Published

1 year ago

July 9, 2024

Alice Rush

Running a commercial kitchen can use a lot of energy, which increases costs and harms the environment. However, by adopting energy-saving strategies, restaurant owners and chefs can reduce expenses and help create a greener future.

Using energy-efficient kitchen equipment can significantly lower energy bills and help the environment. Rising oil and gas prices have made managing a commercial kitchen more stressful, but making kitchens more energy-efficient benefits both businesses and the planet.

This article offers practical tips to improve energy efficiency in your commercial kitchen without sacrificing food quality.

Why does your favorite restaurant consistently serve delicious meals while keeping energy costs low?

The answer lies in their focus on energy efficiency in their kitchen equipment. This approach cuts energy bills and creates a more comfortable kitchen environment by reducing heat and noise.

Role of Energy Efficiency in Commercial Kitchens

Every appliance plays a role in a busy kitchen, from refrigeration units that keep ingredients fresh to ovens that turn those ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. But did you know that your chosen appliances can affect your business?

Optimizing energy usage is critical for increasing operational effectiveness and lowering costs.

Efficient kitchen equipment lowers utility bills and increases operational efficiency by reducing waste. With energy-saving practices, you can reduce costs while increasing productivity.

Moving Towards Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power open up exciting possibilities for commercial kitchen appliances. These alternatives reduce carbon footprints while maintaining efficiency.

For example, a solar-powered refrigerator is eco-friendly and saves money on utility bills over its lifetime. Sustainable ventilation systems powered by wind turbines or other renewable sources reduce reliance on traditional fuels, cutting CO2 emissions.

An oven using biomass fuel produces less soot than conventional ones, improving indoor air quality.

Integrating commercial renewable energy into commercial kitchens is an optimistic step towards efficiency and sustainability. Technological advancements are reducing energy waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Embracing these innovative technologies saves us money and the planet, creating delicious meals without leaving a negative carbon footprint.

How to Create a Green Commercial Kitchen?

Use advanced, energy-efficient kitchen equipment to reduce energy bills and help the environment.

Rising oil and gas prices have made running a commercial kitchen more stressful. Companies now focus on energy efficiency to save money and combat climate change.

Why Upgrading Your Appliances Matters

Upgrading your kitchen equipment is crucial for energy efficiency. New, energy-efficient appliances save energy and help you meet sustainability goals.

Efficient Refrigeration

Professional kitchen fridges run 24/7 and consume a lot of energy. New energy-efficient fridges can save thousands of dollars in operational costs.
For example, switching from a class G to a class B refrigerator can save 78% of energy costs, and a class C freezer can save 70%.
New fridges also reduce food waste by maintaining even temperature and humidity.

Eco-Friendly Refrigeration Solutions

Eco-friendly refrigerators use natural gases like cyclopentane and R290, which have low global warming potential. These fridges also have durable components and efficient insulation systems that limit energy use.

Efficient Kitchen Appliances

The importance of energy-efficient equipment in commercial kitchens cannot be understated. This equipment benefits businesses financially and significantly reduces environmental impact.

For example, Energy Star-certified refrigeration appliances use less electricity than standard models while maintaining cooling efficiency.

It is critical to remember that updated or more efficient kitchen equipment can increase energy consumption, leading to higher operational costs.

Saving money goes beyond attracting more business; it also includes effective resource management within your company.

Cooktops: Induction cooktops reduce energy consumption by 60%, and electric solid tops save 35% energy.

Electric Grills: These grills heat up quickly and save 30% energy.

Ovens: Some ovens use AI to optimize cooking and save 10% energy.

High-Speed Cookers: Energy-efficient cookers use 60% less energy and are in standby mode to save more energy.

Upgrading to energy-efficient kitchen equipment can save money, reduce environmental impact, and create a more sustainable commercial kitchen.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Commercial Kitchens

Cutting Energy Waste and Costs

Improving energy efficiency in a commercial kitchen has many benefits. It reduces unnecessary energy use and lowers utility bills. Some kitchens waste up to 60% of their energy due to heat loss during cooking.

