There are lots of steps that manufacturing businesses can take to reduce energy costs. With increasing awareness about the impacts of energy use on the planet and rising energy costs in general, now is an important time to invest in money- and planet-saving solutions. That’s why we’ve done some research and put together a short list of 4 of the best ways manufacturers can reduce energy costs.
1. Invest in renewable energy
There is massive potential for renewable energy to power the manufacturing industry moving into the future. As the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts, renewables could make up 27% of the energy consumed by the manufacturing industry by 2030. This is important to know as the climate crisis continues to worsen and government action lags behind. It is now more important than ever that independent businesses lead the way. This would mean great things for the planet in terms of reduced emissions and carbon footprints. In addition to this, the Australian government offers incentives to help businesses purchase small-scale solar technology
Some of the benefits of investing in commercial solar power are:
- They reduce energy costs. This is because the power used to operate your business comes from free, renewable sources like wind, solar or hydro. Meaning that you don’t have to pay for it!
- They reduce your businesses carbon emissions and carbon footprint. By using more renewable sources of energy, the commercial processes in your manufacturing establishment you are contributing less to the burning of fossil fuels. That’s a thumbs up from the planet!
- Marketing incentives. Investing in renewable sources of power looks good for your business. If you show your customers that you are committed to preserving the future of the planet they are more likely to choose you over a competitor
2. Use Energy Efficient Lighting
It has been speculated that up to 40% of a commercial property’s energy needs come from lighting requirements. This obviously depends on the business type and building features like ceiling height and building orientation. LED lighting is regarded as the most efficient lighting solution for a number of reasons. These include
- Low running costs
- Long life spans
- Low maintenance
- High capacity
Solar Light Whiz is a hybrid LED light that can be operated on solar-power. We strongly recommend this option as a lighting solution as it enjoys the benefits of LED and solar-power.
3. Prevent air leaks and improve insulation
Air leakage can be a significant expense and waste of energy in commercial air systems. Some sources estimate that 20-30% of an air compressor’s overall output. Reducing these types of leaks increases the efficiency of an existing cooling system. That means your air conditioner will work better whilst using less energy and costing you less money.
Improving the insulation in a commercial building can help with air leaks and regulate indoor temperature. Insulation is essentially an extra layer added to the walls, floors and/or ceiling that prevents the movement of air and heat between the outside and inside. This helps to reduce energy costs by preventing the loss of heat in winter and cool air in summer.
4. Invest in Commercial Ventilation
One of the best things a manufacturer can do to reduce energy costs is to improve the building’s ventilation.
Commercial roof ventilation systems help to regulate indoor air temperature by Directly removing the hot air that builds up inside the building. Our units then replace the hot air with cooler air from outside. This constant cycling of air ensures good indoor air quality and improves the efficiency of cooling systems. It can even reduce the need for an air conditioner at all. Commercial exhaust fans are also crucial for fume and toxic gas extraction that often poses a significant risk to worker health and safety.
Commercial exhaust fans work best when installed in buildings with the previously mentioned energy-saving strategies. Unintentional air leaks can reduce the efficiency of exhaust fans for ventilation and poor insulation lets in the excess outdoor heat. This means that your commercial ventilation system will have to work harder to produce the same effects. This is because a more energy-efficient building is far cooler and less toxic. When there is less heat build-up from technology-related activity our systems work far more efficiently.
However, where that’s not possible it can still make a massive difference to invest in commercial roof ventilation. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you find a ventilation solution for your manufacturing business.
