11 Nov The Benefits of a Commercial Energy Audit

The commercial sector consumes a substantial amount of energy throughout the United States each year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2019, the commercial sector accounted for 18% of total U.S. energy consumption. Many property owners are unaware of the various changes that can be made in commercial establishments to minimize energy consumption and create a more comfortable environment for employees and customers. Making the decision to complete an energy assessment for your business can provide a variety of benefits, from lower utility costs and increased building value to improved indoor air quality and portraying a “green” business image.

What Is a Commercial Energy Audit?

Business owners around the world have turned to quality electricians for commercial energy audits. Upon scheduling an energy audit, a skilled professional will visit your location to conduct an in-depth exterior and interior examination of your existing energy efficiency levels and usage practices. There are many different types of energy audits, and your auditor will choose the best level based on your unique needs. Each room in your facility will be inspected, so any areas wasting energy or needing improvement can be identified. Getting a building energy audit completed on your establishment will help you maximize your workplace’s functionality and overall efficiency because the professional assigned to your building will provide a customized plan after reviewing your property. Many business owners have reported minimized energy uses and expenses as a direct result of a commercial energy audit.

Cost-Effective

Making the decision to get an energy audit conducted for your commercial establishment is a smart move all around as it gives you the tools to protect your overall investment. During an energy audit, the skilled professional will inspect the existing exterior and interior lighting fixtures, heating and cooling systems, and more common areas that may not be as energy-efficient as they could be. The energy auditor assigned to your building will examine how each system interacts with another, look for air leakage and drafts, and more. If any significant issues are identified, you will be provided with budget-friendly suggestions, so you can fix the problems and minimize immediate expenses. You will benefit financially in the long run from an in-depth commercial energy audit:

• Increased profits
• Higher ROI
• Increased building value
• Reduced energy expenses
• Risk reduction for facility owners
• Minimized operating budgets
• Protection against rising energy costs
• Increased competitive differentiation
• Building occupant comfort levels
• Indoor air quality

Increased Comfort

By completing a commercial lighting audit on your business, your establishment will likely become more comfortable and inviting for both employees and customers. The energy auditor assigned to your establishment will inspect your insulation, heating and cooling efficiency, air sealing, and much more to ensure everything is functioning correctly. The comfort of employees and customers should be a priority. By giving attention to these areas of your establishment, it’s likely that your building will remain a comfortable temperature year-round, which can improve work performance and many other factors of your business.

Improved Health, Safety, and Overall Environment

Having adequate lighting in your business not only helps you save on utility bills but will enhance health and safety for staff and customers. During your commercial energy audit, the auditor will detect possible health and safety risks, which can include carbon monoxide poisoning, radon leaks, and even improperly vented combustion equipment. Detecting these health and safety risks is vital as maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for staff and customers is a priority.

The lighting in your establishment can also affect employee productivity as well as the impression you make with customers. Inefficient lighting that is either too bright or dim can directly impact one’s mood, energy, alertness, and productivity. Suppose your business is located in a building with a lot of windows. In that case, it’s recommended to try and utilize natural lighting as much as possible as this not only saves in utility costs but also increases productivity and workplace happiness. Completing a commercial energy audit will also help support the environment as it’s likely you’ll transition to LED fixtures, which help lower carbon emissions and your company’s carbon footprint. With these small changes, you’ll communicate that you’re taking a stance as a “green” business, which can also improve brand recognition and customer loyalty.

• Increased employee productivity
• Enhanced customer loyalty and brand recognition
• “Green” business image
• Increased employee morale

Enhanced Building Durability

Surprisingly enough, completing a commercial energy audit will improve the durability and lifespan of your building, especially if it’s older. Because old buildings experience substantial wear and tear, it’s vital that business owners take proper precautionary measures and complete maintenance requirements in a timely manner. As previously mentioned, the auditor assigned to your commercial establishment will identify possible health and safety risks like carbon monoxide poisoning, radon leaks, and improperly vented combustion equipment. Any areas of concern that pose a risk for physical manifestations such as mold or mildew will also be identified. Properly maintaining your building with an industrial energy audit will create a more comfortable environment and minimize early deterioration that can take place due to drafts or uneven temperatures.

• Reduced likelihood of mold, mildew, and other physical manifestations
• Improved energy efficiency
• Fewer drafts
• Balanced temperatures throughout the building

Enhance Energy Efficiency in Your Business Today

For many commercial establishments, energy use is one of the most substantial operating expenses. Business owners can quickly minimize these expenses in an operating budget by making transitions to further promote energy efficiency. While a commercial energy audit is only the first step in improving your building’s energy consumption, following the recommendations and improvements given by your auditor will help you succeed. Suppose funding is an issue for a commercial energy audit. In that case, there are various incentives business owners can access to help you reduce energy usage and further conserve natural resources in the workplace. No building is the same, similar to a business; so take the first step to improving energy efficiency in your business today by searching for commercial energy audit companies near you.