7 Energy Efficiency Tips for QLD SMEs

Energy prices are skyrocketing everywhere, and South-East Queensland is no different. So for QLD SMEs energy efficiency is high on the priority list. In this article we’ll discuss our top tips for reducing energy consumption – from simple process changes to installing new energy efficient assets.

1) Encourage Energy Efficient Behaviours

The real low hanging fruit for energy consumption in many small to medium businesses is changing behaviours.

Use visual signage to remind everyone in the business of your expectations and as a gentle reminder to consider energy consumption on the job.

Cooling, ventilation, equipment usage and lighting are the main areas where simple behaviour changes can have a decent impact on the energy bill.

Lighting and Equipment Use

First and foremost – turn off equipment and lights when not in use and make sure all your devices are properly switched off to prevent any unnecessary power wastage. Sounds simple, however this is an area where many organisations stumble. A simple sticker next to equipment or light switches can be a gentle reminder that if something isn’t in use it shouldn’t be on. Timer switches are also an inexpensive, practical solution that can act as a failsafe.

Cooling and Ventilation

Don’t set air conditioning too low. Aim to set the aircon to 24 degrees and keep cooling steady. Don’t keep changing settings up and down as this will use more power.

Remember – the more you cool a room the more energy it takes and this is not necessarily a linear equation.

To optimise cooling close windows & doors when using aircon as a lot of energy can be lost here. Essentially, by leaving them open you are trying to cool the outside world rather than yourself when inside – so don’t do it!

If ventilation is a requirement more energy efficient equipment can be installed that is more energy efficient than opening a window.

Modern air conditioning units can be lot more efficient than older units, especially with more variable heat loads. So, if you’ve moved into a premises with existing units, undertake a review of their condition and evaluate whether a newer model might be better.

2) Consider Solar PV to Support Energy Efficiency

Solar PV (generally referred to solar panels) can be a great addition to your energy efficiency plan. There is capital expenditure involved in implementing solar PV systems but this will be fairly negligible for most QLD SMEs. ROI is east to achieve thanks to sunshine being in abundance and solar prices continuing to reduce as technologies get better. Plus there are rebates and grants available for businesses looking to reduce their energy consumption through solar.

Solar power is quite reliable so depending on your needs and available space, you may be able to utilise solar to manage all of your energy requirements.

To determine what’s possible you’ll need to consider the following:

• How much physical space on or around my building do I have available for solar PV?
• What is the weather like in my area?
• Are there any sun-blockers surrounding my property?

Thanks to its reliability and ROI we usually recommend solar as a complement to any energy efficiency improvement initiatives. Simple behaviour changes and managing part (or all) of your energy consumption through solar is synergistic.

3) Get Advice from an Energy Efficiency Consultant

When it comes to energy efficiency, there are plenty of ways that you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint. However, if you’re not sure where to start or what changes will have the biggest impact on your business’s bottom line—or both—it may be worthwhile to enlist the help of an expert.

A quality advisor will be able to undertake an energy audit that outlines your current condition, create a roadmap for achieving your target consumption goals, and help you to achieve them. Running an SME means dealing with a million and one tasks; having a partner to take the burden of managing energy efficiency allows you to focus more on building the business.

Energy consultants can help you identify opportunities for your business energy efficiency. They can also help you to identify the best financial incentives for energy efficiency improvements.

For example, some types of investments might actually cost less than their upfront costs once all their benefits are taken into account – like Solar PV mentioned above new HVAC systems, or lighting replacement.

On that note…

4) Use Energy Efficient Lighting

The most common energy consumption culprits are lighting and HVAC. We’ve mentioned changing behaviours, but it’s also very easy to reduce your lighting costs by changing light bulbs to more efficient models, or installing LED lights (if you haven’t already).

95% of use cases have an LED equivalent these days and they are the most efficient source of light. They have a long service life and a payback time of less than 2 years. LEDs with different levels of warmth, colour, and brightness are very easy to find. In fact, many LED light systems now come with smart tech built in, allowing you to control every aspect of your lighting set up for ultimate efficiency.

5) Reduce Speed of Pumps and Fans

An often overlooked element of energy consumption for many businesses is the speed at which pumps and fans are running. Whether as a component of your equipment or part of your HVAC system – these elements can have a significant impact on your business energy efficiency.

The higher the flow rate and pressure of a pump, or fan speed / drag of a fan, the more energy they use and the more likely they are to overheat. By reducing these you will reduce operating costs and possibly maintenance requirements. Like the aircon example mentioned above – energy usage is not linear – so halving the speed of a pump or fan can cut energy usage by more than half. If the pump or fan is not critical to a production process this is a quick and easy way to drastically reduce energy charges.

The benefits of reducing fan speeds include:

• Reduced noise levels for both fans and pumps.
• Lower wear and tear on equipment.
• Reduced carbon emissions due to reduced electricity usage.

A variable speed drive will enable you to have greater control over fans and pumps. In fact, technology can support you in many areas.

6) Control Your Energy Usage with Technology

Controlling energy consumption across an entire business is simplified with some very accessible technology. Here are a couple of our favourites:

• Energy Monitors

These devices monitor your power consumption and allow you to see how much electricity is being used at any given time. They can also help you identify where and when waste might be occurring within the facility. These can provide 24/7 visibility of energy consumption and accelerate the pace at which you can correct your course or implement new solutions.

• Smart Plugs

Perfect for appliances, industrial equipment, and lighting that isn’t in use often. These will stop all power flow when they are turned off and can be set to timers or manually triggered. This way, those appliances will only draw on electricity when they need it and won’t waste power while idle (or even worse: after hours).

7) Regularly Review Your Energy Efficiency.

Ideally, you should be able to view your energy consumption and usage on a daily basis. However, if you can’t do so you should at least lock in regular reviews of your energy consumption habits throughout the year. There will likely always be something you can improve – whether through new processes, new assets or a mix of both.

In the end, the most important thing is to be conscious of how much energy your business is using. The more efficient it is the less you’ll be charged, meaning more money to grow the business!

If you manage a QLD SME looking to avoid excess energy charges and need a helping hand – speak to us. We’re experienced, reliable engineers who can save you money through energy auditing and practical solutions.