Energy-Efficient Tips for Your Building

Energy efficiency has evolved from being a trend to an essential part of sustainable building management. With rising energy costs and a global focus on environmental impact, finding practical ways to reduce consumption has never been more critical.

How facilities managers can improve building energy efficiency

Facilities managers play a pivotal role in creating more sustainable and cost-effective operations. By implementing straightforward strategies—like optimising HVAC systems or reducing phantom loads—they can make a significant impact on energy consumption and operational costs. 

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At Karsons Consulting, we specialise in a wide range of services designed to optimise building performance, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure compliance. From thermal modelling and low-carbon design to feasibility studies of low-energy technologies, and asset condition assessments and lifecycle planning, our expert team is here to help.

Explore our full range of services to discover how we can make your building smarter, greener, and more efficient.

Small Steps, Big Savings

Here’s a checklist of simple yet impactful tips to enhance your building's energy efficiency:

Lighting efficiency

• Harness natural light:  Implement daylight harvesting by adjusting blinds and installing light sensors to dim or turn off artificial lighting when sunlight suffices. Learn more in our Building a Sustainable Future: Energy Efficiency in Commercial Real Estate article.

• Clean fixtures and windows:  A clear window or clean light fixture can maximise natural and artificial light output, reducing the need for additional lighting.

   

• Switch to LEDs:  Replace traditional bulbs with LED lighting, which uses up to 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer. Explore our Building a Sustainable Future: Energy Efficiency in Commercial Real Estate article for more details.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)

• Optimise temperature settings:  Use temperature setbacks during non-occupied hours to save energy on heating and cooling.

• Zoned HVAC systems:  Direct heating and cooling only to occupied areas, avoiding energy waste in vacant zones. Learn how we implemented effective maintenance and HVAC solutions in our Holland Park Villas case study.

• Maintain HVAC systems:  Regularly clean filters and coils to improve system efficiency and reduce energy demand. Learn about innovations in HVAC and air quality in our Future of Indoor Air Quality blog.
  For compliance advice, see our Understanding MEES: A Practical Guide for Property Professionals article.

• Use fans wisely:  Ceiling or portable fans consume significantly less energy compared to air conditioning systems.

Equipment management

• Eliminate phantom loads:  Unplug unused electronics or use power strips with timers to cut power to devices left on standby. Read more about reducing standby power in our Want to Save Money on Maintenance Costs? article.

• Schedule downtime:  Use timers to turn off non-essential equipment like vending machines and water coolers after hours. Implementing such measures ensures that systems operate only when necessary, leading to significant energy savings.

• Feedback dashboards:  Install energy monitoring displays to visualise savings and encourage energy-conscious behaviour among occupants.

Building envelope

• Draft-proof doors and windows:  Use weatherstripping or draft excluders to minimise heat loss and improve insulation. Learn how compliance measures like MEES contribute to better energy efficiency in our Understanding MEES: A Practical Guide for Property Professionals blog.

• Install reflective window film:  Reduce summer heat gain and cooling demands with energy-efficient window films.

Operational adjustments

• Efficient cleaning schedules:  Group cleaning tasks to reduce the need for lighting or temperature control across multiple areas.

• Track energy bills:  Regularly monitor energy bills to identify unusual spikes and inefficiencies. Learn more about the role of energy monitoring in our Great British Energy Bill and Karsons' Role article.

• Benchmark usage:  Compare your energy consumption with similar buildings to identify opportunities for improvement. Visit our Building a Sustainable Future: Energy Efficiency in Commercial Real Estate blog for guidance.

By implementing these practical energy-saving measures, your building can significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and contribute to a greener future. At Karsons Consulting, we’re here to support you with tailored strategies that align with your building's unique needs.

By taking small yet meaningful steps toward energy efficiency, your building can significantly reduce operational costs while making a positive environmental impact. Whether you're managing a commercial property, upgrading facilities, or planning sustainability initiatives, these tips are just the beginning.

At Karsons Consulting, we specialise in tailoring energy-efficient solutions to meet the unique needs of your building. Check out these resources from the Energy Savings Trust, the Carbon Trust and the U.S. Department of Energy for additional inspiration:

• Improve business energy efficiency with E-Learning with the Energy Savings Trust. 

• Carbon Trust’s energy benchmarking tools, which can help facilities managers compare their energy usage: Carbon Footprint Calculator.

• The U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficient Window Coverings

Ready to transform your building’s energy performance?

Contact us today to discuss customised strategies that maximise savings and sustainability. Call us at 020 3282 7605, fill out our contact form, or follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest insights and industry news. Let’s build a greener future together.