.
If you are in doubt of which route to take in order to save energy. Why not ask for professional help. Hire and energy consultancy or an independent energy broker to access your premises and suggest the best and most effective options for you business.