• Commercial buildings account for 17% of energy consumption in the US and over 40% when fuel sources are included.
• Businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $400-500 for smaller offices, with larger ones paying thousands monthly.
• Electric costs can be reduced through energy-efficient measures such as LED lightbulbs, occupancy sensors, and power strips.
• Water costs can be reduced by installing low-flow toilets and faucets throughout your building.
• Heating and cooling costs can be reduced by switching to more efficient models, properly insulating windows, and using shades or curtains during peak hours of sunlight.
If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, you know that running an office can be expensive. From rent to payroll, so many costs are associated with keeping your office running smoothly. However, one cost often overlooked is utility costs—the energy needed to keep your lights on, air conditioners, and other vital equipment operating. The average cost is around $2 per square meter, making it quite expensive for huge offices. Here’s a look into the high utility costs of offices in the U.S., how they’ve changed over time, and how businesses can reduce their energy consumption and save money on their monthly bills.
The Scope of Office Energy Consumption in the U.S.
It’s no secret that office buildings consume a lot of energy yearly. According to the EPA, commercial buildings account for 17% of all energy consumed in the United States—an estimated 3 billion dollars worth of electricity annually! This doesn’t even consider natural gas and other fuel sources used by offices; when these are considered, it’s estimated that commercial buildings use over 40% of all energy consumed in the country annually!
The Cost of Energy Consumption for Businesses
As you might expect, this high level of energy consumption translates into higher utility bills for businesses across the United States. The average monthly bill for a small business is around $400-500 depending on its size and location; larger companies can easily see upwards of thousands of dollars per month! Furthermore, with monthly electric rates continuing to rise year after year as energy providers update their tariffs and add new fees, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to keep up with rising costs—especially those who don’t have access to renewable sources like solar or wind power.
How Companies Can Reduce Their Utility Costs
Fortunately, there are ways for companies to reduce their utility costs without sacrificing comfort or productivity levels within their offices.
Electricity Costs
Electricity costs are one of the most expensive utilities for any office space. Depending on your location and usage habits, electricity can be one of your highest monthly expenses as a business owner.
To keep costs low, consider implementing energy efficiency measures such as LED lightbulbs, occupancy sensors for lighting systems, and energy-saving power strips for computers and other electronics. Moreover, using natural light can drastically reduce your need for artificial lighting. One way to do this is by adding natural skylights to your office. A skylight is a great way to brighten up any space and save money on electricity bills.
Additionally, many utility companies offer incentives for businesses to switch to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to reduce their carbon footprint while keeping cost savings in mind.
Water Costs
Water is another essential utility necessary to run an office space, but it can also be costly if not managed properly. An easy way to cut back on water costs is by installing low-flow toilets and faucets throughout your building which will help conserve water without sacrificing performance or comfort.
In addition to this, some companies offer water filtration systems that can provide clean drinking water at a fraction of the cost compared to buying bottled water from a store each month.
Heating & Cooling Costs
Heating and cooling are another significant expense for offices in regions with extreme temperatures during different parts of the year. To reduce this expense, consider switching out old air conditioning units with more efficient models that use less energy while providing better climate control indoors.
Additionally, you should ensure that all windows are properly insulated and sealed to prevent drafts from entering the building, which could lead to higher monthly heating or cooling bills. Finally, consider installing shades or curtains on windows during peak hours of sunlight to reduce cooling costs during hot summer months when air conditioning runs continuously throughout the day.
Utility costs are an unavoidable part of doing business in the 21st century—but they don’t have to be cripplingly expensive! By reducing your company’s energy consumption, you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills without sacrificing comfort or productivity levels within your office space. With this knowledge now, take some time today to review your current setup and begin making changes where needed; doing so could save you hundreds (if not thousands) on your next electric bill!
