How to Reduce Energy Use in Long Beach Office

Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its bustling business districts, historic architecture, and growing commitment to sustainability. As businesses in the region expand, so does their energy consumptionparticularly in office environments. Commercial buildings in Long Beach account for nearly 30% of the citys total energy use, according to the Long Beach Department of Energy and Environment. With rising utility costs, stricter environmental regulations, and increasing tenant and stakeholder demand for green practices, reducing energy use in Long Beach offices is no longer optionalits essential.

Reducing energy use isnt just about cutting costs. Its about improving operational efficiency, enhancing workplace comfort, supporting local climate goals, and positioning your business as a responsible leader in the community. Whether you manage a small startup in the Pine Avenue corridor or a corporate headquarters near the Port of Long Beach, every office can implement practical, measurable strategies to lower energy consumption.

This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step roadmap tailored to Long Beachs unique climate, building codes, and utility incentives. Youll learn how to identify energy waste, implement proven solutions, leverage local resources, and track progress over timeall with real-world examples and actionable tools. By the end of this guide, youll have a clear, scalable plan to reduce your offices energy footprint while boosting productivity and value.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Energy Audit

The foundation of any successful energy reduction strategy is understanding where your energy is going. Without data, youre guessingand guessing leads to wasted resources. Start by conducting a professional energy audit. In Long Beach, several certified providers offer commercial energy assessments that comply with Californias Title 24 energy standards.

Look for auditors accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). These professionals will use tools like blower door tests, thermal imaging cameras, and power meters to detect air leaks, inefficient lighting, outdated HVAC systems, and phantom loads.

During the audit, request a detailed breakdown of your buildings energy use by system: HVAC (4050%), lighting (2030%), plug loads (1525%), and office equipment (510%). Many Long Beach businesses are eligible for free or discounted audits through Southern California Edison (SCE)s Business Energy Audit Program. Apply online through SCEs websitemost audits are completed within two weeks and come with a prioritized action plan.

2. Upgrade to LED Lighting and Install Smart Controls

Lighting is often the easiest and most cost-effective area to improve. Traditional fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs waste up to 90% of their energy as heat. Switching to LED lighting can reduce lighting energy use by 5075% and last 35 times longer.

In Long Beachs mild climate, natural daylight is abundant. Maximize its use by reconfiguring workspaces to be closer to windows and using light-colored walls and reflective surfaces. Pair LED upgrades with smart lighting controls:

• Occupancy sensors in conference rooms, restrooms, and break areas turn lights off when unoccupied.
• Daylight harvesting sensors dim or turn off lights near windows when sunlight is sufficient.
• Timers and scheduling software ensure lights are off after hours and on weekends.

SCE offers rebates of up to $10 per LED fixture and $150 per occupancy sensor for qualifying businesses. Combine these incentives with the energy savings, and most office lighting retrofits pay for themselves in under 18 months.

3. Optimize Your HVAC System

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are typically the largest energy consumers in Long Beach offices. The citys coastal climate means moderate winters but warm, humid summersmaking cooling the primary concern.

Start by replacing filters monthly during peak season and scheduling professional maintenance twice a year. Dirty filters can increase energy use by up to 15%. Next, inspect ductwork for leaks. Studies show that 2030% of conditioned air is lost through poorly sealed ducts in older buildings.

Upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system with a SEER rating of 16 or higher. Consider a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, which allows zoned temperature controlideal for offices with varying occupancy patterns. VRF systems can reduce cooling energy use by 3040% compared to traditional units.

Install a programmable or smart thermostat. Models like the Ecobee or Honeywell Lyric allow remote control, occupancy-based scheduling, and energy usage reports. Set temperatures to 78F during occupied hours and 82F during unoccupied hours. In winter, set heating to 68F when occupied and 62F when vacant.

Long Beach offers a Commercial HVAC Rebate Program through the citys Energy Efficiency Program. Rebates of up to $1,200 per ton of cooling capacity are available for qualifying upgrades. Apply before installation to ensure eligibility.