Creating a Better Working Environment

Using energy-efficient equipment saves money, reduces carbon emissions, and improves the working environment.

Efficient appliances emit less heat and make less noise, making the kitchen more comfortable for staff. This comfort boosts morale and productivity, making for a happier and more efficient team.

Reducing Utility Bills

Energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce power consumption, lowering utility bills—by as much as 18-25%.

This can result in substantial savings over time. Additionally, efficient kitchens use less water and benefit from multifunctional appliances, reducing overall resource consumption.

Saving Money and the Planet

Using energy-efficient equipment not only helps the environment but also saves money. Upgrading to energy-efficient models or maintaining existing equipment properly can lead to significant cost savings.

Regular cleaning and maintenance keep appliances running efficiently, benefiting your budget and the planet.

Investing in energy efficiency in your commercial kitchen is smart for financial and environmental reasons.

Energy Saving Tips for Your Commercial Kitchen

Running a busy commercial kitchen uses much energy, leading to high costs and environmental impact.

Restaurant owners and chefs can save money and help the environment by adopting energy-saving practices. Here are some practical tips to improve energy efficiency in your kitchen without compromising food quality.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances:

Invest in energy-efficient kitchen appliances like Energy Star-rated ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. These appliances use less energy without sacrificing performance, saving you money on utility bills over time.

Embrace LED Lighting:

Switch to LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and last longer than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights. Use motion sensors or timers to control lighting in less-used kitchen areas.

Schedule Equipment Usage Wisely:

Plan a schedule for using kitchen equipment. Avoid running multiple appliances at the same time during low-activity hours. Organize production to reduce idle times and use the right equipment for each task.

Monitor Water Usage:

Save water to save energy indirectly. Fix leaks promptly and invest in water-efficient equipment like pre-rinse spray valves and low-flow faucets.

Train Staff on Energy Efficiency:

Teach your kitchen staff about saving energy. Encourage them to turn off equipment when not in use, close refrigerator doors promptly, and use energy-efficient cooking methods.

Conduct Regular Energy Audits:

Perform energy audits regularly to identify improvement areas. An energy audit will help you identify inefficiencies and prioritize energy-saving measures.

Maximizing Kitchen Ventilation:

Good kitchen ventilation is crucial for reducing energy use. It improves air quality by removing smoke and odors and helps regulate temperature, cutting down on cooling energy.

A well-designed kitchen layout can boost ventilation efficiency. Placing heat-producing equipment like ovens near exhaust hoods makes the system more effective. You can also install a heat exchange system to capture and reuse wasted heat.

Wise Appliance Allocation:

Strategically placing appliances can significantly lower utility bills. By keeping frequently used items within easy reach, chefs can reduce movement, saving time and electricity. Optimizing cooking processes is another way to save energy.

Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure all equipment runs efficiently, reducing annual energy use and enhancing safety.

Smart Kitchen Habits:

Adopting eco-friendly kitchen habits is key to conserving energy. Turn off appliances when not in use and use the oven’s residual heat to finish cooking instead of keeping it on. Avoid preheating the toaster or microwave.

Defrost frozen food naturally instead of using the microwave, which uses much energy. Hand-washing dishes for smaller loads instead of using the dishwasher can save energy and reduce water usage.

These tips can make your commercial kitchen more energy-efficient, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Additional Energy-Saving Tips for a Commercial Kitchen

Commercial kitchens use a lot of electricity, and you can have very high electricity bills if you’re not careful. To save money and reduce your kitchen’s carbon footprint, here are some easy tips to reduce energy use in your commercial kitchen.

Switch to Renewable Energy

Investing in renewable energy (solar panels, wind power, etc.) can provide a good return on investment because it demonstrates to employees and consumers that you are a sustainable business, resulting in increased customer loyalty and employee retention.

Regular Maintenance

Equipment that isn’t cleaned properly must work harder and use more energy. Make sure all kitchen equipment is clean, well-maintained, and functioning correctly. Replace or repair any damaged parts as soon as possible.

