By Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer for the City of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA – With fall just around the corner, now is the ideal time for Alexandria businesses to reassess how they use energy—and how they can capture savings. Simple steps can reduce expenses for any type of business—whether you own a storefront or operate a full-scale restaurant. Through the City of Alexandria’s Eco-City Business program, business owners are learning how to improve the climate and their bottom line.
Energy use varies by business type, but the opportunities for savings are generally consistent across the board.
Where Energy Goes in Retail:
- HVAC: 45%
- Lighting: 35%
- Appliances & Equipment: 20%
In most retail shops, heating and cooling take up nearly half of total energy usage. That’s why fall is a great time to service your HVAC system. Replacing old filters, sealing duct leaks, and installing programmable thermostats can lead to noticeable savings.
Lighting is another big opportunity. Swapping outdated bulbs for LED lighting and adding motion sensors or timers can cut energy bills significantly. Take advantage of natural daylight by opening window coverings during business hours.
As for appliances, small devices like point-of-sale systems, coffee makers, and monitors can collectively account for 20% of your energy use. Turn off or unplug devices when not in use or use advanced power strips to save energy. Choose ENERGY STAR-rated products when upgrading.
Where Energy Goes in Restaurants:
- Appliances: 50%
- HVAC: 30%
- Refrigeration: 10%
- Lighting: 10%
For restaurants, kitchen appliances consume the most energy by far. Regular maintenance—like cleaning vents and calibrating equipment—can improve performance, reduce energy waste, and improve your air quality! Look for the ENERGY STAR label when replacing any appliances.
Don’t overlook HVAC systems, especially in open kitchen designs. Zoned systems, weather stripping, and programmable thermostats can all help. For refrigeration, ensure units are at the correct temperature, keep doors closed, and defrost regularly. And LED lighting and natural daylight go a long way.
Free Help Is Available
So how do you start? Join the City’s Eco-City Business Program (https://www.alexandriava.gov/climate-action/eco-city-business-program). This free program provides support to local businesses and the opportunity to network together. Participating businesses also receive promotion from the city and have access to the broader network of Eco-City Businesses. Signing up via the online form takes less than 5 minutes.
Dominion Energy offers free energy assessments as part of their Building Engagement Program. Experts will walk through your facility, review your bills, analyze usage patterns, and offer specific strategies with estimated savings. There are also rebates for energy-efficient lighting through the Commercial Lighting Systems & Controls Program. Contractors will review your current lighting, update or install new fixtures, and help you apply for the rebate.
Get Started
To schedule your free energy assessment and access other support, contact any of the following professionals:
- Eco-City Business Program: [email protected]
- Dominion Energy Building Engagement Program: [email protected]
- Dominion Energy Commercial Lighting Program: [email protected]
Saving energy is a win for your business—and the environment.
Eco-City promotes, educates, and coordinates climate initiatives across the City of Alexandria along with many other local sustainability champions.
