The hidden costs of wasted energy

We are all struggling with the cost of living now - with rising costs all around making it harder to stay afloat. Not just in our home lives but as businesses as well.

When it comes to business costs, managing our budget well is critical to success. We need to keep waste to a minimum.

When we talk about waste, we aren't just talking about the physical things we throw away - but waste in all its forms. One of the most common forms of waste that is often overlooked is energy. And the two most significant contributors to this are heating and lighting.

Energy waste 1: Heating

When it comes to heating large commercial spaces like warehouses, the cost can be astronomical - especially when it comes to fossil fuel. Renewable heat sources have yet to be utilised much within commercial buildings - 48% of respondents to a recent government survey said they had never heard of renewable heat.

Using renewable heat is considered a more sustainable way to run a business, as it reduces the reliance on typical fossil fuels through renewable energy sources such as geothermal heating and ground source heat pumps.

However, some may say that retaining heat within a building by reducing heat loss is just as important, if not more important, than the actual heating system itself. Up to 25% of heat loss can occur through the roof, with 25% occurring through doors and windows.

One thing you can do to prevent heat loss through doors is to use PVC curtains. They are not just for freezer rooms or refrigerated warehouses - they can be used on any doorway in your business - even loading bays. The benefit of strip curtains is that employees or vehicles can move through them easily, so it doesn't affect their movement around the business - but it also prevents heat from escaping, keeping energy costs down.

Energy waste 2: Lighting

Lighting is another energy essential at work, as work areas need to be suitably illuminated - with the most critical question being, "do we have energy-efficient lighting?"

Did you know that just swapping your traditional incandescent bulbs for LED ones can deliver significant energy savings and increase the life span of your lighting unit? This increase in life span not only reduces the amount of time needed on maintenance but also reduces the costs involved as well.

Another tip for saving money on lighting is to install activity sensors or timer switches in areas which do not need to be lit all the time. This may mean a significant outlay, but you will save lots of money in the long term by only lighting areas when they are occupied rather than all the time. 

Just one of the tips mentioned in this article could positively impact your business's energy bills. Moving forward, you can incorporate these savings into a more comprehensive sustainability strategy.

If you are interested in finding out more about our range of energy-saving strip curtains, please call us on 0333 999 7171 or email sales@stripcurtainsdirect.co.uk