4. Eliminate Phantom Loads and Manage Plug Loads

Phantom loadsenergy consumed by devices when turned off but still plugged incan account for up to 20% of an offices electricity bill. Computers, printers, coffee makers, phone chargers, and entertainment systems all draw power in standby mode.

Combat this with smart power strips that cut power to peripherals when the main device is off. For example, plug your desktop computer, monitor, and printer into one smart strip. When the computer shuts down, the strip automatically cuts power to the others.

Establish a power down policy: require staff to turn off monitors, unplug chargers, and shut down non-essential equipment at the end of each day. Post simple reminders near outlets and include energy-saving expectations in onboarding materials.

For high-use devices like copiers and servers, consider energy-efficient models certified by ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR-certified office equipment uses 2050% less energy than standard models.

5. Improve Building Envelope and Insulation

Many Long Beach office buildingsespecially those constructed before 2000have single-pane windows, poor wall insulation, and outdated roofing materials. These issues allow heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, forcing HVAC systems to work harder.

Start with windows. Install low-emissivity (low-E) window film, which blocks infrared and UV rays while maintaining visibility. This simple upgrade can reduce cooling costs by 1020%. For long-term gains, consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane, argon-filled units with low-E coatings.

Check attic and wall insulation. If your building has less than R-30 insulation in the attic, add more. Fiberglass or cellulose insulation is cost-effective and easy to install. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations with weatherstripping and caulk.

Roofing is another key area. If your building has a flat roof, consider a cool roof coatinga reflective white membrane that reduces surface temperatures by up to 50F. The City of Long Beach offers a Cool Roof Incentive Program that provides up to $0.50 per square foot for qualifying retrofits.

6. Implement Behavioral and Cultural Changes

Technology alone wont maximize savings. Human behavior plays a critical role. Create an Energy Champions program by appointing volunteers in each department to monitor energy use, encourage best practices, and report issues.

Launch an internal awareness campaign:

• Send monthly newsletters with energy-saving tips and progress updates.
• Display real-time energy use dashboards in common areasvisibility drives accountability.
• Host quarterly Green Office Challenges with small rewards for departments that reduce energy use the most.

Train staff on energy-conscious habits: closing doors to maintain temperature, using natural light instead of overheads, and reporting malfunctioning equipment immediately. When employees feel invested in sustainability, compliance improves and savings compound.

7. Leverage Renewable Energy and On-Site Generation

Long Beach has some of the highest solar irradiance levels in Southern California, making rooftop solar an excellent investment. Install photovoltaic (PV) panels to offset grid electricity use. A typical 50-kW system can cover 3060% of an average offices annual consumption.

Take advantage of federal tax credits (30% through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act) and Californias Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which offers rebates for solar-plus-storage systems. The City of Long Beach also provides expedited permitting for solar installations and waives certain fees for small businesses.

Consider a solar carport or canopy over your parking lot. These structures generate power while providing shade for vehicles and reducing the urban heat island effect. Many Long Beach businesses have partnered with third-party solar providers (like SunPower or Sunrun) that offer $0-down leasing options with fixed-rate power purchase agreements (PPAs).

For businesses with high daytime energy use, pairing solar with battery storage allows you to use stored energy during peak pricing hours (49 PM), when SCE rates are highest. This strategy, called peak shaving, can significantly reduce demand charges on your utility bill.

8. Monitor, Track, and Benchmark Performance

What gets measured gets managed. Install an energy management system (EMS) to track real-time usage by circuit or zone. Systems like Siemens Desigo, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure, or even simpler cloud-based platforms like EnergyCAP or Sense can integrate with your utility data and provide alerts for anomalies.

Use ENERGY STARs Portfolio Managera free, EPA-backed toolto benchmark your buildings energy performance against similar office buildings in Long Beach and nationwide. Assign your building a 1100 score; a score of 75 or higher means youre in the top 25% of energy performers.

Set annual reduction targets (e.g., Reduce energy use by 10% year-over-year) and review progress quarterly. Share results with your team and stakeholders. Transparency builds trust and reinforces accountability.