Reduce Heat Usage

Lower the water temperature in dishwashers and other cleaning equipment while ensuring cleanliness. Separate your kitchen’s cool and hot areas with a condensate hood or strip doors to avoid wasting energy on maintaining different temperatures.

Switch Off When Not in Use

Turning off all power and utilities at the end of the day significantly saves energy. This is especially important during public holidays or closed days. Ensure all staff know where the power points and switches are so they can help out.

Contact Cyanergy for any smart products or commercial renewable energy needs. Get a free quote and talk to an expert today!

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Maximizing Energy Efficiency In Australian Commercial Kitchens appeared first on Cyanergy.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency In Australian Commercial Kitchens

Renewable Energy

Doing What’s “Right” Is More Controversial than it Seems

Published

17 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Alice Rush

Some of us are looking for a single, simple statement to encapsulate what is going so wrong in America today, and perhaps it relates to what Aristotle says at left here.

Even the MAGA folks think that what they’re doing is “right.” By this I mean white supremacy, mass deportation of immigrants (with or without due process), the rejection of science, and so forth.

Doing What’s “Right” Is More Controversial than it Seems

Renewable Energy

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2025

Alice Rush

As Trump’s former lawyer Ty Cobb says at left, in addition to turning the United Stated into an autocratic regime, at the same time, Trump needs to alter history such that future generations don’t think he did anything wrong.

Yes, he has his hands full, but he’s assisted by hundreds of traitors in congress, and hundreds of millions of hateful morons in the U.S. electorate.

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

Renewable Energy

Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties

Published

3 days ago

October 3, 2025

Alice Rush

Exciting opportunity alert for Victorian commercial and industrial sectors! A major energy incentive has
arrived!

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program has just rolled out an exciting new activity offering, deemed solar incentives specifically for commercial and industrial (C&I) properties starting from 1 October 2025.

This means easier access to valuable rebates when you install solar systems, accelerating your journey to cleaner, more affordable energy.

Whether you run a factory, office, or retail space, this update could dramatically reduce upfront costs and boost your ROI on solar investments.

So, if you don’t want to miss this game-changing chance to power your business sustainably and save big, keep reading!

In this blog post:

Breaking Down the 2025 VEU Changes: Is Your Business Ready to Cash In?

Well, the main goal behind these new solar incentives is to help the commercial properties to reduce energy cost,
lower emissions and most importantly increase electrification in the
commercial sector.

It’s a part of a broader push by the Victorian Government to accelerate clean energy adoption in the Australian
C&I sector.

Through this program the government offers incentives of up to $35,000 that support the installation of solar PV
systems ranging from 30 kW to 200 kW across the non-residential premises.

Eventually, by generating Victorian Energy
Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) and combining them with STCs and LGCs, it aims to drive energy efficiency
across Victoria’s business sector.

What Are Deemed Solar Incentives?

“Deemed” solar incentives refer to rebates or energy certificates like VEECs that are calculated upfront based on estimated energy savings over the life of a solar PV system rather than measuring actual savings year by year.

In simple terms, in this incentive program, the government “deems” or assumes how much energy your solar system will save over time and rewards you right away with certificates (VEECs). You can then trade it for either cash or rebates.

How Do These Deemed VEECs Work?

When you install a solar PV system between 30 kW and 200 kW on a commercial or industrial property, the system is assigned a pre-calculated number of VEECs based on its size, expected performance, and energy offset.

These VEECs have a market value, and also the accredited companies, like Cyanergy, can create and trade them for you.

And the best part that creates a difference is that, through these deemed VEECs, we ensure you get substantial upfront savings without waiting years to prove the actual energy savings.

What Makes This a Big Win for C&I Businesses?

Easier application process.
No complicated monitoring is needed for rebates; here, the savings are estimated in advance.
Immediate financial benefit, as there is no waiting time needed for long-term performance data.
Stackable with other schemes, such as combining with STCs or LGCs, can bring you even bigger savings from your business.

Top 6 Benefits of Going Solar for C&I Premises

With the government-backed incentives like the VEU program, commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses have
several reasons to make the switch.

