Start the new year off by spring cleaning your utility costs – nine top tips to help you reduce your practice energy costs.
By Jeff Topp, Full Power Utilities
It’s a proven fact that all business owners are more motivated in January. The start of the new year brings a new sense of enthusiasm and energy. As you know, running your successful veterinary practice takes more than knowing your industry well. You also need to run your business efficiently as the cost of living, energy, and fuel costs increase, but did you know that you don’t have to do the leg work when it comes to reducing your energy costs? Many successful practices look to whole-market energy consultants to make sure they are getting the very best prices on the market. In fact, using a consultant will actually give you more choice of suppliers and more options than going direct to a supplier yourself. Oh, and there are no direct costs to you either when working with an energy consultancy.
Price of course isn’t everything, the most important thing you can do right now is look to be more energy efficient.
1. Energy-Efficient Lighting:
Switch to LED or CFL lighting, which is more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Install motion sensors or timers in areas with less frequent use, such as storage rooms or back offices.
2. HVAC System Optimization:
Regularly maintain and clean heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they operate efficiently.
Use programmable thermostats to control temperatures based on business hours and occupancy.
3. Energy-Efficient Equipment:
Invest in Energy A-rated appliances and equipment for your practice, such as refrigerators and freezers. By updating equipment to a higher energy efficiency rating, you could cut costs by over 60% of lower-rated appliance.
Ensure that all equipment is properly maintained to operate at peak efficiency.
4. Power Strips and Timers:
Use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once when they are not in use.
Set equipment like computers and printers on timers to automatically shut down during non-business hours.
5. Employee Training:
Educate staff about the importance of energy conservation and encourage them to turn off lights and equipment when not in use. Possibly appoint an “Energy Champion” whose job it is to make sure other members of staff ar conserving energy where possible.
Consider implementing an energy awareness program to engage employees in energy-saving initiatives.
6. Energy Audits:
Conduct regular energy audits to identify areas where energy is being wasted.
Explore the possibility of hiring energy professionals to assess and recommend energy-efficient solutions for your specific practice layout. This is something Full Power can help you with.
7. Natural Light Utilization:
Make use of natural light during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Consider installing skylights or using light shelves to direct natural light deeper into the pharmacy.
8. Proper Insulation:
Ensure that your practice is well-insulated to maintain comfortable temperatures without over-reliance on heating or cooling systems.
9. Energy-Efficient Signage:
If your practice has exterior signage, use energy-efficient LED signs, and ensure they are turned off during non-business hours.
By implementing these energy-saving measures, you can reduce energy costs, minimize your environmental impact, and create a more sustainable and cost-effective operation for your veterinary practice.
