By using electricity more efficiently you will not only reduce your energy bills but you will also help the environment. Electricity is a clean a versatile fuel and when used efficiently it will help to give you greater advantages in the competitive business world.
Electricity, because it is so versatile, is used in many different ways throughout your business. The table below gives you an idea of the breakdown of electricity usage in commercial buildings.
It is generally possible to reduce the amount of energy used while maintaining the same standards of productivity and comfort. The nature of your business will influence how, and by how much, you can reduce your use of electricity. It is unwise to attempt to save electricity by lowering your operating quality or health and safety standards.
Our Recommendations
-Get to know your energy costs in detail and set benchmarks. If you own more than one Business then compare costs and consumption across those sites.
-When renovating a building or purchasing new plant, always purchase the most energy efficient alternative. Life time costs should be the basis of your decision. Remember that running costs can far outweigh purchase costs.
-Where possible, install automatic controls for switching off / on electrical apparatus. Do not rely on people.
-Introduce a planned maintenance programme which is the secret to success in all energy efficiency matters.
Refrigeration
Low cost measures
1. Good housekeeping and planned maintenance programme cannot be overemphasised.
2. Keep doors closed as much as possible. Check door seals & insulation for defects.
3. Check if product can be pre-cooled before going into a fridge or freezer.
4. Do not stack product directly in front of evaporators.
5. Observe 'loadlines' when stacking product on shelves.
6. Keep condensers clean and ensure an adequate supply of clean cold air. The colder the air the better for efficiency.
7. Check refrigerant sight glass for bubbles indicating gas leakage. An undercharged system will cost more to run and may not maintain consistent temperature.
8. Minimise other heat loads in the general area of your refrigeration unit.
9. Do not set temperatures lower than necessary. One degree less can save 5% on running costs
Medium cost measures
1. Check your evaporator defrosts properly. Install defrost on demand rather than timed defrost.
2. Install electronic expansion controls rather than mechanical.
High cost measures
1. Fit variable speed drives - can save up to of 35% consumption.
2. Install heat recovery if possible.
Hot water systems
Ensure hot water storage cylinders and pipes are well insulated. For larger systems, you may have to consult a specialist contractor. If hot water is not being used for long periods the electric immersion heater should be switched off, preferably with a time-switch, as it costs more to leave on.
Catering
No Cost Measures
1. Periodically check timers, timing devices and thermostats to ensure their proper operation.
2. Check door seals for a potential loss of heat from ovens and of cold from fridges.
3. Use the correct size of equipment for specific cooking operations.
4. Ensure equipment is turned off during slack periods.
5. Ensure equipment is turned off during slack periods.
6. Boil only the minimum amount of water and use tight-fitting lids.
7. Teach staff about energy efficiency.
Medium cost Measures
1. Consider purchasing an induction hob as this could be up to 80% more efficient than traditional hobs.
2. Use microwave equipment to its full advantage.
3. Replace obsolete and ineffective equipment with modern appliances. Many newer appliances save up to 30% on electrical consumption.
4. Hot-cupboards should be insulated.
5. Use convection steamers to obtain maximum output.
Lighting
No cost measures
1 The Off Switch
Ensure that someone is responsible for switching off lights in each room or area when not in use. It is uneconomical to leave fluorescent lighting switched on, if the room is unoccupied for a short period.
2 Good Housekeeping
Dirty reflectors and louvers reduce light output by 20%. To ensure optimum efficiency, clean reflectors, windows and roof-lights.
3 Hours of Use
Make sure that full lighting is not being used unnecessarily outside normal business hours. Cleaning staff may not need lighting switched on in all areas when working. Light switches should be marked to identify different areas of control.
4 Display Lighting
Ensure display lighting is switched off outside the time it is required.
Low cost measures
1 Low Energy Lamps
Change standard tungsten incandescent light bulbs for low energy lamps. These give the same light output, but consume 80% less electricity and last 10 times longer. They cost about 3 to 7 each , and give lifetime savings of 25 to 150 each depending on wattage and lamp type.
2 Fluorescent Tubes
26mm(T8) tubes have similar light output to 38mm(T12) tubes but use 8% less electricity. Tube cost 1.50 to 2.75 and can save you approximately 2.00 per lamp per year. Ensure bare fluorescent tubes are fitted with reflectors to maximise light output.
3 Maintenance
Plan a complete lamp replacement programme. Standard fluorescent lamps should be replaced after 8000 hours of use. Old lamps give about 30% of full output. The recommended replacement times for other lamp types are: high frequency fluorescent 15,000 hours, sodium 12,000 hours and metal halide 6,000 hours.
4 Lighting Levels
Match light levels to trading hours. Security and cleaning staff can normally operate after-hours at about 30% of full light levels. Check lighting levels to ensure areas are not over-lit.
5 Task Lighting
Use individual task lighting in preference to increasing illumination over a large area.
6 Outside Security Lighting
Outside lighting should be of a low-energy type, controlled by a photocell and/or time switch.
7 Outside Sign Lighting
Use energy efficient fluorescent fittings rather than halogen fittings. Fit a time switch or photocell control.
8 Automatic Controls
Where possible, remove the human element required for switching on and off lights. Install automatic controls such as presence detectors,; light sensitive switches, time switches etc. These controls are inexpensive.
9 Daylight Switching
A daylight sensor can be installed to switch on/off artificial lighting where adequate natural light is available. In a factory this can save up to 30% of lighting costs.
Medium cost measures
1 High Frequency Lighting
During refurbishment, consider replacing older fluorescent lighting with high frequency lights. These lights are a little more expensive than traditional fluorescent options, but they use around 20% less energy, increase lamp life by 50% and provide flicker free lighting, which can be dimmed, if required.
2 Lighting Management System
Computerised BEMS (Building Energy Management Systems) can be installed to automatically control a lighting system in the most cost-effective manner.
3 Daylight Linking
A daylight sensor can be fitted to dimmable high frequency fluorescent lights. The lights will automatically dim up and down with the availability of natural light. Savings of up to 40% can be achieved.
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