Energy efficiency doesn’t always require an expensive overhaul. For many businesses, it starts with a conversation, a clearer picture of what’s possible, and perhaps foam sealer and a competitive spirit.
In a 2017 Save on Energy YouTube video, employees at KI Canada, a furniture manufacturer in Pembroke, fanned out across the factory floor armed with foam canisters to find and reduce energy loss.
The results of their efforts are revealed at the end: the company reported annual energy savings of $300,000 (nearly one-third of its energy budget), offering a clear example of how simple efficiency measures can deliver significant results for a small Ontario business.
Though energy upgrades — big or small — aren’t always top of mind for small businesses in a time of economic uncertainty, rising costs, and tighter margins, they are a tangible way to increase resilience, efficiency, and cost savings.
“Energy costs are one of the few expenses small businesses can actually influence,” says Nour Mazloum, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
“Whether you own or lease your space, understanding where energy is being used and where savings are possible can make a really meaningful difference. For many small businesses, it starts with access to trusted information and identifying simple changes that can lower monthly costs.”
For local small and downtown businesses feeling the impact of a cold winter, an event on Wednesday (February 18) will offer a unique learning opportunity.
Hosted by the Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP’s energy and Green Economy Peterborough programs, “Ask the Energy Experts: A Breakfast Open House for Small Businesses” will bring together small business owners and energy experts to explore energy solutions.
“Events like this help demystify energy decisions and turn them into practical, actionable steps,” says Mazloum.
Featured topics will include heat pumps, solar energy, and general efficiency upgrades — many of which can be low or no-cost starting points.
Supported by RBC, City of Peterborough, and TD, Ask the Energy Experts will be conducted in an informal “ask me anything” format. Business owners are encouraged to bring their questions, challenges, and ideas and receive straightforward answers without sales pressure.
Ask the Energy Experts takes place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18 at the GreenUP office at 378 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough. A light breakfast will be provided. For more information and to register for the free session, visit tinyurl.com/5yxb8j28.
In addition to the breakfast event, GreenUP is launching a new energy efficiency-focused pilot to develop an assessment for small businesses. Funded in part by RBC’s Community Investment Fund, the pilot aims to determine what local businesses need to better understand how energy is used in their space and where meaningful savings may exist.
“We know small businesses need more support to understand and implement energy efficiency measures,” says Clara Blakelock, energy program manager at GreenUP. “That’s why we’re developing this program. We’ve already gained valuable insight into small business needs by providing assessments to Green Economy Peterborough members, Morton Medical Centre, Charlotte Products, and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.”
“It was exactly what we needed — a professional once-over of the building,” says Guy Hanchet, board member of Morton Medical Centre in Douro-Dummer. “It gave us a solid first impression of what’s there and what could be improved. From that starting point, we can now zero in on the priorities identified.”
“The assessment really opened my eyes,” Hanchet continues. “I hadn’t realized how often a direct exterior backdoor was opening, or that there was an electric radiator right beside it. Every time the door opened, the temperature dropped, the heater kicked in and ran for ages to catch up. I just hadn’t realized how impactful that was.”
Small businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County can take part in the pilot program free of charge and will receive an energy assessment with technical and operational recommendations in return for providing feedback to help build the program.
Green Economy Peterborough is a GreenUP program and network that supports local businesses to achieve operational efficiency, cost savings, resilience goals, and respond to customer and client interest in climate action. To keep informed of the pilot and sign up for an assessment, register to receive Green Economy Peterborough’s newsletter at www.greeneconomypeterborough.ca.
