4 Energy Efficiency Upgrades That Boost Worker Productivity

Looking to boost the productivity of your workforce? Try investing in energy efficiency. While many companies focus on conventional approaches to increasing worker productivity — such as training and incentives — the physical environment should not be overlooked. Many energy-saving measures have the added benefit of helping create a safer, healthier and more comfortable workplace. Here are four energy efficiency upgrades that can also help make your staff more productive.

1. Air-source heat pumps

Older, inefficient HVAC systems can increase energy costs and reduce comfort. By upgrading to a newer, high-performance system, you can save on energy costs and improve your indoor environment. Electric air-source heat pumps extract heat from the air to provide energy-efficient space conditioning and humidity control year-round. Heat pumps are also cleaner, with none of the onsite combustion emissions associated with natural gas heating systems. For more information on incentives for HVAC energy efficiency upgrades visit our Business Offerings for Sustainable Solutions (BOSS) webpage.

2. LED lighting

Energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs and controls, can create a brighter and more productive work environment while also reducing energy costs. LEDs are not only more efficient than commonly used fluorescent lights, but they also provide better light quality, which can help improve employee focus, reduce errors and increase safety. To see if your business qualifies for free energy efficiency upgrades visit the Commercial Direct Install Program (CDI) webpage or call 1-877-714-1254.

3. Daylighting /Human-centric lighting controls

Exposure to natural light can improve mood, cognitive function and circadian rhythm alignment, while poor lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches and decreased productivity. By implementing daylight sensors and controls, you can take advantage of natural light to optimize your indoor environment while reducing energy costs for artificial lighting. There are even lights that can mimic the wavelengths in daylight on cloudy or dark days to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

4. Weatherizing windows and doors

Air leaking through windows and exterior doors can create uneven temperatures in your workspace, reducing worker comfort while increasing your HVAC energy costs. By sealing those leaks with caulk or weatherstripping, you can create a more comfortable and productive workplace while lowering your energy bills. If your windows are older, consider replacing them with new, high-performance models, which are significantly more energy efficient.

With these measures in place, your business can reap the benefits of increased productivity and lower energy bills. Take it a step further and hire a qualified professional to perform an energy audit of your facility. After an inspection, you'll receive a customized set of recommendations to further improve the energy efficiency of your workplace.