Umair Gaines
Water and electricity are precious resources, and with the world population growing, it's more important than ever to conserve them. Companies can play a significant role in reducing water and electricity consumption, which not only benefits the environment but also reduces operational costs. Water conservation can be achieved through employee education, low-flow fixtures, recycling and reusing water, rainwater harvesting, and efficient landscaping. To conserve electricity, companies can invest in energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and appliances, seal leaks, and maintain equipment. By implementing these strategies, businesses can contribute to sustainability, lower their utility bills, and meet industry regulations.
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What You'll Learn
Reduce water heating expenses
Water heating can account for up to 20% of a company's utility bill, so reducing water heating expenses can have a significant impact on overall costs. Here are some ways your company can reduce water heating expenses:
Insulation
Insulating your water heater and pipes can significantly reduce heat loss. Insulation jackets can be placed around the water heater, but be sure not to cover the thermostat or other components as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, insulate the first six feet of hot and cold-water pipes leaving the heater. This will help to maintain higher water temperatures and reduce the energy required to reheat water.
Reduce Hot Water Usage
Encourage employees to be mindful of their hot water usage. This can include taking faster showers, turning off the shower while soaping up, and reducing the amount of water needed to heat up before use. Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads can also help cut down on hot water consumption.
Upgrade Appliances
When replacing appliances, opt for energy-efficient models. Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances, as these are designed to consume less energy. Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters, for example, can save a significant amount of energy compared to standard electric water heaters.
Regular Maintenance
Perform regular maintenance on your water heating system. This includes draining and cleaning the water heater every six months to prevent sediment buildup and improve efficiency. Regular maintenance can also help identify potential issues, such as leaks, and ensure the system is running optimally.
Alternative Energy Sources
Consider investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power your water heating system. While there may be higher upfront costs, tax credits, rebates, and incentives are often available to offset the initial investment. Over time, solar power can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your electric bills.
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Fix leaks and use water-efficient products
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes its annual Fix a Leak Week in March to remind Americans to check their household fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, which is about 10% of homes with leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10% on their water bills.
To check for leaks in your company, you can follow these steps:
- Take a look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
- Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.
- One way to find out if you have a toilet leak is to place a drop of food colouring in the toilet tank. If the colour shows up in the bowl within 10 minutes without flushing, you have a leak. Make sure to flush immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank.
- If you have an in-ground irrigation system, check it each spring before use to make sure it wasn’t damaged by frost or freezing.
- Consult with a WaterSense irrigation partner who has passed a certification program focused on water efficiency to help you detect and correct leaks in the system.
When replacing leaking or broken fixtures, look for the WaterSense label. The label ensures that products meet EPA's specifications for water efficiency and performance and are backed by independent, third-party certification.
In addition to fixing leaks, you can also conserve water by using water-efficient products. Here are some examples:
- Modern washing machines are much more efficient than older models. High-efficiency (HE) machines use half as much water as standard units.
- Front-loading washing machines use the least amount of water—as little as seven gallons per load.
- Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters can save a household of four people $550 per year compared to a standard electric water heater.
- Tankless water heaters heat water on demand and use less energy than traditional models.
- ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators use about 15% less energy than non-certified models.
- ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines use 25% less energy and 45% less water than traditional models.
- ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers use less water and energy, cleaning dishes more efficiently.
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Install energy-efficient appliances
Installing energy-efficient appliances in your company is a great way to conserve water and electricity. Energy-efficient appliances may have a higher upfront purchase price, but they save money on electric bills in the long run. When purchasing an appliance, consider both the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost.
Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances, as these products meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. EPA. Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters, for example, can save a household of four people $550 per year compared to a standard electric water heater. Modern Energy Star refrigerators use about 15% less energy than non-certified models, while Energy Star washing machines use 25% less energy and 45% less water. Energy Star dishwashers also use less water and energy, cleaning dishes more efficiently.
If your company offers on-site laundry, consider installing HE machines, which use significantly less water. Efficient top-loaders use as little as 13 gallons per load, while front-loaders use even less, at around seven gallons per load.
In addition to large appliances, there are other ways to install energy-efficient products in your company. For example, upgrade to LED light fixtures, which use much less energy than incandescent lights. You can also install lighting controls, such as daylight sensors and dimmers, to automatically adjust lighting levels based on the amount of natural light in a room.
