Part 3 : How to monitor and reduce your energy consumption ?
How to save money by reducing the energy used for heating and air conditioning?
16. First assess the most suitable heating system for your premises taking into account its constraints (size, ceiling height, space available on the walls, access to a terrace, use of the façade, etc.). You then have two options: a central heating system (e.g. boiler connection to radiators or fan coils) or a decentralised system (heat pump, etc.).
17. Choose a condensing boiler. It will save you about 25% on energy compared to an older boiler. Combined with radiators, K7s and/or fan coils (faster and smaller), it is the least expensive solution and provides the best quality/price ratio.
18. Or choose an air/air heat pump. This is also a good option because it doesn’t require space on the walls (for radiators). These systems are usually reversible and can also be used for cooling. While they cost more than a condensing boiler, the main benefit is the fact that you can cool your premises at a very low extra cost (for discharge pipes to take the condensation water to the sewer).
19. Close the door of your shop. A study carried out in Antwerp in 2015 and 2016 by Stadslab2015, Eandis and Unizo has demonstrated that customer footfall and sales do not suffer from a closed door. However, an open door has a large impact on energy consumption.
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Which materials should I choose to improve insulation (and reduce energy consumption)?
20. Invest in good insulation. The cheapest energy of all is the energy you don’t use!
21. Choose natural insulation made from cellulose, wood fibre, cork, hemp, flax, coconut fibre, etc.
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How to regulate the internal temperature of your shop ?
22. Set your “comfort” temperature based the type of shop and the intensity of work. Examples: 21° is the standard for a restaurant. It is around 17° for a supermarket and 23° to 25°C for fitting rooms.
Generally speaking, most people prefer a temperature between 19 et 25°C. Some of your customers will complain that they are too cold or too hot, but they are probably among the 5% of people who are never happy. Keep smiling, but don’t change all your settings just for them.
23. Install a thermostat on your heating system to manage the temperature efficiently and cost-effectively based on occupancy periods and the resulting needs. Fitting a device of this kind will enable you to save an average of 15% on heating.
If your boiler doesn’t have an external sensor, consider the outside temperature when setting your thermostat: excessive changes when walking through the door of a shop are always jarring and unpleasant. In summer, a 5°C difference with the outside temperature is enough to give customers a pleasant sensation of coolness; in winter, a temperature of 19°C is comfortable.
Don't hesitate to set you heating by area (store room, shop, fitting rooms, etc.) and the opening hours. Don’t forget to turn off the heat when you’re closed (nights, weekends, holidays). A 1°C decrease in heat in a room will result in an average energy savings of 7%.
How to make your shop bright and appealing, while reducing electricity bills?
24. Plan for enough lights to provide suitable lighting to highlight the products and provide visual comfort for people.
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25. Replace your old energy-hungry bulbs with new ones with the same or greater lighting power, but which use less energy (high-efficiency bulbs, LEDs, etc.). They are more expensive to buy but, their cost is largely offset by greater efficiency (lower consumption) and, therefore, by a much longer life (fewer replacements and maintenance). In addition, the bulbs generate a lot less heat, which means that you won’t have to put on the air conditioning during hot weather.
Take the test on the lighting consumption simulator
Want more information? Visit this page
26. Install a twilight sensor/dimmer if your shop has a significant amount of natural light. These sensors automatically adjust to the light intensity depending on the amount of natural light. The bulbs will only turn on if the flow of light from outside is not strong enough. Prioritising natural light provides significant savings.
More info? Visit the site Ecoconso.be
27. Use a little trickery, by hanging mirrors in your shop.As well as creating the illusion of space, they reflect and optimise the available light.
28. Here’s a tip...Lighting wholesalers offer free, personalised surveys, showcasing the latest innovations and allowing you to visualise the end result.
29. Why is lighting so important? Remember that lighting not only draws attention to your products, but also makes colours and materials stand out. Light generates emotions, stimulates the senses and helps give your shop its identity and personality. Modern lighting techniques allow us to create different atmospheres, which can spark a desire to buy. It is therefore a key strategic element in your store design (read our full energy guide - upcoming).
