“Energy efficiency” is a great buzzword, but how can you embrace the cause in reality? The day-to-day operations of a fast food franchise require energy consumption and waste, but with a few simple steps, your restaurant can be more efficient. Below, we’ve outlined five ways for franchisees and fast-food restaurant owners to become more energy efficient in the real world.

Practical Methods for Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency isn’t just a pipe dream; there are practical steps you can take to make your restaurant more efficient. Energy-efficient equipment and appliances, such as Energy Star certified ovens and refrigerators, reduce the amount of energy needed to operate them while also reducing utility bills.

Lighting is another area where a franchisee or fast-food restaurant owner has an advantage. Energy-efficient LED bulbs tend to be more expensive upfront, but they last longer and use less energy than traditional lighting solutions, saving money in the long run.

In addition, regular maintenance of cooling and heating systems will ensure that they run efficiently without wasting energy or overusing resources. Utilizing natural ventilation when possible can also lead to energy savings.

Finally, Energy Star-certified ventilation hoods are designed to capture smoke and steam while consuming less energy than traditional models. This is important for not only conserving energy but also maintaining optimal air quality inside the restaurant.

Why Do Franchisees and Fast Food Restaurant Owners Have An Advantage?

Franchisees and fast-food restaurant owners have an advantage when it comes to energy efficiency because they often operate multiple locations. By instituting energy-saving practices in all of their franchises, owners can save money while also making a positive environmental impact.

Installations such as Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, and Energy Star ventilation hoods are likely to be more cost-effective over time when implemented on a larger scale. This is just one of the many advantages that come with owning multiple restaurants and franchises—the ability to make a greater positive impact by spreading energy-efficient initiatives throughout your properties.

Energy efficiency may seem like an intimidating prospect for business owners and franchisees, but with the right steps you can make it work without high upfront costs.

Energy efficiency pays off both from an environmental standpoint as well as from an economic one. The following five tips will help owners make their restaurants greener and more cost-effective:

#1) Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment

Energy efficient equipment uses less electricity than traditional machines and is often eligible for rebates and credits that can help offset some of the initial costs.

#2) Utilize Natural Ventilation

When the weather allows, opt for natural ventilation over air conditioning and heating systems to conserve energy.

#3) Make Regular Maintenance a Priority

Keeping HVAC and other equipment running efficiently helps reduce energy waste.

#4) Install Energy Star-Certified Lighting

Energy Star-certified LED bulbs use up to 85% less energy than traditional lighting and last much longer as well.

#5) Invest in Energy Star-Certified Ventilation Hoods

Energy Star-certified hoods will capture smoke and steam while using less energy than normal models.

By following the steps listed above, franchisees and fast food restaurant owners can make their businesses more energy efficient and cost-effective in the long run. Energy efficiency is a smart move for restaurant owners, as it helps reduce electricity bills while also lessening their carbon footprint. 

In addition, Energy Star appliances are often eligible for rebates or credits that can help offset some of the costs associated with implementation. Energy efficiency doesn’t have to be an intimidating prospect—by taking small steps and investing in Energy Star-certified equipment, franchisees and fast food restaurant owners can make a real difference in their bottom line.

To learn more tips for energy-efficient restaurants and how to build them and run them, contact GSE Pro today.