We're usually more inclined to be concerned about increasing our home's energy efficiency because high heating and cooling costs can take a large bite out of your family's budget. The same vigilance should be taken with a small business. Even if you are are not the owner, the effects of high energy costs will ultimately trickle down to you as an employee.

In an interview with The Guardian, a British Newspaper, Fraser Milne, the manager of a small engineering firm in Scotland said that while he has tried to make the business more energy efficient by rewiring circuits and installing LED bulbs, ultimately employees will have to do their part as well to bring down costs. 

"The main problem we're up against is that people don't always think about the electricity bill when they're at work because it's not their bill,"  Milne told the source. "We're finding though that the most receptive people are our younger workers because they just get the whole idea of reducing energy and carbon footprints."

On its website, the U.S. Small Business Association provides a list of suggestions for improving energy efficiency including: 

• Disconnect light fixtures not in use
• Inspect your HVAC system for leaks and obstructions
• Install a programmable thermostat that brings down the temperature during unoccupied times
• Replace old refrigerators and freezers
• Take advantage of ambient or day lighting
• Use energy-efficient office equipment and computers
• Use less water. 

If you are interested in bringing down your business' energy costs by making renovations or installing new heating and cooling system, be sure to contact a company that performs commercial inspections before starting any major modifications.