How can businesses become more energy efficient as time goes on, and what are the challenges they face going forward?

1. The challenges and issues surrounding buildings & business premises

2. The challenges

3.  The world’s energy dependence is greater
than ever.
 Fossil fuels are dwindling, whilst renewable
and recyclable sources are being sought.
 Businesses must find ways to meet their
energy needs, whilst taking all necessary
steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

4.  Employees working in a comfortable
environment are far likelier to be productive
& generally be happier.
 With workplaces becoming more open,
flexible & modern, comfort is always a key
business consideration.
 The onus is on employers to be responsive to
their staff’s needs and adapt accordingly.

5.  The debate is whether the emphasis should
be on individual employees to control their
own energy consumption
 Or, should environmental sustainability be
more centrally managed and tightly
regulated?
 Should employers be more actively engaged
in attempting to influence staff behaviour
when it comes to sustainability?

6. How businesses can get ahead of the curve

7.  If the UK is to meet its energy efficiency
targets, then there are some who argue that
retrofitting old buildings is as important as
new builds.
 Older office stock must be re-used if green
business practices are to meet their full
potential.
 New technologies, e.g. Smart meters, could
be used to more accurately gauge a building’s
energy usage.

8.  Heating and cooling systems are key to this
 Systems need to be integrated in order to
work at their most energy efficient; this is
often not the case in older buildings.
 Another innovation is variable ventilation,
with motors that can change speed depending
on CO2 emission levels, or the extent to which
a building is occupied.

9.  Innovations such as rainwater harvesting,
solar panels, heating & cooling ventilation
systems and waste recycling can all help to
reduce a building’s carbon footprint.
 However, problems with upfront costs,
procurement and supply chain management
mean that building sustainable, economical
buildings can pose significant challenges.

10. Governments and civic authorities can help
businesses to improve the energy efficiency
of their properties. Initiatives include:
 Recognising & awarding companies that cut
energy use.
 Offering council tax rebates for energy
efficiency.
 Encouraging businesses & corporations to
submit data on their energy usage.

11.  Incentivising businesses also comes down to
reminding them that sustainability will
ultimately drive down costs in the long-term.
 Integrated and efficient systems can aid in
the recovery of waste energy and recoup
costs fairly quickly.
 Solutions can include LED lights, remote IT
storage & waste recycling and smart
metering.

12.  http://www.dyerenvironmental.co.uk/