Energy Efficiency Tips for Finance Companies
Better management of finance companies' energy costs is becoming more important due to strong competition and rising electricity prices. Businesses like commercial and investment banks, credit unions, CPA firms, and private investment firms are more and more reliant on technology. And that all runs on electricity.
It is ultimately about more than reducing bank operating costs and office expenses for financial firms. It is about improving energy efficiency to reduce your carbon footprint while meeting customer demands for responsible corporations. Every company must do its part in contributing to a healthier environment.
Energy efficiency tips for banks
Making bank locations more energy efficient will require small changes in habits and some upgrades in your space. Consider things that can lower your utility bills such as:
- Measure energy consumption and conduct an energy audit. With a baseline as a benchmark, you can start monitoring your energy usage and measuring efficiency gains. An energy audit will help you identify and prioritize places where you can save.
- Upgrade to LED lights. Simply by changing lights, you can save 75% or more electricity over incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs come in many light colors and intensities, so you can customize the ambiance in different areas of the work space.
- Modernize your technology. Look for ENERGY STAR® computers and printers. In many cases, new equipment may pay for itself in energy savings. And don’t forget to choose energy-efficient appliances for the break room.
- Automate turning off lights and equipment. Use smart plugs to automate disconnecting electronics from power at night. You can prevent the “vampire” draw of energy these devices waste when left unused, but still on or on an idle setting. These are just one of many small business energy efficiency tools.
- Involve employees. Create a task force that generates and implements energy saving ideas. You’ll get better results than trying to dictate new rules.
- Explore energy providers. You may be able to cut your expenses by changing energy plans or energy providers. Energy pricing for your small business or bank is no longer one-size-fits-all if you are in an energy choice state. This guide to switching electric companies makes it easy.
