UTILITIES
at night . Most office lighting can be switched off too . Basic dumb timers can do the job , although a better option is centrally managed load controllers that let you quickly adapt to changing conditions .
6 . Just when required
Don ’ t leave anything running unless it ’ s needed . Install load controllers on your meeting room air conditioners , for example . This , combined with a room occupancy sensor , means you only consume power when necessary .
7 . Manage your physical environment
Look at your office design and make it more efficient . For example , use less electric lighting and more natural lighting options such as light pipes . You could also put in draught-doors to reduce your heating and cooling costs .
8 . Implement Small-Scale Embedded Generation ( SSEG )
In South Africa , SSEG is generally either generator sets or solar PV . Generators are a useful stopgap , but their energy is very expensive per kWh . The price of solar systems is falling , although pent-up demand is keeping costs high , so shop around and make sure that you ’ re talking to an installer with strong credentials and a solid ( referenceable ) track record .
9 . Apply load management to your SSEG
By managing your loads using even a basic Building Energy Management system , you can reduce the size of the inverter and batteries you need , while also ensuring that it is not tripped by overloading . You can optimise this when you use energy to “ sweat the sun ” – in other words , don ’ t waste sunlight by starting the day with full batteries .
10 . Consider the impact of energy security on your business
Electricity costs come directly off the bottom line , but reduced productivity , damage to equipment or machines and not being reliably open for business all have a more serious negative impact – this must be understood to successfully navigate our energy crisis .
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50 FEB 2023 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine