With increasing energy costs, conservation is no longer an option; it is a necessity.

Estimates show that nearly 80% of the energy used in a commercial kitchen is wasted through inefficient equipment. Many of these inefficiencies can be reduced or eliminated through more mindful practices, like regular equipment maintenance or using natural lighting.

Though the initial investment may seem a bit daunting, the payback periods are relatively short, and any energy savings beyond the payback will just put more money in your pocket. You will also want to check with your local utilities company because several cities are offering rebates for the purchase of energy efficient equipment.

When considering ways to reduce your environmental impact through conservation, there is no better place to start than using less electricity.

Burning coal accounts for 57% of the electricity generated in the United States. Unfortunately, coal is very dirty. Of the entire electric industry, coal burning accounts for:

• 93% of the sulfur dioxide emissions
• 80% of the nitrogen oxide emissions
• 73% of the carbon dioxide emissions

By reducing or being more efficient in your electricity use, your restaurant can do its part in preventing tons of these poisonous gases from entering the atmosphere. Reducing energy consumption will also bring you closer to becoming a Certified Green Commercial Kitchen™.

Perform regular equipment maintenance.
Dirty or worn out equipment parts can lead to increased energy consumption. Checking for leaks, replacing worn out gaskets and cleaning are a few simple tasks that can save a lot of money if done on a regular basis. » Learn More Reduce preheating and stand alone times.
Rather than turning on all of your cooking equipment in the morning and leaving it on all day, follow the manufacturer's specifications on minimum preheat time. Also, during off-peak hours, turn off unused items or set them to standby mode to save money. Use ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment.
ENERGY STAR is a government program that establishes energy efficiency standards on several pieces of restaurant equipment. Purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products not only reduces your energy bill but brings you closer to becoming a Certified Green Commercial Kitchenâ„¢ too. See Qualifying Products Replace light bulbs and lighted signs.
Switching out standard fluorescent and incandescent lights with more energy efficient bulbs can equal several hundreds of dollars in annual energy savings.
» Learn More Check the ductwork.
Cracked or separated ductwork can greatly increase your energy consumption. A simple flashlight and step ladder are the only tools you need to make sure your air is flowing properly. » Learn More Fix all water leaks.
It takes energy to heat your water. So a leaky faucet costs money on two fronts, both in water wasted and energy used to heat that water.