All Ontarians love the greenbelt. It’s a part of our provincial heritage. With that passion comes a deep concern for the environment and sustainability. However, suppose your audio-visual systems are old, outdated, or mismatched. In that case, you might suffer from electrical overuse and not even know it.
Reducing costs with energy-efficient audio-visual systems is the right move. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also better for your team, clients, and bottom line.
This article will explore how energy efficiency relates to audio-visual equipment, some benefits of implementing new and properly matched systems, and what you can do today to make your workplace and client experience better and more environmentally sound (no pun intended). Let’s get started.
The Environmental Impact of Outdated Audio-Visual Systems
Modern technology gets smaller and more refined the more we innovate it. Just think about an old desktop computer that’s left on. Even the most basic system might run 150 watts when idle. Multiply that by 8,760 hours a year, and that old machine running in a corner can use as much as 4,730,400,000 joules of energy in a year – At idle!
Now, let’s talk about televisions and screens. Maybe your business uses older screens to display information to your team and clients. In fact, according to former technical advisor John Robson, when asked, “Do old televisions use more electricity?”
“In the main, yes, as they had tubes/valves that required power to heat their filaments from a 6 volt rail supplied from a transformer. The tubes/valves also required a high voltage to run the electronics and the cathode ray tube needed filament element power as well as about 20,000 volts of low current to activate the electrostatic properties of the CRT. Modern TVs use transistor technology and LED screens and others which use far less current.” (Source: Quora)
Old equipment uses more power to operate. More power means more electricity generation, typically not great for our environment. Furthermore, the disposal of old technology requires modern facilities to reclaim the precious metals and hazardous elements of older tech.
Considering the carbon footprint of power generation, it stands to reason that newer equipment built with efficiency in mind will always be a better choice than older, energy-consuming equipment.
Actionable Tip: Conduct an energy audit of your current systems. Look at what’s in use, for how long, and the energy requirements. I’m sure you’ll be shocked at how much energy waste you find.
The Cost Factor: Operational Expenses
Let’s get back to some familiar numbers—an outdated computer running several screens with ads and information for clients that uses 150 watts of power. Suppose we multiply that by 3 to include off-hours when the monitors are running for no reason other than no one wants to turn them on in the morning, for example. In that case, we get a system pulling 450 watts of power for a relatively small visual application.
If we assume a rate of 0.45 kW per hour and the average rate of $0.26/kWh for electricity and multiply the usage by the number of hours in a year, we get a $1,024.92 cost per year. That’s just one small system. What happens when it’s a whole building full of different power consumers?
Actionable Tip: Run a cost-benefit analysis, factoring in energy bills, maintenance, and client satisfaction. Does your system pay for itself through the benefits it provides?
Technological Advancements: More Than Just Saving Energy
The latest in audio-visual technology is usually magnitudes more efficient than previous generations. However, one place you’ll see the most significant change is power consumption by screens and lighting. According to the US Department of Energy, LEDs use up to 90% less energy. Furthermore, they also last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent.
Features of many new audio-visual technologies come with energy-saving features built into the software. Scheduled advertising controllers and timed sleep modes enable many new audio-visual technologies to ‘rest’ when it’s not time to use them.
Actionable Tip: Research your organization’s needs and let Century AV help you design a new energy-efficient audio-visual system that offers both operational and energy benefits.
Case Study: Success Stories in Canada
Several companies in Canada are leading the way with their green and environment-friendly practices. From BluEarth Renewables in the utilities sector to the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch, organizations across this great nation are choosing greener, more sustainable alternatives. Why should your audio-visual equipment get a free pass?
Actionable Tip: Contact Century AV today and learn how to upgrade your audio-visual with a multi-featured energy-efficient solution.
Implementation: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to make the switch to energy-efficient audio-visual systems? Let’s not waste another moment. Here’s your step-by-step roadmap for a smooth, cost-effective, and sustainable transition:
Step 1: Conduct an In-depth Audit
- Why: Knowing is half the battle. Understand your existing audio-visual setup and identify what needs an upgrade.
- Actionable Tip: Hire a professional audio-visual technician from Century AV to evaluate your systems. They’ll point out the energy hogs and suggest immediate improvements.
Step 2: Establish Your Budget
- Why: Financial planning is crucial for a smooth transition.
- Actionable Tip: Meet with your finance team and determine a reasonable budget for the upgrade, considering long-term ROI and any available government incentives.