Here are the 6 key benefits:

Saves Energy Cost

Reduce your business’s electricity bills significantly by generating your own clean power. With VEU incentives, STCs,
and LGCs, upfront installation costs are lowered by up to 30–35%, delivering faster return on investment.

Ensure Energy Independence

Adding solar panels protects or shields your business from rising energy prices and grid instability. Incorporating
solar on your premises gives you greater control over your energy use and costs, especially for high-demand
operations.

Boost Your Business’s Sustainability & Reputation

Switching to solar directly supports Victoria’s clean energy and sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions
and dependence on fossil fuels.

In Australia, more and more customers, clients, and stakeholders prefer doing business with companies that support
green initiatives.

So, by investing in solar, you’re not just cutting costs, you’re also enhancing your brand image, thus aligning with
corporate sustainability.

Future-Proof Your Business

Commercial solar systems (30 kW to 200 kW) can be custom-designed to match your building, energy usage, and
operational hours, ensuring maximum efficiency and savings.

It future-proofs your business by preparing for growing energy demands and regulations.

Increase Property Value

Installing solar can increase your property’s value and appeal, especially for leased commercial spaces and
industrial buildings that seek energy-efficient certifications.

Access to Multiple Rebates, More Savings!

C&I businesses can benefit from stacked government incentives, including VEU incentives up to $35,000, STCs for
systems under 100 kW and LGCs for systems over 100 kW.

How Much Can You Save With This New Activity?

Under the 2025 update, eligible businesses can receive VEU incentives of up to $35,000 just for going solar.

As mentioned earlier, these Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) represent estimated energy savings and can be combined with other financial incentives, like:

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

This stacking of incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a solar installation. For larger system sizes, that’s more than 100kW, this rebate can reduce the price by 30 to 35% or more.

Let’s have a glimpse at the following tables for better understanding!

Small-Scale Commercial Solar Systems (<100 kW)

These are ideal for smaller commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces looking to cut energy costs with a fast return on investment.

Small-scale systems allow you to stack VEU incentives and STC rebates for immediate savings, with simple installation and faster payback:

Large-Scale Commercial & Industrial Systems (≥100 kW)

These are designed for larger facilities like factories, warehouses, and multi-site operations. These systems deliver serious energy savings and qualify for LGCs in addition to VEECs.

Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for the VEU Solar Incentives?

To qualify for these new VEU solar incentives, your commercial property must meet the eligibility criteria.

So, let’s dive into the requirement list and see how your business can make the most of this exciting new
opportunity:

Installation Date: Must start after September 29, 2025
System Size: Between 30 kW and 200 kW
Location: Non-residential premises only.

For example: warehouses, factories, retail stores, health care centers,
schools, universities, sports facilities or new commercial buildings

Accreditation: An accredited company must be engaged to create the certificates.

Special Requirements for Hardware:

Solar Panels and inverters must be approved by the Clean Energy Council.
The panels must have a minimum 10-year product warranty.
Inverters must have a minimum product warranty of 5 years.
For smaller systems under 100 kW, solar panel brands must participate in the Solar Panel Validation Initiative
(SPVI).
The system must include access to a monitoring portal or regular system performance reports.

Need Assistance? Cyanergy is Here to Help!

When it comes to navigating government incentives and getting the most value out of your solar investment, experience matters the most. And Cyanergy excels at it.

With 10+ years of experience and over 467 successful commercial projects, Cyanergy brings years of proven expertise in renewable energy and commercial solar solutions.

From warehouses and retail stores to offices and manufacturing facilities, we’ve helped many Australian businesses to transition faster to clean, cost-effective, and reliable energy.

Our team understands the unique energy demands of commercial and industrial operations and delivers customized solar systems that maximize savings and performance.

Ready to start your solar journey? Let’s talk.

Cyanergy will guide you through every step, making the process smooth, efficient, and profitable. For the latest updates on VEU programs, keep your eyes on the Cyanergy website!

The post Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties appeared first on Cyanergy.