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Use natural light and fans
Using natural light and fans is a great way to conserve electricity in your company. Here are some detailed tips to implement this:
Natural Lighting
Take advantage of natural light during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting. You can do this by ensuring that windows are not blocked by furniture or other obstacles, allowing sunlight to illuminate the space. If your office has few or small windows, consider installing skylights or solar tubes, which capture and direct sunlight into the room. These can be equipped with light-directing or light-diffusing technology to make the most of the sunlight.
Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows can also help to maximize natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Look for windows with low-e coatings, which reflect more light and lower the amount of thermal energy that enters the building. This is especially beneficial in warmer climates, as it reduces heat gain and lessens the burden on your cooling system. Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can also be employed to provide an extra layer of insulation, helping to regulate the indoor temperature and reduce energy usage.
Lighting Controls
In addition to utilizing natural light, consider installing controls such as timers and dimmers for your artificial lighting. Timers automatically turn lights off when not in use, while dimmers allow you to lower light levels, both of which contribute to reduced electricity consumption.
Fans
Ceiling and portable fans can be strategically placed to create a pleasant cross breeze, making the indoor environment feel cooler. This can help you get away with less air conditioning, reducing your electricity usage and bills. Just ensure that fans are turned off when no one is in the office to avoid wasting energy.
Seal Air Leaks
To ensure that the cool air generated by fans remains inside, seal any air leaks around doors and windows. You can use weatherstripping and caulk to seal these openings, preventing the escape of cooled air and the ingress of hot outdoor air.
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Plant drought-resistant trees and plants
If you're looking to conserve water and electricity in your company, one way to do so is by planting drought-resistant trees and plants. These plants are generally low-maintenance and do not require additional water once established. Here are some suggestions for drought-resistant trees and plants that you can consider for your company's landscape:
Evergreen Shrubs
Evergreen shrubs, such as abelias, are a beautiful option with their arching branches and small bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to late fall. They come in a range of sizes, from 2' to nearly 10' tall, and can be left in their natural shape or pruned into a hedge. These shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making them ideal for sunny areas in your company's landscape.
Strawberry Trees
Strawberry trees are evergreen trees known for their unique orange-red fruits. They are slow-growing and can be left as a shrub or pruned to create the look of a small tree. These trees prefer full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 15'-30' tall.
Barberries
Barberries are tough landscape shrubs with intense, saturated colors. They are low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and their small thorns make them ideal for barrier planting. Barberries can be left in their natural shape or pruned into a hedge, and they thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Wild Lilacs
Wild lilacs are perfect for dry spots in your company's landscape. They thrive in extremely well-drained, poor soil without the need for supplemental summer water or fertilizer. These drought-resistant plants can add beauty and resilience to your company's landscape while also conserving water.
Succulents
Succulents are known for their water-retaining abilities and striking foliage. They come in many varieties and can be used to create a vibrant landscape with minimal water usage. Succulents are low-maintenance and can be combined with other drought-tolerant plants such as rosemary, lavender, and wild lilac to add interest and variety to your company's landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to conserve water in a company. Some of the most effective methods include:
- Reporting leaks and maintaining water-using equipment.
- Encouraging employees to be mindful of their water use, such as turning off taps when not in use.
- Installing aerators on faucets to reduce water usage.
- Using energy-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers and kettles.
- Implementing water reuse practices, such as using leftover drinking water for plants.
Conserving electricity in a company can be achieved through a combination of employee behaviour changes and efficient technology. Some methods to consider include:
- Encouraging employees to turn off lights and electronic devices when not in use.
- Using smart power strips to automatically turn off power to electronics when they are inactive.
- Adopting energy-efficient lighting, such as LEDs, and keeping light fixtures clean and dust-free.
- Dressing for the season and using layers to reduce the need for heating and cooling.
- Upgrading old equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, such as those with the Energy Star label.
Employee engagement is crucial for effective resource conservation. Some ways to motivate your employees include:
- Educating them about the importance of conservation and providing ongoing encouragement.
- Leading by example and demonstrating positive energy practices as a manager.
- Launching company-wide competitions and offering incentives for employees who conserve the most resources.
- Incorporating sustainability into the company's mission and employee handbook to signal its importance.
Measuring and benchmarking your resource usage is essential for effective management. Here are some ways to do this:
- Conducting regular water and energy audits to identify weak spots and areas for improvement.
- Installing sub-meters to record water usage in specific zones and comparing it with similar companies.
- Monitoring water and electricity usage over time and setting targets for reduction.
- Implementing policies and procedures for efficient water and energy use, such as through an employee handbook.
