How ENERGY STAR Can Help Your Business - Part 2

Did You Know?

• The annual cost to operate a single fryer (gas or electric) is often more than the annual bill of an average U.S. house.
• Forty-six percent of adults are likely to make a restaurant choice based on an operation’s conservation practices.
• 2.5 times more energy is consumed in the kitchen per square foot than any other commercial area.

No matter what type of commercial kitchen you operate, there are many ways you can cut your energy usage and lower your utility bills. In this article, we will look at what you, the restaurant owner, can do when building or remodeling your facilities to save money and positively benefit our environment. We will look at not only how you can save with ENERGY STAR® products, but also how much you can save.

ENERGY STAR® makes significant contributions to a cleaner environment and guards against rising energy rates.

According to the EPA, commercial buildings contribute nearly eighteen percent of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States. Those with the ENERGY STAR® label cut their energy consumption by thirty-five percent. The ENERGY STAR® rating applies to your restaurant building’s shell, lighting and ventilation, food-service equipment, heating and cooling, and office and entertainment equipment. A bonus of making energy efficiency a priority in restaurants is that it saves significant amounts of money over the long run.

ENERGY STAR® qualified products offer many benefits.

ENERGY STAR® qualified and rated equipment helps eliminate excess heat and noise generated by inefficient appliances. If your restaurant invests strategically, you can cut utility costs ten to thirty percent without sacrificing quality or service, style or comfort.

Constructed using innovative and energy-efficient technologies ENERGY STAR® qualified products can provide:

• Shorter cook times
• Improved production rates
• Reduced load on the HVAC system
• Improved recovery times
• Lower maintenance costs
• Reduced noise levels
• Extended product lifetimes

Commercial Food Service Incentives Are Offered by Utilities

Many utility companies all over the country offer their foodservice customers rebates for purchasing energy efficient equipment.

• Dishwashers - $50 to $2,000
• Fryers - $66 to $2,500
• Griddles - $125 to $2,100
• Hot food holding cabinets - $110 to $650
• Ice machines - $18 to $700
• Ovens - $115 to $1,000
• Refrigerators and freezers - $25 to $1,000
• Steam cookers - $40 to $2,000

Please note, utility programs can change; make sure you contact your utility provider to ensure the program is still in effect before purchasing your equipment.

ENERGY STAR® equipment saves end-users energy, water, and money and has a lower total cost of ownership over time. Designing to include ENERGY STAR® will boost your long-term bottom line and demonstrates commitment to the environment. The money you save on operating costs adds to your profits. Saving twenty percent on energy operating costs can increase your profits by as much as one-third.