Think long-term for controlling these business costs

Gasoline prices have dropped to comfortable levels over the last few months (thank goodness)! 

But long-term energy pricing forecasts are still spotty. Your guess about where energy prices will be two, five, 10 years down the line are as good as any futures forecaster’s.

Finding ways to conserve energy and eliminate waste now can only help your company in the long run.

Here are four ways you can trim energy savings today:

1. Review pre-set building controls

Talk with your Facility department or building contractor about adjusting thermostat settings.

They can try testing slight changes first, namely heating or cooling the building by a one or two degree difference.

Then track complaints. Many companies heat and cool their buildings at temperatures they think most people are comfortable with. Often there’s wiggle room for the majority of people.

And there’s a lot of savings in that wiggle room.

2. Boost building maintenance and cleaning

There are steps Housekeeping and Facilities can take to reduce energy use:

Dusting light fixtures extends the lifespan of ceiling lights and ballasts, and illuminates work areas better.

Replacing filters for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems improves ventilation (and comfort). It also reduces how much the equipment has to run to maintain set temperatures.

3. Check with the experts

Many local utilities will provide free or low-cost audits to help identify your energy “drains.”

Examples: not having sensors for lighting systems, equipment that runs all the time needlessly, etc.

Utlities can also help with an energy management plan for your location.

4. Go green with company vehicles

If your company provides vehicles for employees, factor fuel efficiency into your choices.

For example: Hybrids guzzle a lot less gasoline and prices have come down considerably in the last three years or so.