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According to the Energy Star Guide for Restaurants, energy efficiency is a sound business practice that improves profitability, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves natural resources. And no one could have said it better.
The organization has put together a guide that aims to help restaurant owners like you save on energy and electrical costs. In the long run, these savings do not only translate to increased efficiency and profit. It also shows that you are a responsible business owner who takes part in saving our planet.
Restaurants generally consume more energy per square meter than other commercial establishments. Research done by Energy Star showed that restaurants use at least 5 times more energy than offices and retail stores. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) can even use twice as much. More often than not, the high demand for energy in restaurants is due to the use of kitchen equipment which is built for rigorous commercial cooking.
Planning out saving procedures is the best way to minimize ballooning costs of these utility expenses. To avoid sacrificing the productivity of your kitchen and the quality of foods, restaurant owners should also consider investing in energy efficient kitchen equipment. These are sound investments for both short and long term.
Follow these cost saving tips from the Energy Star Guide for Restaurants to maximize saving potentials.
1. Select ENERGY STAR qualified appliances
When buying new kitchen equipment, it is always best to think about the long term gains or losses you might experience. Paying a price which is slightly higher upfront for an energy-efficient unit can be compensated by the savings you will be able to make using that.
2. Cut idle time
Leaving any equipment or lighting fixtures on when not in use can create produce unnecessary expenses. Aside from reflecting on your monthly electricity bill, keep them on can also affect the life cycle of these units. Make sure to create a startup/shutdown plan to monitor energy consumption and equipment use.
3. Maintain and repair
Malfunctioning units such as freezer doors that do not close become instant energy leaks. Though they may seem too little to cause any problem, these minute details can have big impacts in your operation costs and energy consumption. Don’t let these daily wear and tear swell up your energy bills when you can do something about them.
4. Cook wisely
Again, planning is the key. Check your menu for meals that can be cooked using more energy efficient equipment. You may opt to use ovens over rotisseries or griddles instead of broilers.
5. Recalibrate to stay efficient
Maintain the performance of your equipment through regular recalibrations and performance checks. These units can fail, fall out of calibration or readjust due to regular use.
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