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The ongoing energy crisis is leading to soaring energy costs and concerns over supply shortages, leaving many businesses scrambling for solutions. However, it’s possible to alleviate some of this pressure by adopting energy efficiency measures that are cost-effective, easy to implement, and reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. 

In this blog, we highlight energy-saving actions that businesses can quickly integrate into their daily operations. Some of these actions may already be in place within your organization, but it’s important to continually assess and optimize energy consumption to ensure maximum efficiency. 

Once these quick fixes have been exhausted, you can explore investments in advanced technologies and systems that meet modern energy standards. Taking a strategic approach to energy management is crucial for long-term sustainability and competitiveness. 

energy-saving tips for businesses

 Quick measures

(< 4 weeks)

Short-term measures

(< 2 months)

Medium-term measures

 (several months)

HEATING AND COOLING

  • Lower room temperatures (e.g., 19°C)
  • Hydronically balance heating systems
  • Decommission unnecessary boiler systems
  • Turn down when not in use
  • Replace old/inefficient heating pumps with high-efficiency pumps
  • Shutdown local heating system in summer 
  • Optimize the heating characteristic/heating curve
  • Define heating areas in large halls and rooms
  • Use ceiling fans for air circulation
  • Ventilate with windows fully open instead of tilted
  • Insulate window surfaces, pipes, and fittings
  • User programmable heating thermostats
  • Reduce supply temperature
  • Automatically regulate operating hours
  • Replace uncontrolled circulating pumps
  • Automatically lower temperature on weekends and at night
  • Automatically open and close high-speed doors
  • Insulate waste heat generating plants 
  • Automatically lower shutters and slats at night
 
  • Re-insulate pipelines, window, door, and gate seals
  • Maintain and clean boiler systems
  
  • Reduce hot water supply (e.g., temporarily switch off flow heaters; only provide cold water)
  
  • Regularly ventilate radiator
  
  • Use electronic thermostat valves
  
  • Clear radiators and remove covers
  
  • Clean external air conditioning units
  
  • Reduce speed of room air conditioning
  
  • Adjust temperature in server and clean rooms
  
  • Reduce air exchange rate
  
  • Insulate fittings and flanges
  
  • Insulate condensate tanks
  

 COMPRESSED AIR

  • Lower the pressure level
  • Maintenance for generation, e.g., filters, clamps, overrun sensors
  • Substitute pneumatic tools with technical/electromechanical alternatives
  • Adjust the pressure band
  • Monitor leakage
  • Adjust compressor regulation and control
  • Turn down compressors on weekends and at night
  • Optimize air intake for air compressors
  • Compressor heat recovery
  • Use fewer hand-held fans
  
  • Prevent hoses from tangling
  
  • Repair damaged hoses
  
  • Check for leaks (e.g., air duct accessories, tools, hose points, couplings, shut-off valves, filters, aged hoses, worn gaskets)
  
  • Ultrasonic leak detection
  
  • Replace old components (compressed air guns, blow-off valves)
  

LIGHTING

  •  Reduce illuminance
  • Demand-oriented control (e.g., motion/presence detector)
  • Lamps protected against internal contamination (water, dust) 
  • Unscrew unnecessary lamps 
 
  • Install LED lighting systems 
  • Switch off light when not in use
  
  •  Regularly clean lamps
  

OFFICE/IT/ADMINISTRATION

  • Switch off electronic devices when not in use (switchable power strips, timers)
  
  • No standby operation
  
  • Use only one monitor!
  
  • Lower screen brightness
  

MOBILITY

  • Avoid business trips and use online/remote tools
  
  • Use public transport if possible
  
  • Reduce speed while driving
  

ADAPTING PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES

  • Establish energy task force
  • Regularly assign energy scouts (e.g., trainees) to conduct internal energy audits
  • Continuously monitor energy consumption and energy-saving measures
  • Launch idea competition
  • Load profile management for gas
  • Implement energy controlling or energy management
  • Define targets for energy efficiency and natural gas substitution
  • Load profile management for electricity
 
  • Monitoring and regular communication
  • Manually shut-down high-speed steam generators and other non-energy-efficient equipment
 
  • Employees incentives
  • Optimize the mode of operation (e.g. of tunnel ovens or continuous ovens)
 
  • Motivate and spread awareness (e.g., information events, competitions, internal campaigns/communication)
  • Test device parts
 
 
  • Assess the necessity of certain systems
 
 
  • Reduce operating times
 

quick wins for energy savings

Implementing energy-saving measures doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag. These include adjusting light levels, lowering temperature settings, or ensuring proper maintenance of existing equipment to prevent unnecessary energy loss. 

These measures are particularly effective when implemented across various departments and business units, and they require little investment to deliver considerable savings over time. 

enhancing energy efficiency with ISO 50001 energy management

One of the most effective ways to sustain energy savings is by implementing an energy management system (EnMS) in line with ISO 50001. This international standard provides businesses with a systematic approach to continually optimize their energy use, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. 

An EnMS helps businesses track their energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements. With the EU’s goal to reduce primary energy consumption by 26%, ISO 50001 can play a critical role in achieving this target by helping businesses take a proactive approach to managing their energy use. 

reducing costs through smarter load management

Load management is another powerful tool that can help businesses avoid energy peaks that lead to increased costs. Energy control systems can monitor consumption in real-time, allowing businesses to reduce energy loads when necessary, preventing spikes that result in higher charges. 

Large-scale consumers with annual consumption over 100,000 kWh are typically subject to remote power-consumption measurements every 15 minutes. Along with the basic rate and kilowatt-hour rate, these companies pay a demand rate based on the highest measured interval average during the billing period. A single load peak can significantly increase electricity costs, even if average consumption is low. 

By using energy management systems to smooth out consumption, businesses can avoid these costly peaks. 

implement cloud-based AMCS EHS & ESG management software 

Even without technical upgrades, businesses can make simple organizational changes that lead to immediate energy savings. Reducing light intensity, lowering temperatures, or instituting a policy for turning off equipment when not in use are just a few examples. 

These no-cost or low-cost measures often involve raising awareness and changing habits within the organization, which can lead to lasting energy reductions and cost savings. 

Taking small steps now to improve energy efficiency can make a big difference in managing rising costs. By implementing the simple measures outlined in our infographic and leveraging tools like energy management systems, businesses can reduce their energy consumption, avoid unexpected spikes in demand, and stay competitive during challenging times. 

For long-term success, implement cloud-based AMCS EHS Management software, the ISO certified system. With its advanced tools, you can streamline your efforts to achieve ISO certification and drive efficiency across your operations. You should also consider AMCS ESG Management software for intelligent ways to tackle your environmental, social, and governance challenges 

Contact us today. To see how our best-in-class software can help you, request a free demo.  

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