There are many ways that you can reduce mosque utility bills. One of the most important things you can do is make everyone aware of the measures you are taking.
With so many people making use of a mosque, it’s essential that everyone is on the same page.
We mentioned that not every mosque is purpose-built. Some make use of existing properties and make do with the existing facilities. In some cases, this can lead to poor energy efficiency and higher bills.
Take a look below at some of the ways you can increase mosque energy efficiency and save money.
Energy meters
Installing a smart meter can be an excellent way to monitor gas and electricity use in a mosque.
Smart meters can provide the information you need to tackle energy waste. They also result in accurate billing from your energy supplier.
In some cases, using a smart meter in a mosque can help to encourage better habits and will result in lower energy consumption. This will help to reduce bills and carbon emissions.
Comparing energy prices
Comparing energy prices might seem like a difficult and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be.
Business Energy Comparison is in a position to help with business energy prices for small and medium enterprises. Generally speaking, a UK Mosque will fall into this category.
Comparing energy rates will help you find a supplier that can meet your mosque’s needs. The supplier may also offer business electricity and gas tariffs that will help you to save money.
Make use of charitable status
A mosque differs from businesses when securing an energy contract because of its charitable status. Informing an energy supplier that the mosque is considered a charity can bring additional benefits.
A charity will pay different CCL (Climate Change Levy) and VAT rates than regular businesses.
All avenues should be explored to help save money. Taking the time to ensure energy suppliers are aware of this status will help.
Use energy efficient lights
One of the biggest uses of energy in a mosque will be the lights. Using energy-efficient LED lights can help your mosque save energy.
As well as switching your lights to energy-efficient bulbs, using motion sensors can also help. This is a great way to ensure rooms that aren’t in use are not being lit unnecessarily.
Explore efficient boiler options
An efficient boiler is able to provide heating and hot water to your mosque more efficiently than an older boiler.
Investing in a new boiler might seem like an unnecessary expense at a time when many are tightening their belts. However, an efficient boiler will offer better performance and reduce the amount of gas required to power it.
Over time, a high-quality boiler replacement will pay for itself. This is especially true if your old boiler requires a lot of maintenance and repairs.
Insulation
Less than 20% of Mosques are located in purpose-built premises. This not only means that the mosque will have to make use of the existing infrastructure, but it also means the building may not be as efficient as it could be.
Insulating an older building will make a significant difference in heating bills. Installing energy-efficient windows can also help to deal with heat loss.
Even small changes like keeping doors closed can help to keep occupied rooms at a comfortable temperature. This is where educating the people that visit the mosque about your intentions to reduce gas and electricity prices can come in handy.
Renewable energy
It might not be possible for all buildings, but a purpose-built mosque might be able to include renewable energy solutions in its plans.
Solar energy can be a great way to reduce gas and electricity costs. In some cases, this can be retrofitted onto existing properties.
A new-build mosque might have the option to explore ground source heat pumps if they have sufficient grounds. Air source heat pumps can be a great alternative for buildings without the space for groundwork.
Conduct an energy audit
Conducting an energy audit on a mosque is a great way to identify areas that need to be improved.
Professional services are available for mosques to take advantage of. They will examine the property and anything that influences energy consumption. You will then receive a report detailing failings and providing answers on how to resolve them.
Understanding the biggest causes of energy waste in a mosque is important. It will ensure measures are put in place to reduce electricity and gas bills and save money.