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Running a manufacturing business means you have to keep a constant eye on your energy use – not only do you need to constantly evaluate ways to reduce energy costs, you’ll also be mindful of keeping your business environmentally responsible. The good news is, there are many simple steps you can take to achieve both. In this article, we’ll go over 5 proven strategies that can help you boost energy efficiency and lower your energy bills.
1. Adopt Energy-Efficient Equipment and Lighting
Investing in energy-efficient equipment, machines, and LED lightbulbs can make a big impact on your energy consumption. These products use less energy to perform the same tasks, resulting in significant savings over time.
Whilst it might feel like an overwhelming and costly task to switch to energy-efficient alternatives, making yourself an ongoing, energy efficiency plan, can help you gradually roll-out the changes. Although it takes some short-term investment, the ongoing benefits will see you quickly recoup these costs.
2. Harness the Power of Renewable Energy
Going green is not only good for the planet, but can also lower your energy bills. You may want to consider investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines to generate your own clean energy to power your operations.
However, if investing in renewable energy sources is too much of an investment to make at the moment, there are alternative ways to power your plant sustainably. Many energy providers, including ourselves, offer 100% renewable business energy plans such as electricity generated by windfarms, and carbon neutral gas where your consumption is offset and invested in sustainability schemes.
3. Use Sensors for Automated Energy Management
Leaving lights and equipment on when not in use is a common problem in many manufacturing businesses. Installing sensors to automatically switch off lights and systems when not in use can help you save energy and money. These are particularly effective in areas such as staff rooms, kitchens and hallways.
If installing sensors can’t be done in the short term, consider labelling up switches, so it’s clear which switches power which equipment. Doing this will reduce the number of times equipment and lighting is turned on and off again, when trying to find the correct switch. It can also help to promote switching equipment off completely where possible, rather than leaving things on stand-by.
4. Ensure equipment is serviced regularly
With energy being one of the biggest outgoings for manufacturing businesses, the last thing you need is an undetected fault running up your bills in the background. Preventing costly, energy-consuming faults starts with regularly servicing and maintaining your equipment. Schedule regular check-ups and replace worn parts to keep your machines and systems running at their best.
Many manufacturers offer guarantees and service plans for machinery, which can help you stay on top of repairs and prevent them from happening. But remember, its not just your factory machinery that can have costly faults. White goods in your staff kitchen, computing equipment in offices, and boilers and heating equipment will also need to be checked and maintained regularly.
5. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
Many energy companies offer lower rates for energy used during off-peak hours. By scheduling production and other energy-intensive tasks during these times, you can take advantage of these lower rates and save money.
Alongside any machinery that can be safely left to run overnight, these off-peak times are ideal for installing computer updates, running dishwashers and charging equipment.
Start Reducing Your Manufacturing Energy Costs
By taking these five simple steps, manufacturing businesses can reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and help the environment. The key is to start small and make a plan for implementing more changes over time. It’s a good idea to have a dedicated person or team, who can regularly review and manage energy consumption. They can then suggest any areas that need attention and help to implement changes. With a just little effort and commitment, your business can make a big impact on costs, consumption, and the planet.
If you think you might be paying too much for your energy, our new Energy HealthCheck tool can help. We compare records from thousands of businesses across all industries, so you can see how your business energy costs measure up. Just pop in a few details about your business and get your results in just two minutes!
Want More Energy Saving Tips?
Check out our ultimate guide to reducing consumption in manufacturing for an in-depth guide to saving energy, or visit our Manufacturing Energy Plans page to see how we can help your business. Or, if you’d like to get a quote and find out how Yü Energy can help you reduce your energy bills, visit our quick business energy quote page.