3 Surprising Facts About How Much Energy Businesses Consume

Of course businesses need energy to run, but how much do they really need? Our planet has plentiful, but limited resources, and most industries are consuming more energy than necessary, thus depleting the world’s resources.

With increasing technology and clean, renewable energy on the rise, companies should start to be more aware of how much energy they consume, how their consumption impacts the planet, and the massive benefits they can gain from going green. Here are 3 surprising facts about how much energy businesses consume.

1. How Much Energy Industries Are Actually Consuming

The most commonly used energy sources include electricity, natural gas, petroleum, coal, and renewable sources. Industrial complexes tend to use fossil fuels and renewable energy for providing heat, water, and raw material production to their buildings. Gas usage varies between businesses depending on the type of industry. Buildings in the food industry use a lot of gas to power stoves, ovens, dishwashers, and other kitchen equipment, whereas a small thrift shop only needs to power lights and ventilation.

For lighting, electronics, and machinery, electricity is the main energy source, and most industries buy their electricity from independent companies. For a closer look at the numbers:

• A micro business consumes between 5,000 kWh and 15,000 kWh of electricity per year.
• A small business consumes between 15,000 kWh and 25,000 kWh per year.
• A medium business consumes between 30,000 kWh and 50,000 kWh per year.
• And a large business consumes over 100,000 kWh per year.

2. Energy Consumption is Destroying the Planet

With climate change covering today’s headlines, businesses should pay attention to how their energy usage affects the planet. It has been proven that burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas causes the release of carbon dioxide, ozone, and other harmful gases into the atmosphere, thus speeding up climate change.

Businesses must attempt to reduce energy consumption whenever possible, in hopes of protecting the environment.

Most companies derive their energy from power plants, which harm the planet in numerous ways. For example, power plants often release sulfur oxide into the air, which can lead to respiratory illnesses or create acid rain. Other emissions from power plants include particulate matter, mercury, and other dangerous metals. These materials create smog, air pollution, and lead to bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, and other ailments in living beings.

Clean energy alternatives are increasing in popularity, including hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels, and wind turbines. Companies like Tesla, Solar City, and Solar Roadways are making headway in the field of clean energy.

3. How Much Money Business Could Actually Save While Going Green

With a bit of careful planning and effort, businesses can save money on energy while decreasing environmental damage. According to MachineSense Power Analyzer, most power inefficiencies in industrial complexes are caused due to lack of attention and research regarding outdated or broken machinery.

Simple adjustments can increase energy efficiency, such as investing in an energy monitor or management software that put energy levels into visuals for easier interpretation. Energy consumption monitoring technologies are currently on the rise – from household water boilers to industrial machines. Companies can also improve their efficiency with industrial packaging supplies.

Businesses can also make the effort to better manage their energy spending and switch to environmentally-friendly technologies. Using LED light bulbs, always shutting off all lights, turning off all computers and electronics completely, using more energy-efficient equipment, enhancing insulation to reduce heating costs, and relying on natural lighting to avoid spending money artificial lights are all great methods.