The first place to focus on improving your energy efficiency is where your consume the most energy: on the cooking line. Figuring out how to prepare your menu items in the most energy efficient way possible takes a little evaluation and a lot of staff training. However, even slight adjustments can translate into some real savings for your business, making this process more than worth it.

You’ll also be surprised how much energy is consumed outside your kitchen. The front of the house depends upon heating, air conditioning, and lighting to keep your guests comfortable and happy, and managing the atmosphere in your dining area sucks up a lot of energy. Any comprehensive energy efficiency plan for your restaurant cannot overlook areas of improvement outside of the kitchen. Fortunately, there are many ways to address energy use in the front of the house, from thermostats to lighting to windows.

Hot water is another big player in your monthly bills. Because you use so much hot water, even fixing a small thing like a leaky commercial faucet can mean big money. The good news is, all this work and money you’re putting into improving the energy efficiency of your restaurant can qualify you for rebates from your local, state, and federal governments, helping to offset the costs.

One of the most effective approaches to improving energy efficiency in your restaurant is investing in a complete energy management system. These systems automatically control temperatures, ventilation systems, and power up equipment over a span of time before opening, all of which reduce your energy costs. Even if your operation is too small to invest in something as comprehensive as an energy management system, training your staff to implement your own EMS can be just as effective.