Utilities are an obvious area to focus on when developing a strategy to reduce your practice carbon
footprint, and there are often 'quick-wins' to be achieved. Best Foot Forward recommends focusing on
demand side measures such as energy efficiency measures first before
considering supply side options, through initiatives such as “green tariff” purchasing or small scale renewable energy generation (e.g. solar panels). Supply side initiatives are discussed on the renewables page. The diagram below sets out some of the options you could choose to investigate. Demand sideDemand side energy management focuses on reducing your need for energy. A range of low or zero capital cost opportunities are generally available in a typical office or practice.
Energy AuditFirstly, a basic energy audit should be done. This can be achieved in a basic “walk round” to identify the following:
MonitoringMonitoring power usage is an important tool in reducing energy consumption, as it raises awareness of key areas of consumption and so encourages energy efficiency. Energy consumption for major areas of the premises should be monitored on an ongoing basis. Energy suppliers frequently make electricity monitors available to their customers for free, contact yours to enquire. |