Step 3: Assemble a Project Team
- Why: Cross-departmental input will result in a more effective upgrade.
- Actionable Tip: Create a multidisciplinary team involving IT, Finance, and Operations to oversee the implementation.
Step 4: Choose the Right Vendors
- Why: Quality and compatibility matter when it comes to your new systems.
- Actionable Tip: Request proposals from multiple vendors and scrutinize their product specs, client testimonials, and sustainability credentials.
Step 5: Develop an Implementation Timeline
- Why: A well-organized timeline ensures minimal disruption to your operations.
- Actionable Tip: Include key milestones like vendor selection, equipment arrival, installation, and testing. Ensure all departments are aware of this timeline.
Step 6: Installation & Quality Assurance
- Why: Proper installation and testing are vital to ensuring your new systems work as they should.
- Actionable Tip: Supervise the installation process. Once complete, run a series of quality assurance tests to verify that all systems are functional and energy-efficient.
Step 7: Train Your Team
- Why: New equipment requires new skills.
- Actionable Tip: Organize training sessions to acquaint your team with the new systems. Make sure they understand how to use them effectively and responsibly.
Step 8: Long-term Maintenance and Monitoring
- Why: Continuous improvement is the name of the game.
- Actionable Tip: Set up regular check-ins to assess the system’s performance and energy consumption. Make adjustments as needed to optimize for both efficiency and effectiveness.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’re not just investing in state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment but also embracing a sustainable and cost-effective future for your corporation. Now, seize the initiative and kick-start your path to an energy-efficient transition.
Actionable Tip: Draft a detailed implementation plan, from vendor selection to long-term maintenance.
Government Incentives and Tax Benefits
There’s nothing quite as lovely as having the government cover part of the costs of a project, right? There aren’t too many payouts to help us, but there are a few you might qualify for. Whether you’re a small business or an industrial giant, Ontario has a range of programs to help manage your energy expenditures. Ontario offers: (Source: Manage energy costs for your business, Government of Ontario website).
For Industrial and Commercial Businesses:
- Comprehensive Electricity Plan: Lower electricity costs for businesses via reduced Global Adjustment charges since January 1, 2021.
- Clean Energy Credit Registry: Buy and retire clean energy credits to meet your sustainability goals.
- Industrial Conservation Initiative: Reduce peak electricity consumption to lower your bills. Enrollment varies based on demand levels.
- Capacity Auction: Earn revenue by making capacity available in the electricity system via annual auctions.
- Northern Energy Advantage Program: Rebates of 2 cents per kWh for specific industries in Northern Ontario consuming 50,000 MWh/year or more.
For Small Businesses and Institutions:
- Retrofit Program: Incentives to upgrade lighting, HVAC, and automation.
- Lighting for Small Businesses: Free lighting assessment and up to $2,000 in incentives for businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
- Energy Manager Program: Assistance in identifying energy-saving opportunities and applying for Save on Energy incentives.
- Energy Performance Program: Earn incentives for sustained energy savings and increased productivity.
For Indigenous Businesses:
- First Nations Community Buildings Retrofit Program: Your indigenous business could earn up to $100,000 per community for energy-efficient upgrades.
Additional Resources:
- Ontario Electricity Rebate: Your organization could get an 11.7% rebate on electricity bills for eligible small businesses and farms.
- Net Metering: Use the grid when needed and earn credits for excess power returned to the grid.
Federal Resources:
Government of Canada: Technology and innovation: Financial support
Government of Canada: Energy Innovation Program
Before taking any steps, consult with experts in the field to verify eligibility and fully understand the application processes for each program.
The Bottom Line
To improve your bottom line and environmental impact, upgrading your audio-visual systems to energy-efficient models is a wise investment. From identifying energy hogs in your current systems to leveraging government incentives, there are multiple routes to make this transition smooth and cost-effective.
Businesses across Ontario are already reaping the benefits—don’t get left behind. Implement new technologies that are both operationally and environmentally beneficial.
Ready to level up your company’s audio-visual capabilities while doing right by the planet? You don’t have to do it alone—Century AV has the expertise to help you make an informed, efficient choice that suits your needs.
Don’t hesitate; time is of the essence. Contact Century AV today to explore how your company can benefit from state-of-the-art, energy-efficient audio-visual systems. Seize the opportunity to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
