One of the Facilities Manager’s main objectives is to do more with less, maintaining the same quality and fluidity within the operations. Working to reduce energy expenses is a practical example.

 

Therefore, reducing business costs has been an ongoing requirement from companies and a positive feature in performance assessment.

 

Below, we give you 4 initiatives for energy saving, and consequently cost reduction, which we have implemented over the years.

 

We recommend that before proceeding with any project, you check whether they fit your company’s reality. Choose the upgrades that should and/or can be applied and make a strategic plan that includes:

 

  • Taking action reasoned with facts and data (in this case: energy reduction, business sustainability, energy efficiency, etc);
  • At least 3 budgets with an offer description for purchase and sale;
  • The amount to be expended for its deployment (impact on OPEX);
  • The amount of time it will take to amortize the costs;

 

How to reduce your energy expenses?

 

Replace common bulbs with LEDs

Initially, it is worth mentioning that LED bulbs are more cost-effective, since they are capable of producing considerably more light by consuming less electrical energy than conventional ones (incandescent or fluorescent). However, they are more expensive.

 

You can start this replacement in two different ways: 

  • Change conventional bulbs, whenever they run out, for LEDs;
  • Change everything at once.

 

If you are in the middle of a project, it is worthwhile to start the operation with the LEDs; otherwise, change it little by little to avoid wasting the bulbs that are in use. 

 

Here’s a tip: Place a tag on the new bulb with the replacement date, so that you are aware of its lifespan whenever you need to replace it afterwards. 

 

Invest in proximity sensors

They are great allies for saving energy, since they prevent the light bulbs from being unnecessarily lit in the elevator lobby, hallways, bathrooms, meeting rooms, etc.

 

Sensors detect people’s presence by the heat emitted from their movements through infrared. These devices are able to detect the thermal variation and are calibrated according to people’s temperature (35º to 38º Celsius). 

 

Thus, when a person enters an environment that has a proximity sensor, there is a change in the infrared light that triggers an “alarm” in the equipment and triggers the light bulb. It is possible to adjust the time, sensitivity and range.

 

There are two types of sensor:

  • For the wall: combines very well with the electrical structure already in use. With overlapping or built-in models, it removes the need for major interventions and is strategically positioned in traffic areas, speeding up the lighting;

 

  • For the ceiling: this type of sensor usually offers a more comprehensive range, as it can be installed up to four meters high. The device’s layout even helps in safety, as it makes it inaccessible to anyone other than the personnel responsible for maintenance, preventing its operation from being affected or compromised.

 

Optimize HVAC performance (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning)

First of all, having a company specialised in preventive and periodic maintenance in Air Conditioning system, besides providing efficiency, avoids health risks (contamination and disease transmission).

 

By performing periodic cleaning, the lifespan of your equipment is also protected, making it last longer and less damaged. The lack of effort to keep the device clean can also generate high costs with further maintenance, because it causes damage to the whole operation.

 

Here are the good practices:

  • Keep the filters clean, otherwise they will force the device to work harder;
  • Buy a device with the right power for the environment by estimating the BTUs needed to climate the space;
  • Install the external unit (condenser) in a place with good air circulation;
  • Avoid excessive cold by setting the thermostat properly: 23 degrees is usually ideal;
  • Keep doors and windows closed to prevent air entering from outside;
  • Avoid the sun’s heat in the environment by closing curtains and blinds;
  • Turn the device off whenever you are away from the environment for a long time.

 

Green IT

Highlighting the cost reduction to a more global level, the famous “Green IT” brings excellent results and energy reduction is among them. Green IT is the set of business and sustainable practices provided by the Information Technology industry. 

 

Like all human activities, the IT department also causes environmental impacts, such as high electricity consumption and the generation of waste known as “electronic waste”.

 

Depending on the size and structure of the company, the Facilities management business has a lot of interaction with the IT department, and more specifically with the Support team, which acts directly with the management of the equipment, so that the project may not be carried out by specialised companies alone. Everyone can adopt measures that support the quest for a more sustainable world. Check it out:

 

  • At the end of work and if you’re the last person to leave, turn off the TVs around the office;
  • Remove the equipment (monitor, phone and notebook) from the outlet;
  • Include a specific and identifiable container for batteries;
  • Think twice before printing (if possible, save the file in PDF format) to avoid wasting energy and paper.; 
  • Define printing rules (double-sided printing, standard font, lower ink usage, etc);
  • Use recycled paper or drafts in case it’s not a formal document.

 

It is important to start with raising awareness, as well as understanding how to influence people to understand the idea of Business Sustainability.

 

If you have neon in your company, propose an electrical readjustment to install a timer and be able to program its operation only during business hours. It is also possible to switch off manually, but the risk of forgetting is great. Its lifespan is relatively short and maintenance is expensive to stay on 24/7. 

 

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