Companies have used energy-saving techniques for years as a way of controlling costs. In an ever-changing marketplace that values efficiency, quality and social responsibility, companies that employ systematic energy management programs gain a series of other tangible and intangible benefits. Of course, doing good for the environment is always a worthwhile goal, but in times like these, an effective energy management strategy can be great for the bottom line too. At GSH, we are fortunate that our client list is growing daily as more and more companies are embracing energy management as part of their core corporate value system.

Following are some of the benefits enjoyed by companies with a strong energy management plan:

Reduced Operating Cost – This is the obvious one. Office buildings can use 30 percent more energy than required. Reducing excess energy use can save 50 cents or more per square foot per year.

Increased Property Value – Cutting bottom line costs has the same net effect as increasing rental income 3 percent or raising net operating income by 5 percent. Assuming typical rates of return for energy projects, each $1 invested in energy projects increases property value by $2.

Increased Productivity – In office buildings, the largest operating cost is usually labor. Programs that reduce energy waste often optimize heating & cooling (HVAC) systems and/or update lighting systems. Studies indicate that energy-efficient HVAC and lighting increases productivity and reduces absenteeism.

Increased Comfort and Tenant Satisfaction – Fixing uncomfortable building temperatures often has an associated energy benefit. An office building’s overheating problem is often caused by defective temperature controls. The inexpensive fix not only saves energy, but also improves comfort and essentially eliminates temperature complaints.

Enhanced Image as a Responsible Corporation – A company with a well-managed energy plan stands to improve its reputation. Environmental stewardship and social responsibility are highly valued among customers, employees, suppliers, government regulators and the media.

Enhanced Appeal to Potential Tenants and Investors – In addition to increased property values through lower operating costs, properties with a strong energy management plan have improved value to potential tenants and socially responsible investors. In addition, the ability to successfully manage complex energy and environmental issues is often regarded as an indicator of overall management quality.

There are many ways a company can achieve maximum energy efficiency, and most of these strategies are extremely cost effective as well. Here are several tips for adapting energy management solutions at your facility:

1) Assess Operations and Maintenance Strategies – This can be as simple as regular inspections of equipment, but could also be a comprehensive evaluation of building operations. The goal is to ensure all equipment and controls are operating the way they should. Much of this can be conducted by existing staff. Resulting energy savings are typically achieved at a relatively low cost.

2) Install HVAC Programmable Controls – Building control systems, or even relatively simple programmable thermostats should be installed to reduce heating and cooling needs during unoccupied periods. Not only will this save energy, but the reduced run time will extend equipment life.

3) Conduct an Energy Awareness Program – Most building occupants want to do their part to be green. Encourage occupants to turn off lights and other energy-using equipment (such as radios, monitors, PCs, etc.) when not in use. Keep the momentum going with regular flyers, newsletters, etc.

4) Turn off Lights When Not in Use – This can be encouraged through education and awareness, as mentioned above, but should also be expanded to security and cleaning staff. Meet with security and janitorial supervisors to make turning off the lights a mandatory part of their job function.

5) Change Incandescent Lights to Compact Fluorescent – Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent lights. CFLs also last 3 to 5 times longer.

Effective energy management programs have benefits that go far beyond simply reducing operating costs. Successful companies have developed energy-efficiency into comprehensive, sustainable programs that increase property and corporate value to multiple stakeholders in the company’s value chain.

*Research material for this article includes the US EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program, and Green-Biz, a program of the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF)