As autumn arrives, businesses are encouraged to audit their maintenance practices for better energy efficiency and reduced emissions ahead of winter. This seasonal review can lower costs, extend equipment life, and enhance sustainability reputations. Experts highlight simple steps like equipment audits and smarter scheduling to achieve these gains.
In a guest article published on October 28, 2025, Rose Morrison, managing editor of Renovated Magazine, advocates for businesses to perform an 'October efficiency check' on their operations. Focusing on outdoor maintenance and building systems, the piece argues that fall is an ideal time to reassess practices before winter increases energy demands. For instance, higher fuel use from mowing and leaf clearing raises expenses and emissions, but targeted audits can mitigate this.
The article outlines seven key strategies. First, conduct a maintenance equipment audit by listing items like leaf blowers, HVAC systems, and irrigation pumps, then tracking their fuel or electricity consumption via spreadsheets or apps. Mark James, Associate Professor of Law at Vermont Law and Graduate School, states, “Energy efficiency is the cheapest way to reduce your carbon emissions and improve the comfort level in your building. Furthermore, customers want to know that the places where they do business are making a commitment to sustainability and will reward those that are taking concrete steps.”
Operational scheduling comes next, with tips to consolidate tasks, align with weather forecasts, and reduce mowing as grass growth slows. For equipment upgrades, electric and battery-powered options are recommended for their zero on-site emissions and potential rebates. James Walton, Founder and VP of Product Commercialization at ENTOUCH, notes, “A poorly maintained HVAC system can waste up to 40% more energy. … An Energy Management System (EMS) that delivers real-time energy data … typically cuts energy waste by 15-25%.”
Maintenance techniques emphasize mulching leaves to enrich soil and reduce hauling, while leaving grass longer improves root health. Winter preparations include protective barriers and eco-friendly brine treatments. Employee engagement involves training to spot inefficiencies, such as reviewing utility bills for anomalies, as Carla Hinson, vice president of MRI Software, suggests. Simple thermostat adjustments—lowering temperatures by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit during downtime—can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually.
Finally, measuring progress through carbon calculators and certifications like Green Business Bureau proves the business case. Jaime Marcotte, Senior Director of Market Development at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, advises starting with energy audits and considering heat pumps for long-term savings. Overall, these steps position lower-emission maintenance as a competitive advantage, aligning profitability with environmental responsibility.