Six measures to lower the electricity bill in commercial buildings

Large commercial buildings often have high energy consumption. The good news is that there are measures you can take to stay one step ahead of winter cold and shock prices. Here you will get some expert tips that can quickly help you realize the cost cuts. You can also download a free eBook to get more measures how to make your property energy-efficient today and in the long run.

1. Turn down the indoor lighting and turn off the light after you

Many people ask if this actually has some effect or not. With buildings full of energy-saving bulbs, it's still smart to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Therefore, make it a habit to turn off the lights when you leave a room; it's an easy way to reduce power consumption, which ultimately means lower electricity bills. Alternatively, you can have sensors installed so that the light is switched on/off automatically.

2. Replace fluorescent tubes with LED lights

The EU has decided to phase out several types of fluorescent tubes with mercury that are commonly used both at home and in workplaces. Why switch to LED lights?

• An environmentally friendly solution: The fluorescent tubes contain substances that are very harmful to health and the environment. The environment is spared from mercury when fluorescent tubes and energy-saving light bulbs that contain this environmental toxin disappear from the market.
  
  
• You save electricity: LED tubes consume less electricity compared to traditional fluorescent tubes and this will result in a much nicer electricity bill. According to Nelfo, by switching from fluorescent tubes to LEDs, the energy consumption for lighting will decrease by between 40 and 60 %. You can reduce energy use by a further 20 to 30 % by installing also lighting control. (Source: Nelfo.no, The fluorescent tubes will be phased out in 2023.)
  
  
  

3. Adjust to the correct temperature

The temperature changes should be made by moving the heating curve of the heating system down. According to our experts, a 3-degree adjustment of the heating curve corresponds to an indoor temperature change of about one degree. A one-degree drop in room temperature typically saves about 5% in energy.

The standard room temperature target is between 19–21°C.  Adjust the temperature in areas which are not in use. Replace old windows if needed, as old windows can allow a significant amount of heat to escape. Place office furniture away from the wall and radiators, so that the heat can flow freely and be distributed.

To read more and learn about target values, download our free guide.

4. Give outdoor lights and signs a break

Turn off some outdoor lights around the building and property if it is safe to do so and lights are not needed, and switch off large logo signs; this offers good opportunities to reduce electricity consumption.

5. Adjust the ventilation system

Ensure good and regular service and maintenance of the ventilation systems carried out by specialists. These systems are essential for maintaining good air quality and correct energy use.

By mapping the use of the building, you find the technology that is best suited to your property. How many people use the building? And what time of day? Properly adjusted air conditioning creates an optimal indoor climate, and this also helps to operate the building as energy-efficiently as possible. We can help you calculate the optimal solution for your building, install the air conditioning and maintain it.

6. Take a look at spaces that are rarely used

Re-evaluate and reduce the heating, lighting and cooling in little-used rooms. It makes no sense to pay for energy in rooms and common areas that are hardly used.


Please note, that some of these adjustments need to be performed by a professional.

Do you want to discuss about energy savings and energy efficiency? We are happy to, just leave us a contact request.


This blog article was originally published in caverion.no, few edits have been made into this version.