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 consumption—particularly in office environments. Commercial buildings in Long Beach account for nearly 30% of the city’s 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 optional—it’s essential.

Reducing energy use isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s 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 Beach’s unique climate, building codes, and utility incentives. You’ll learn how to identify energy waste, implement proven solutions, leverage local resources, and track progress over time—all with real-world examples and actionable tools. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, scalable plan to reduce your office’s 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, you’re guessing—and 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 California’s 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use tools like blower door tests, thermal imaging cameras, and power meters to detect air leaks, inefficient lighting, outdated HVAC systems, and phantom loads.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 building’s energy use by system: HVAC (40–50%), lighting (20–30%), plug loads (15–25%), and office equipment (5–10%). Many Long Beach businesses are eligible for free or discounted audits through Southern California Edison (SCE)’s Business Energy Audit Program. Apply online through SCE’s website—most 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 50–75% and last 3–5 times longer.

In Long Beach’s 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 city’s coastal climate means moderate winters but warm, humid summers—making 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 20–30% 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 control—ideal for offices with varying occupancy patterns. VRF systems can reduce cooling energy use by 30–40% 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 78°F during occupied hours and 82°F during unoccupied hours. In winter, set heating to 68°F when occupied and 62°F when vacant.

Long Beach offers a Commercial HVAC Rebate Program through the city’s 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 loads—energy consumed by devices when turned off but still plugged in—can account for up to 20% of an office’s 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 20–50% less energy than standard models.

5. Improve Building Envelope and Insulation

Many Long Beach office buildings—especially those constructed before 2000—have 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 10–20%. 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 coating—a reflective white membrane that reduces surface temperatures by up to 50°F. 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 won’t 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 areas—visibility 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 30–60% of an average office’s annual consumption.

Take advantage of federal tax credits (30% through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act) and California’s 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 (4–9 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 STAR’s Portfolio Manager—a free, EPA-backed tool—to benchmark your building’s energy performance against similar office buildings in Long Beach and nationwide. Assign your building a 1–100 score; a score of 75 or higher means you’re 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 project—it’s 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 Beach’s 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 city’s Climate Action Plan are more likely to qualify for grants, recognition programs, and favorable zoning treatment.

Join the Long Beach Green Business Program. It’s 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 city’s website.

Engage Your Building Owner or Landlord

If you’re a tenant, you may not control the building’s 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 improvements—especially when they’re incentivized. The California Energy Commission’s Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Program supports landlord-tenant collaborations through technical assistance and funding.

Choose Green Suppliers and Vendors

Energy use doesn’t 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 renovations—even if you’re 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 city’s 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 building’s 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 Beach’s 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 SCE’s Green Power Program.

FAQs

What’s 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 15–20-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, that’s 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 building’s score. A score of 75 or higher means you’re in the top quarter of similar buildings nationwide. If your score is below 50, there’s significant room for improvement.

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

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

What’s the easiest energy-saving step I can take today?

Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use. Then, set your thermostat 2°F higher in summer and 2°F lower in winter. These two actions alone can reduce energy use by 5–10% immediately.

Can I get recognition for being energy efficient?

Yes. Apply for the Long Beach Green Business Program. It’s 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 make—not 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. They’ve been tested, proven, and implemented by businesses across the city—with 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 don’t stop at one win—build 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 office’s energy use, you’re not just saving money—you’re 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.