The importance of energy efficiency in small businesses

As part of many emerging energy efficiency initiatives, larger buildings, both in size and population, are being targeted for change. One energy expert, Marge Anderson, executive vice president of Seventhwave, a leading energy nonprofit, believes small businesses should be considered for change too.

Smaller buildings, those less than 50,000 square feet, represent 95 percent of total commercial buildings in the U.S., but most energy efficiency programs, incentives and money go toward larger buildings. 

A new study conducted by the Preservation Green Lab, a project of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, found that initiatives such as these could save more than $30 billion in annual finances. 

The report defined elements to enhance energy savings across 7 million business establishments controlling 4.4 million small buildings nationally. 

The report also found that the potential savings that can be found in small businesses range from 27 to 59 percent, depending on the type of building. This equals about 17 percent of commercial energy use annually. These small businesses, such as grocers and retailers, can improve profits by 10 percent through smart investments in energy savings.

The report recommends three major areas of change including:

  • Encouraging innovative new business models, collaborating between industry leaders and smaller initiatives.
  • Identifying waste and measuring overall energy performance.
  • Planning for improvements now using opportunities that emerge, as well as technology and energy improvements as a whole.

Energy efficiency begins with those that know and understand how much of a difference it can make. To learn more about energy efficiency, or to schedule an energy audit in your own home or small business, contact Alban Inspections today. Visit our website to learn more.