Energy efficiency is a smart business practice that improves ROI, reduces carbon foot prints and conserves natural resources. Did you know that restaurants use about five to seven times more energy per square foot than other commercial buildings? (High-volume quick-service restaurants may even use up to 10 times more energy per square foot). As energy costs continue to increase, investing in energy efficiency is the best way to protect your business.
Typical Restaurant Energy Consumption
In a typical restaurant in the United States, cooking, water heating, refrigeration, and space cooling/heating represent almost 80 percent of the total use of utility. In addition, the MEP systems must blend and work in concert with the restaurants décor and operations, with no negative impact on either customers or employees. Ultimately, the drive toward creating green systems has created the need for optimizing processes and maximizing savings to compete in today’s saturated environment.
Enhance Your Look and Function at the Same Time
KMB has the vast experience necessary to provide sustainable restaurant systems design that will not compromise, but enhance the look, feel and function of your space. Our experts have provided five environmentally friendly performance tips below to help those in the food service industry save energy and water and boost profitability at the same time:
Five Quick Tips to Save Energy And Water
- Select ENERGY STAR qualified equipment, especially to replace worn-out cooking and refrigeration equipment. And be sure to cut idle time by implementing a startup/shutdown plan to make sure you’re only using the equipment that you need, when you need it.
- Install ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs and light fixtures where appropriate throughout the restaurant. A typical restaurant has the lights on for 16 to 20 hours a day. CFLs or LEDs can reduce energy consumption and heat output by 75% and last 10-50 times longer than incandescent lighting!
- Choose the proper sized HVAC unit for your space. According to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), at least 25 percent of all rooftop heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) units are oversized, resulting in increased energy costs and equipment wear. Properly sized equipment dramatically cuts energy costs, increases the life of the equipment, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fix water leaks immediately—especially hot water leaks: wasted water, sewer, and water heating costs can add up quickly. In addition, install a high-efficiency pre-rinse spray valve in the dishroom to reduce your carbon footprint and save water (you could also save hundreds of dollars a year). Look for the WaterSense label to identify water-efficient products and programs to help you conserve.
- Fix “energy leaks” with regular maintenance and repair. Perform walk-in refrigerator maintenance: check and replace door gaskets; clean evaporator and condenser coils; check refrigerant charge. Recalibrate thermostats and control systems on your appliances (refrigeration, dish machines, hot water heaters) and reset them to the correct operating temperatures.
Start Saving Today with KMB
Regardless of whether you rent or own your building, there are a number of energy saving measures that can be implemented in the short term. Start by identifying areas of potential energy savings and waste reduction and you’ll immediately begin to see increased customer comfort, better lighting, more repeat business, increased employee productivity and ultimately, an increased ROI. At KMB, we are committed to helping you find the best energy options for your restaurant.
We have solid experience in the food service and hospitality area including locations at airports, hospitals, travel plazas, university dining halls, fitness centers and hotels. The KMB engineering staff includes multiple LEED- accredited professionals who will either spearhead or actively participate in the LEED Charette process, and perform the LEED Administrator role including USGBC submissions, submittal reviews, and managing the online process. They also can prepare an extensive MEP design narrative illustrating the systems involved and their operations and benefits.