Optimise your energy usage with a weekly walkaround and start saving on hidden costs!

In today’s fast-paced world, managing energy consumption is not only environmentally responsible, but also crucial for controlling operational costs. A simple yet effective strategy to achieve this is conducting a weekly energy walkaround. This proactive approach helps you stay on top of your energy usage, identify wastage and implement immediate savings.

Why conduct an energy walkaround?

Energy-saving opportunities can be broadly divided into two main categories: building and plant-related projects and good housekeeping practices. Good housekeeping alone can save between 5% to 10% on your energy bills. Regularly walking around your site helps you spot and act on these opportunities swiftly.

Key areas to focus on:

1. Heating

Heating typically accounts for around 60% of your energy usage. To minimise wastage, focus on:

• Improving building fabric: Enhance insulation by filling cavity walls, installing double glazing and draught-proofing doors and windows.
• No-cost measures: Ensure radiators and heaters are unobstructed, and that doors and windows are kept closed to prevent heat loss. Optimising heating schedules and reducing temperatures by just 1°C can yield substantial savings. Encourage staff to dress appropriately and consider providing blankets instead of using portable heaters.
• Proper thermostat use: Avoid using thermostats as on/off switches. Set them to maintain consistent temperatures and position them away from heat sources like machinery or photocopiers.

2. Ventilation and cooling

Uncontrolled ventilation can be a significant energy drain. To manage this:

• Smart cooling practices: Use blinds or open windows instead of air conditioning whenever possible. Ensure heating and cooling systems are not operating simultaneously.
• Air conditioning efficiency: Regular TM44 inspections can improve air conditioning efficiency. For example, cleaning a clogged system can save up to 20% of running costs.
• Extractor fans: Turn off extractor fans when not in use to prevent heat loss.

3. Lighting

Lighting contributes around 13% to your energy bills. Improve efficiency by:

• Encouraging good habits: Ensure lights are switched off in unoccupied rooms or when natural light is sufficient.
• Automating with sensors: Install passive infrared sensors in areas with low footfall to automate lighting.
• Maintenance: Keep windows, skylights and light fittings clean to maximise light output.
• Upgrading to LED: Transitioning to LED lighting reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs.

ICT Equipment:

Ensuring that all ICT equipment is switched off when not in use –- rather than left on standby –- can also yield significant savings. Upgrading to energy-efficient technology benefits both the environment and your budget. Donating old equipment to charities can also support those in need.

How can we help?

A comprehensive site energy survey by the Zenergi team identifies potential improvements in your energy management. This audit delves deep into how energy is used across your site(s), offering a detailed project register of energy-saving measures. Each measure includes quantified costs, potential savings and the estimated return on investment.

Implementing the identified low-cost and no-cost measures can often repay the audit investment within a year. Zenergi also offers further training and support to help embed these improvements, ensuring sustainable energy management practices become second nature within your school.

Energy management is an ongoing process. Regular training helps maintain awareness and prevents the recurrence of bad habits,; ensuring you continue to optimise energy usage and save on costs.

Take the first step towards energy efficiency today!

Don’t wait to start saving. Schedule your comprehensive energy audit with Zenergi and begin your journey towards a more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable future.