In recent years, commercial energy management has become a hot button topic for businesses and large scale organizations. Statistics compiled by the U.S. Energy Information Administrationshow that:

• In 2014, the U.S. accounted for 18 percent of the world's primary energy consumption, despite consisting of only 4.4 percent of the world's population.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates the average energy waste of a building to be 30 percent of the energy it consumes annually. 
• A study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimated commercial buildings could save nearly $60 billion by increasing energy efficiency by a mere 1 to 4 percent. 

Many owners do not realize the cost of energy and efficiency in running their businesses. That is a significant expenditure considering the different types of costs that small business owners have to contend with. That can include employee payroll, rental space, equipment, advertising, product development, and other organizational logistics. 

By committing to cut your energy consumption, you transition your business into an energy-efficient model. This means bigger profits, a more responsible company culture, and initiating corporate social responsibility (CSR) toward the environment.

What are some strategies for small businesses to implement commercial energy management in 2018?

1. Investing in ENERGY STAR certified commercial equipment is one of the first steps to creating an energy-efficient workspace. You can also use ENERGY STAR's Office Equipment Savings Calculator to see how much you have saved. From computers and printers to thermostats and ceiling fans, these products provide significant energy savings over standard models. For example, if every computer sold in the U.S. was ENERGY STAR certified, that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 billion pounds. This amounts to $1 billion in energy costs.

2. Planting trees may seem like an odd suggestion. However, research conducted by the San Diego Office of Sustainability shows that trees provide shade during the summers, and act as a wind break during winters. By just planting three trees strategically outside your commercial building, your energy bill can significantly come down.    

3. Renewable energy should play an important role in your energy strategy. In recent years, solar power has buffered the effects of rising energy costs and regulatory changes. Small businesses should take advantage of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC), a 30 percent federal tax credit for solar systems installed at commercial buildings. This tax credit has been extended through 2019, making it a perfect time to invest in solar power.   

4.Cloud computing is increasingly becoming an effective tool in commercial energy management. As a renewable and low carbon energy source, it practically eliminates the number of employees and equipment needed, as well as the duration required to employ their services. This means you only have to pay for the capacity you need at any particular time. A study by the Carbon Disclosure Project found that if a large scale food & beverage company moved its HR systems from a committed IT server room to the Cloud, the company could potentially cut their CO2 emissions by 30,000 metric tons over five years.