As a construction business owner, you have probably thought about how much energy your business uses, and how much it costs.
But trying to reduce your consumption, and thus reduce costs, can seem like a huge undertaking. However, there are a lot of simple steps you can take now that will make a huge difference moving forward.
And in this blog, we’ll break things down into easy steps, so you can reduce your energy consumption in today’s construction business.
Reducing energy consumption while taking into account the use of construction machinery
Heavy machinery and tools are indispensable on construction sites, but their power-hungry nature can lead to excessive energy consumption.
Using machinery in a considerate manner is key to minimizing the amount of energy used. Here are some tips to help reduce the energy use of machines:
Clearly label all switches and machine controls and ensure all employees understand how they operate.
This will enable them to operate equipment more efficiently and deactivate machines when required.
Always turn off motors, fans and conveyors before leaving the site or at the end of the work day.
Conduct periodic checks on construction equipment to stop any waste of energy due to breakdowns.
Air compressors are one of the main culprits. Leaky compressors waste up to 30% of compressor output and cost a lot of unnecessary electricity.
Use energy efficient appliances where possible
Replacing existing appliances with energy-efficient ones can be a gradual process, but start with smaller things like kettles and toasters and work your way up.
There are still a few quick fixes you can tweak, however, to help reduce the amount of power your current devices use.
Encourage your team to turn off laptops and PCs when not in use, and check the keys yourself at the end of the day.
Most modern devices also feature power saving settings, which can reduce power consumption even when they are in use.
Turn off and unplug the boiler when not in use, and consider upgrading to a newer, more energy efficient model.
Encourage “tea cycles” to reduce the number of times the kettle boils and reduce the amount of water unnecessarily boiled.
Reduce computer screen brightness from 100% to 70%. This can reduce their energy consumption by 20%. If you use CAD software or have an office team take care of admin duties, this can be a quick win.
Wait until the dishwasher is fully loaded before turning it on, rather than washing the dishes once the staff has finished using them.
Try these heating tips to reduce your building energy costs
When you work in the UK, cold weather is a given, so heating is bound to contribute significantly to your energy costs.
However, by controlling the heating and performing some regular operations, you can start to reduce energy consumption. Here are 7 quick ideas:
Winter insulation is a great way to reduce your heating bills. Consider what type of insulation is best for your building.
Insulate water tanks and pipes. Heat reflectors can also help prevent heat from escaping from your desk.
Regular maintenance of your heating systems ensures that your heaters and boilers are operating efficiently.
Ensure that your radiators are working efficiently by keeping them clear of obstructions such as furniture or storage boxes placed directly in front of them.
Prevent employees from getting too hot or too cold, by keeping desks away from heating and air conditioning units.
Make sure to turn off the air conditioner after employees leave the office. You can also use smart heating controls to heat your office space only when necessary.
Assign someone to manage the heating. This will reduce waste, stop overheating, and ensure your office is adequately heated throughout the year.
Reduce energy consumption in your construction business with regular energy efficiency audits
Regular energy efficiency audits are essential for construction companies looking to reduce energy consumption and save money.
By identifying which aspects of your business consume the most energy, you can take steps to become more energy efficient over time.
Using the above tips, you can start creating energy efficiency plans to implement across your business.
One way to conduct energy efficiency audits is to assess your energy use throughout the day.
For example, you might notice that employees use more force during certain times of the day, such as when they arrive at the office to check emails, charge tools, or make coffee.
By identifying these patterns, you can encourage your employees to be more aware of their energy use, or to consider alternative ways to reduce energy consumption during peak times.
Another way to reduce energy consumption in your construction business is to evaluate your internal processes.
If your business has a workshop or warehouse, you may use a lot of energy to operate tools and equipment.
By monitoring energy efficiency throughout these projects, you can save money on energy bills over time.
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