Charity organizations must keep expenses to a bare minimum, so more money can be saved and invested in ventures that support the poor. Though charities energy prices are eligible for VAT reductions, there are still many ways in which charity organizations can cut down energy consumption and hence lower utility bills. Let’s get into it.
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What is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency refers to the sufficient consumption of energy that produces optimal results. Many appliances are specifically made to be energy-efficient, and it is recommended that organizations shift to such devices. It helps save a massive amount of money. Furthermore, energy efficiency allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and is also relatively cost-effective.
1. Interpret your Energy Bill
Interpreting the details on an energy bill may feel incredibly confusing, but it is crucial in identifying areas of energy wastage. Most times, consumers are getting their energy from suppliers who are charging more than the set rate. Hence, before your charity hires an energy supplier, it is vital to do extensive research on the market. Compare the rates of various energy suppliers, read their testimonials, and then decide the one that perfectly meets your needs. Reading consumer testimonials can give you an idea of how reliable the supplier is and what quality of services they provide. Shifting to a new energy supplier with ideal rates can significantly lower your utility bills and hence allow your organization to invest the saved money in more worthwhile ventures.
2. Use LED bulbs
It is imperative to replace your regular light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs. LED bulbs use the optimal amount of energy and release sufficient light. If you replaced all your standard bulbs with LED ones, you would be able to save an estimated amount of £30 a year on electricity bills.
3. Turn Off Lights
It goes without saying: turning off lights when they are not in use can significantly cut down your energy consumption and, in turn, reduce monthly bills. Keep in mind to switch all the lights in your building once you leave at the end of the day. It would also be beneficial if you instill in your employees the importance of being mindful about our energy consumption; it would encourage them to more actively turn off lights in their offices every time they leave for lunch breaks.
4. Appropriately Insulate Your Building
In winters, to keep the energy consumption at bay, it is crucial that your building is appropriately insulated. Heat can escape through cracks and gaps in windows and doors around the building, so make sure they are adequately sealed. Lock doors and avoid heating rooms that are not in use.
5. Regularly Review your Organization’s Power Use Data
Once you’ve adopted better energy-saving habits, it is essential to review your organization’s power use data regularly. It helps you identify which particular changes have had the most significant impact on bills, and hence you can, in turn, actively endorse those changes. Moreover, you can also monitor the power consumption of each device. For instance, since laptops consume less energy than desktop computers, letting your employees use laptops would be more cost-effective. Or, if it’s a must to use desktops, consider installing energy-efficient monitors.