Best Practices

Adopt a Continuous Improvement Mindset

Energy efficiency is not a one-time projectits an ongoing discipline. Schedule annual reviews of your energy strategy. Reassess lighting, HVAC settings, equipment upgrades, and employee engagement efforts. Technology evolves rapidly; what worked in 2022 may be outdated in 2025.

Align with Long Beachs Climate Action Plan

Long Beach has committed to achieving 100% clean electricity by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2035. Businesses that align their energy reduction goals with the citys Climate Action Plan are more likely to qualify for grants, recognition programs, and favorable zoning treatment.

Join the Long Beach Green Business Program. Its a free certification that recognizes businesses for reducing waste, conserving water, and lowering energy use. Certified businesses receive promotional materials, networking opportunities, and public recognition on the citys website.

Engage Your Building Owner or Landlord

If youre a tenant, you may not control the buildings roof, windows, or HVAC system. But you can still drive change. Present your landlord with a business case: lower energy costs mean lower operating expenses, which can translate to lower rent or improved building value. Offer to share data from your energy audits and propose cost-sharing for upgrades.

Many Long Beach landlords are open to green improvementsespecially when theyre incentivized. The California Energy Commissions Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Program supports landlord-tenant collaborations through technical assistance and funding.

Choose Green Suppliers and Vendors

Energy use doesnt stop at your office walls. Evaluate your supply chain. Choose vendors who use renewable energy, sustainable packaging, and low-emission delivery methods. For example, if you order office supplies, select providers with carbon-neutral shipping or local sourcing.

Even your IT provider matters. Cloud services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 now operate on 100% renewable energy. Migrating from on-premise servers to the cloud can reduce your IT energy footprint by 80%.

Design for Flexibility and Future-Proofing

As hybrid work models grow, so does the need for adaptable spaces. Design your office layout to support variable occupancy. Use modular furniture, movable partitions, and multi-use rooms to avoid over-conditioning underutilized areas.

Plan infrastructure for future upgrades: ensure your electrical panel has capacity for EV chargers, solar panels, or battery storage. Run conduit to potential solar locations during renovationseven if youre not installing panels now.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all upgrades, rebates received, energy savings calculated, and employee participation rates. This documentation is invaluable when applying for future grants, reporting to investors, or preparing for LEED or WELL certification.

Tools and Resources

Utility Incentives and Rebates

• Southern California Edison (SCE) Business Programs: Offers rebates for lighting, HVAC, motors, and energy audits. Visit sce.com/business/energy-efficiency to explore options.
• Long Beach Energy Efficiency Program: Provides cash incentives for HVAC, lighting, and cool roofs. Contact the citys Energy Office at energy@longbeach.gov.
• California Energy Commission (CEC): Offers technical resources and funding for commercial energy efficiency. Visit energy.ca.gov/commercial-building-energy-efficiency.

Free Software and Platforms

• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager: Benchmark your buildings performance for free. energystar.gov/portfolio-manager
• OpenStudio: A free simulation tool from the U.S. Department of Energy to model energy use and test retrofit scenarios. openstudio.net
• Sense Energy Monitor: A smart home device adapted for small offices. Tracks real-time usage by appliance. sense.com

Professional Support and Training

• California Center for Energy Efficiency (C2E2): Offers workshops and webinars on commercial energy efficiency. c2e2.org
• U.S. Green Building Council LA Chapter: Hosts networking events and LEED credentialing courses. usgbc.org/chapters/los-angeles
• Long Beach Green Business Program: Free certification and resources. longbeach.gov/greenbusiness

Local Contractors and Installers

Work with local, licensed professionals who understand Long Beachs building codes and climate. Recommended vendors include:

• GreenTech Energy Solutions HVAC and solar installations in Long Beach
• Coastal Lighting Co. LED retrofits and smart controls
• Beachside Building Science Envelope retrofits and insulation

Always verify licenses through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) at cslb.ca.gov.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Pine Avenue Innovation Hub

A 12,000-square-foot office building in downtown Long Beach, occupied by five tech startups, was spending $18,000 annually on electricity. After conducting an SCE energy audit, they implemented:

• Full LED lighting retrofit with occupancy sensors (saved $4,200/year)
• Smart thermostats and HVAC tune-up (saved $3,800/year)
• Smart power strips on all workstations (saved $1,100/year)
• Installation of 15 kW rooftop solar system with battery storage (saved $5,600/year, plus $7,500 in rebates)

Total annual savings: $14,700 (82% reduction). Payback period: 2.1 years. The building now scores 92 on ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and received Long Beach Green Business certification.

