Energy efficiency is an activity that seeks to improve the use of energy sources, with the conscious and rational use of energy resources. Studies show that Brazilian industry, in addition to paying a high price for energy, also wastes it. Check out some tips for achieving energy efficiency in companies:
1 – Avoid dark colors
Dark colors in company facilities require more lighting and more cooling. These dark tones absorb light and do not reflect as much as light tones. The energy captured tends to make the environments warmer. Therefore, to save energy, light colors are a good choice.
2 – Install presence sensors
In environments where employees spend a short period of time, such as kitchens and bathrooms, one alternative to ensuring that lights are not left on unnecessarily is to install motion sensors in these areas. This way, the devices will only be activated when someone is using the space.
3 – Involve all employees
Engaging all employees in energy efficiency and sustainability is a challenge for companies. “Energy efficiency actions have direct and indirect benefits for the whole of society, which is why internal business engagement is essential for achieving scale,” says Laura Albuquerque, technical manager of the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS).
4 – Invest in thermal insulation
Thermal insulation is one of the ways to keep the temperature of a room less vulnerable to heat coming from outside. Double-glazed windows, which have a layer of air between the two panes, reduce heat exchange with the outside environment, for example.
5 – Replace your business equipment
Equipment that consumes less energy is a great ally in energy efficiency for companies. One example is replacing incandescent light bulbs, which consume the most energy, with fluorescent and LED light bulbs, which consume less energy. Old equipment consumes more energy than new equipment and the investment in replacing this equipment tends to be offset by energy savings.
6 – Seek external support
Expanding companies often hire the services of consulting firms specializing in energy efficiency projects, known by the acronym Esco. The goal is to ensure that increased production does not result in waste. “These companies are usually paid a percentage of the savings that the client achieves through the changes,” says Inee specialist Pietro Erber.
7- Use automation and control systems
Automation systems allow you to control light consumption and intensity, regulate room temperature and optimize the use of air conditioning and lighting. Many of these systems are made up of specific hardware and software to control energy use.
8 – Invest in air circulation
More efficient air circulation can lead to lower costs, meaning less need to be spent on refrigeration. According to Maurício Correa de Araújo, an energy efficiency specialist at Sebrae – PE, a common mistake is to think only about air intakes and not about outlets. “There’s no point in having a huge window facing the beach as an air intake and having a tiny door leading to the kitchen as an outlet,” he explains.
9 – Adapt your opening hours to peak times
Peak hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This is the peak time for energy consumption in the country. To prevent companies from concentrating their consumption during this time, which increases pressure on the electrical system, each region determines a three-hour period in which rates are higher. To avoid this increase in costs, it is important for companies to concentrate their activities during times when these rates are not high.
10 – Predict your company’s electricity consumption
Your company needs to identify the main variables that affect energy consumption in order to collect a series of historical data, with the aim of establishing an energy baseline with the support of statistical tools. This makes it possible to predict energy consumption based on the historical variables that influence consumption. With these variables, the company can make strategic decisions that seek to increase energy efficiency.
