Regular maintenance to your building will keep your company running efficiently. However, making repairs that are energy efficient will help the environment and cut your utility costs. Here are a few things you can do to improve your building.
Doors and Windows
Check your automatic doors to make sure that the heavy duty spring loaded hinges are functioning properly. These keep the doors shut preventing cold air from getting inside your building which will conserve energy. Inspect the insulation around these and the windows for wear. Add extra caulk to seal any cracks that might have formed to reduce the energy from escaping the structure.
Lighting
Consider changing out switches for sensors in your lighting fixtures. These will control the light you use and only allow it on when someone is in the building. Install a timer to shut down only a few lamps for security purposes when the building is vacant. Install LED lighting for the best lighting and efficiency. While these initial costs for these might be more, the cut to your utility bill will be worth it in the end. You can do this within your facility as well as the security lamps and street lights in your parking lot.
Temperature Control
Set up a digital thermostat within the office space of your building. Program it to lower the temperature in the winter and raise it in the summer when the space is vacated. Regularly maintain your furnace or boiler to prevent shut down and to regulate the energy it uses. Look at the insulation that is already installed in the facility and determine if more should be added to trap the air within the structure. Consult with your maintenance supervisor to see which areas might be the most susceptible to let energy escape and find out how much it will cost to reinforce these spots.
Review Your Costs
Bring an expert in to look over your facility and find what might be using the most energy. Watch your utility bills for any increases or decreases in the costs and where the change might be. Consider the opinions offered by the person hired to complete your audit and determine the amount of money it will take to implement the measures they suggest. Write out a timeline when these improvements can take place, then budget for the repairs to be done. Monitor your energy costs for the savings that will come as each job is accomplished.