Business owners are faced with costs for payroll, computers and equipment, and operational expenses. It may seem impossible to keep expenses under control when you are pulled in many directions. There is one thing we can help you with and that’s your energy bill.

SaveEnergyNB has everything from low or no-cost tips and educational topics to energy efficiency programs that provide financial incentives for equipment and building upgrades. Where should you start? With the tips below we’ll help you look for opportunities that make sense in your business.

Small steps to save on your energy bill

  • First establish your baseline energy use. Go back through your energy bills and look at your monthly demand and consumption. This will give you a point of reference to compare future bills if you decide to make changes and invest in energy upgrades. Part of establishing your baseline is also understanding your energy consumption by knowing when energy is used and what equipment is using it.
  • Look for opportunities to eliminate waste energy. That’s energy you pay for but don’t get any value from. Leaving lights on in offices when they are not in use or leaving equipment on overnight may seem insignificant but if this happens regularly the energy cost adds up.
  • Take advantage of new and more efficient technologies when buying new or replacing old equipment. Check out our Business Rebate Program to understand where you can save money and what incentives you can qualify for. You can earn back 25 per cent on the replacement costs of approved energy upgrades.
  • Engage your employees in energy conservation efforts.

Efficiency around the office

Office equipment

  • Use the “sleep” or “standby” option on computers to reduce energy when they are not in use.
  • Turn off office equipment such as photocopiers, monitors, and printers when not in use, using a power strip can make this easier.
  • Look for efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified products when replacing or purchasing new office equipment.

Heating and cooling

  • Use programmable thermostats to lower the temperature whenever your business is unoccupied such as after hours or on weekends and holidays. 
  • Keep doors, windows, and loading docks closed when heating or air conditioning.
  • Ensure regular maintenance on heating and cooling systems and change filters regularly.
  • Keep heating and cooling ducts, radiators, and baseboards free from obstruction.
  • Minimize heating and cooling of unused areas.
  • Check seals on doors and windows and replace if necessary.

Hot water

  • Fix any leaking plumbing fixtures.
  • Insulate exposed hot water piping.

Lighting

  • Turn off lights when not needed.
  • Take advantage of natural light as much as possible.
  • Use light coloured paint on walls to reduce the lighting requirements.
  • Ensure light fixtures are clean.
  • Use energy efficient LED light fixtures.
  • Keep outdoor lighting operational hours to a minimum with automatic timer or photocells.

Other equipment

  • Check air compressors and lines for leaks and repair as soon as possible.
  • Ensure only required equipment is powered on. 
  • Keep kitchen equipment maintained and in good working condition.
  • Be sure to turn off exhaust fans when not in use.

Learn more about our energy efficiency programs, no matter what kind of energy your business uses.