A new year is coming, and it's a time when everyone is looking forward. It's also a perfect time to take a step back and look at your operations and find ways to do business better. Here are four resolutions that can help you improve your operations, increase your bottom and do business more sustainably in new year and beyond.
1. Lose the energy losses
Energy is a cost of doing business, and wasting energy is wasting money. Walk around your facility and look for signs of energy waste. Are lights and equipment left on after hours? Are windows and doors properly sealed? Once you have the answers, you can take steps to better manage your energy use. Simple steps might include weatherizing your building envelope or installing lighting controls in restrooms or other spaces with varying occupancy.
Consider a business energy audit. A qualified auditor will inspect your facility and provide you with a targeted set of cost-saving recommendations.
2. Get smart
The use of smart devices is growing quickly, and the technology is advancing rapidly. Now is a great time for your business to jump in. Smart thermostats are a great place to start. They can automatically adjust comfort levels based on your schedule and provide you with remote control. Some models also provide advanced features, such as self-programming and uniform temperature control. Smart power strips and smart plugs automatically cut power to plugged-in devices when they're not being used.
Other smart devices can improve your operations. Smart printers know when to order ink, so you'll never run out. With smart locks, you can give entry codes to employees, revoke access and even lock and unlock doors — all from your smartphone or computer.
3. Go electric
With increasing concerns about the environment, there's never been a better time to make the switch from fuel-fired equipment to high-efficiency electric devices increasingly powered by clean, renewable energy. Electric technologies for your business may include:
- Heat pumps provide high-efficiency year-round space conditioning and water heating with no onsite emissions.
- Electric vehicles have significantly improved in range and performance, and they produce no tailpipe. They're a great choice for businesses with fleet vehicles.
- Electric food service equipment provides many of the same performance benefits as natural gas equipment, without potentially dangerous open flames and harmful workspace emissions.
4. Improve your indoor environment
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has always been important, but it's become more of a focus of concern as businesses look to make their facilities healthier, more comfortable and more productive. Common causes of IAQ issues include inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants and biological contaminants — such as bacteria, viruses, mold and pollen. Simple steps to solving IAQ problems include:
- Ensure airflow. Keep vents free from blockage by furniture or equipment and position partitions or other barriers so that they don't restrict air distribution.
- Remove pollutants. Vent contaminant source emissions outdoors. Move cleaning agents and other potential pollutant sources to well-ventilated areas.
- Clear the air. Particulate control devices range from furnace filters to high-performance air filters that capture tiny particles.
If indoor air problems persist, contact a qualified HVAC professional.
By committing to implementing and keeping these resolutions, you can help make next year your best business year ever.
