With energy costs expected to remain high, this guide helps manufacturers implement immediate and long-term strategies to reduce energy consumption and control operational costs efficiently.
With energy costs forecast to remain high for at least two more years, according to Cornwall Insight, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to manage their energy consumption. A well-thought-out strategy not only helps control costs but also supports sustainability goals. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to achieving immediate savings while building toward long-term energy efficiency success.
Step 1: Quick wins for immediate impact
The quickest way to start saving is by making small, manageable changes. These quick wins require minimal investment but can still have a noticeable effect on your energy consumption:
- Turn off idle equipment: Machinery left running when not in use adds up to significant waste, especially during periods of high energy costs. Ensure that equipment is switched off overnight or during weekends.
- Switch to LED lighting: Lighting is often overlooked, but switching to energy-efficient LEDs can reduce lighting costs by up to 80%. This is an easy upgrade with a fast payback period.
- Adjust the thermostat: Small temperature changes can have a big impact. Lowering the thermostat in winter and raising it in summer reduces heating and cooling costs.
- Carry out a basic energy audit: A quick walk-through to identify energy waste such as outdated machinery or leaks, can highlight immediate opportunities for improvement.
These changes provide an easy entry point into energy efficiency, with immediate benefits that boost your momentum for bigger projects down the line.
Step 2: Medium term improvements for sustained savings
After addressing the quick wins, it’s time to consider medium-term projects that require a bit more effort but offer longer-term benefits:
- Install smart energy management systems: Monitoring energy use in real time allows you to make informed decisions about reducing consumption during peak periods or shifting operations to off-peak times.
- Optimise your HVAC system: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are often major energy consumers. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters, can improve efficiency, and upgrading to newer, more efficient models can lead to further savings.
- Engage your workforce: Employee habits have a huge impact on energy consumption. Establish an internal energy-saving programme with incentives to encourage better practices, such as switching off equipment when not in use.
These improvements require more investment than quick fixes, but they also have a longer lasting impact, setting your business up for even greater efficiency gains down the line.
Step 3: Long term investments for lasting results
With both immediate and medium-term improvements in place, it’s time to explore larger investments that provide lasting benefits. These projects may take longer to implement but offer substantial gains:
- On-site renewable energy generation: Solar panels, wind turbines, or battery storage can reduce reliance on the grid, helping to lower energy bills. While the upfront cost is higher, government incentives and declining technology prices make this a worthwhile long-term investment.
- Upgrade insulation: Poor insulation leads to unnecessary energy loss. Improving insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling, helping maintain a stable indoor temperature and cutting energy costs.
- Voltage optimisation: Many factories use more voltage than necessary, leading to energy waste. Voltage optimisation ensures equipment operates efficiently, cutting energy consumption by around 6.5%.
- Invest in smart technology: Automating energy use through smart systems can reduce waste and improve efficiency without needing manual intervention.
- Consider electric vehicles (EVs): Transitioning to electric vehicles can cut fuel costs and emissions. Installing charging stations onsite is a long-term investment that can future-proof your business as EV adoption increases.
As Cornwall Insight has warned, energy prices are likely to remain elevated for some time. These larger investments can help protect your business from sustained high costs while improving operational efficiency.
Building your energy efficiency roadmap
Creating a roadmap for energy efficiency is essential for long term success. By starting with small, low-cost actions and gradually moving toward more significant investments, manufacturers can reduce energy consumption and prepare for the ongoing challenges of a volatile energy market. Quick wins help fund medium term projects, which in turn pave the way for long term investments.
Given the forecast of continued high energy costs (The Times, October 2024), now is the time to take action. If you’re ready to begin your energy efficiency journey, our team at Troo is here to help. Contact us at [email protected] or 0808 164 2222.
Dean Hogg, Energy Manager, Troo Ltd
With over 20 years’ experience in the energy sector, Dean specialises in guiding clients through the complexities of the market. Focusing on renewables, compliance, and efficiency services, he uses his expertise to deliver straightforward, strategic solutions. Dean is committed to helping businesses achieve the best outcomes in an ever-changing energy landscape, making him a trusted and reliable partner for his clients.
T: 01917319804
E: [email protected]
For more articles like this, visit our Sustainability channel.