Check out these five ways to get true energy savings and building sustainability. Buildings consume the most energy in the country, even while empty.

1. Top 5 Ways to Get to True Energy Savings & Building
Sustainability
bosscontrols.com/top-5-ways-get-true-energy-savings-building-sustainability/
Today’s commercial buildings are feeling the pressure to implement sustainable processes and get on the
path toward true energy savings.
In fact, buildings consume the most energy in the country. Even when buildings are empty – which is
about 72% of the time – they continue to use energy. Think about how that shrinks your budget. Powering
these facilities is costing billions of dollars every year.
With numbers like those, it’s no wonder facility managers and management teams are looking for ways to
tighten up their consumption and find true energy savings. Where there are electricity and energy savings,
there are considerable cost savings.
To start truly saving in your facility, start with these 5 steps. [Tweet this.]
1. Turn Off Electrical Devices When Not In Use
Because your building is continuing to suck up energy, even when no one is around, the first thing you
must do is turn off electrical devices. Get into the habit of turning off electrical devices when they’re not in
use.
This doesn’t just mean shut off the lights when you leave the building. Think bigger. Take all your office
equipment into consideration.
1. Implement Intelligent Energy Controls
If the thought of powering down and unplugging every piece of equipment at closing time was a bit
daunting, have no fear. Luckily, energy efficiency controls do just that for you without all the hassle.
For example, BOSS Smart Plugs use smart software called Atmospheres™ to automatically turn off plug
loads. The software even allows you to monitor and control every plug load in your facility remotely from a
tablet, smart phone or computer. With that kind of control at your fingertips, you can turn your plug loads on
or off at any time. You can set them on a schedule to turn off at night and power back up before the start of
business.
Smart plug load controls like BOSS Smart Plugs ensure that your building isn’t wasting energy when
nobody’s around to use it, which guarantees upwards of 30% in annual electricity savings. [Tweet this.]
1. Utilize Energy Efficient Products
Lighting, cooling, and heating are the primary uses of energy in your building. Advances in product
technologies have resulted in dramatic reductions in the amount of energy utilized. For example, CFLs and
LEDs have significant reductions in energy consumption compared to incandescent lights, with an added
benefit of longer life and lower maintenance costs.Implementing equipment upgrades with energy efficient
products reduces your energy and operating costs. Depending upon your electric utility provider, you may
be able to obtain utility incentives or on-bill financing to reduce your out of pocket costs.

2. 1. Utilize Decentralized Power or
Micro-grids
With decentralized or distributed power systems,
electricity is made close to where it’s needed,
rather than at large, faraway plants. Since the
distance the energy must travel is shorter, there
are less transmission losses and less carbon
emissions. Plus, the price is extremely competitive
compared to traditional energy. By implementing
onsite power generation (e.g., via combined
heat/power systems, solar, etc.) your facility can
gain significant operating benefits.
A micro-grid connects buildings to traditional power
sources. However, a micro-grid is capable of
breaking off of that larger power grid and operating
on its own. Micro-grids are better equipped to
handle loads of energy without unnecessary
losses. When utilizing onsite power generation, consider whether a micro-grid approach makes sense
given your business continuity needs and the likelihood of an extended outage such as a hurricane.
1. Find a Power Balance
Every building is different, so you need to find which balance between utilizing local clean power
generation or a 100% utility generated. Find what works best for your facility based on your energy,
sustainability, and operational needs.
1. Educate Your Workforce
Definitely get the entire team onboard! The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy says that
“improving organizational energy efficiency requires commitment at all levels, from top management to
maintenance personnel, but the benefits are worth the effort.”
And it’s true. Implement energy efficiency programs and provide regular feedback on the progress of
savings your facility sees. If you embed energy efficiency practices into the culture of your team, you’ll see
better results.
Questions About Energy Savings Solutions? BOSS Can Help.
BOSS helps to make buildings more efficient and sustainable every day. We want to help you intelligently
consume energy.
Business owners and facility operations teams trust us to deliver next generation, intelligent energy
management. They appreciate our growing product line, innovation, and our continuing commitment to
bringing energy-smart, green and environmental solutions to market. We are motivated by creating
savings and turning off devices.
With a customer-centered approach, we are working for you, the business owner. That’s our commitment
to bringing the 21st Century electric grid to the marketplace. It all starts with smart buildings. Contact us

3. today.