Having a Plan for Energy Saving at Your Workplace is a Must!

Drawing up a plan for energy saving at your work is not only a good idea today but may be a necessity for any business wanting to stay in profit.

Little can hurt the reputation of a business more than buyers learning about wasteful practices of the business or about environmental damage the business may be causing.

Consumers not only want competitive prices. They also insist on dealing with companies that practice energy savings in plans for workplaces. For management trying to increase energy savings in the workplace it can be delicate balancing act.

New supplies and equipment that use less energy must also be able to product the same quality level of product the company is known for. Perhaps the greatest challenge for management is getting employees onboard with energy savings in the workplace.

Appealing to Employees

If energy savings plans count on the participation of employees you may need to add some motivation. If you ask employees to take certain steps or work in a different way to save money for the company, you may need to provides incentives.

Part of a plant to save power, for example, might be for employees to close huge sliding doors when they are not in use.

Yet this might mean employees will have to open and close the doors more frequently rather than just leaving them open. Many large corporations are implementing energy savings plans by incentives in form of bonuses or time off for employees who make the best suggestion for saving energy.

Some of the money saved could be used to provide a quarterly or monthly drawing so employees would share the profits of an energy saving plan. If you expect employees to help the company save energy and save money, you need to find a way for employees to feel an ownership in the program.

Efficiency Experts

There are consulting agencies and independent consultants today who provide efficiency plans for business both large and small. The energy audit they perform covers the business and ways to improve energy efficiency and also often includes ways to improve employee efficiency.

This is not always the best way to begin saving energy! Too often the experts were previously in a business that identified employee waste and added the energy audit portion as the environmental movement made it more lucrative.

The problem with a plan that addresses both workers and energy is the kickback often resulting from employees asked to work harder or do tasks in a different way. If employees resent changes they will also find ways to undermine the energy savings in the workplace even if the damage is not intentional.

An Overall Plan

Energy savings in the workplace can be an inclusive plan that encourages workers to rid the bus or carpool, allows business hours that avoid heavy peak traffic of rush hours, etc.

This can include efficiency on the health front as well to cut the costs of health benefits. A small workout room or gym for employees and rewarding workers who lose weight or stop smoking can be write-offs on taxes for the business and lead to a healthier, happier and more productive (energy) workforce.

One of the best ways to save on energy and supplies in the workplace is to further cut down on paperwork. This is an area where workers can be of valuable assistance.

Often management does not realize how much paper and supplies are wasted because the move to digital records has been accompanied by paperwork backup systems.

This was a smart way to do things when computer were new. Today a computer can be backed up to a disc in a couple minutes and that disc can replace filing systems throughout the business.

Run a contest where employees can enter their best suggestion for saving energy and money and you'll be surprised at the ease of creating a more efficient work environment.

Upgrading

Upgrading or installing new heating and cooling systems is a high ticket item for businesses. If your company has been using the same HVAC system for years, upgrading to a new energy efficient system could be a money saver and an energy saver.

Production lines and office equipment may be pulling more electrical power than you realize as the products age and become less efficient. Investigate the cost of adding new equipment over time and the energy saving plans in the workplace that would result.

Remember it's not only energy you will be saving but money, too. Another place to look for energy savings in the workplace is in the disposal of waste.

Brick manufacturers used to discard waste in huge piles or deep holes but today much of the waste is recycled into building supplies and cat litter and then sold commercially. Finding a buyer for your company's waste products if more energy and cost efficient than paying to dispose of the waste.

Summary

A workplace energy saving plan is often discounted by management that is reluctant to add new equipment and can be sabotaged by employees who don't feel the savings apply to them.

However, most businesses might be surprised at how large energy savings might be in their workplace and saving energy is directly related to saving on operating expenses.

If you enjoyed reading this guide I recommend you to stay tuned and check out our tips on energy savings tips at home as well!