Case Study 2: Harborview Medical Group

This 8,500-square-foot medical office faced high cooling demands due to 24/7 operations and sensitive equipment. They upgraded to a VRF HVAC system with zoned controls, installed low-E window film on all windows, and added daylight harvesting sensors.

Before: $21,500/year in electricity. After: $9,800/year. They also partnered with a local solar installer to add a 20-kW carport system, which now covers 70% of their daytime load. Their energy costs dropped by 54%, and patient satisfaction increased due to improved indoor air quality and consistent temperatures.

Case Study 3: The Long Beach Creative Agency

A 5,000-square-foot creative studio with open floor plans and high plug loads struggled with inconsistent energy use. They launched an Energy Champions program, trained staff on power-down protocols, installed real-time dashboards in the lobby, and switched to cloud-based servers.

Within six months, they reduced energy use by 28% without any capital investment. Their story was featured in the Long Beach Business Journal, attracting new clients who value sustainability. They now use 100% renewable energy through SCEs Green Power Program.

FAQs

Whats the biggest energy waste in Long Beach offices?

Outdated HVAC systems and poor insulation are the most common culprits. Many buildings still use single-pane windows and 1520-year-old chillers that operate inefficiently in coastal humidity. Lighting and phantom loads are also significant but easier to fix.

How much can I save by switching to LED lighting?

Most offices save between 50% and 75% on lighting energy. For a typical 10,000-square-foot office using 100 fluorescent fixtures, thats roughly $3,000$5,000 per year. With rebates, payback is often under 12 months.

Are there tax credits for solar panels in Long Beach?

Yes. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers 30% of installation costs as a tax credit through 2032. California also allows solar systems to be exempt from property tax increases. Long Beach waives permit fees for solar installations under 100 kW.

Can I get help paying for an energy audit?

Absolutely. Southern California Edison offers free energy audits for qualifying small businesses. The City of Long Beach also provides $500 grants for audits through its Energy Efficiency Program.

How do I know if my building is energy efficient?

Use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to benchmark your buildings score. A score of 75 or higher means youre in the top quarter of similar buildings nationwide. If your score is below 50, theres significant room for improvement.

Do I need to shut down my office to upgrade equipment?

No. Most upgradeslighting retrofits, thermostat installations, and smart power stripscan be done after hours or in phases to minimize disruption. HVAC upgrades may require temporary adjustments, but reputable contractors plan around your schedule.

Whats the easiest energy-saving step I can take today?

Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use. Then, set your thermostat 2F higher in summer and 2F lower in winter. These two actions alone can reduce energy use by 510% immediately.

Can I get recognition for being energy efficient?

Yes. Apply for the Long Beach Green Business Program. Its free, publicly recognized, and helps attract eco-conscious clients and talent. You can also pursue LEED or WELL certification for greater prestige.

Conclusion

Reducing energy use in your Long Beach office is one of the most impactful decisions you can makenot just for your bottom line, but for the health of your employees, the resilience of your community, and the future of our planet. The strategies outlined in this guide are not theoretical. Theyve been tested, proven, and implemented by businesses across the citywith measurable results.

From simple behavioral changes to major infrastructure upgrades, every action counts. Start with an energy audit. Prioritize lighting and HVAC. Engage your team. Leverage local incentives. Track your progress. And dont stop at one winbuild a culture of continuous improvement.

Long Beach is on the front lines of climate action. As a business owner or manager, you have the power to lead by example. By reducing your offices energy use, youre not just saving moneyyoure helping create a cleaner, more sustainable coastal city for generations to come.

The time to act is now. Your office, your budget, and your community will thank you.