There are many energy-consuming components that your business needs to function. But what if going green can also save your business money at the same time? Energy conservation is a great way to help the environment while having the added benefit of saving money. Although we usually discuss bookkeeping, payroll, compliance issues and other topics, this information applies to all of us so I thought I’d share these tips from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help you get started.
Heating and Air Conditioning
- Use ENERGY STAR equipment if possible
- Schedule regular tune-ups to maintain optimal performance and add years to the unit’s life, and don’t forget to change/clean HVAC filters
- Watch out for direct sunlight on windows – “solar screens,” “solar films,” awnings, and trees/vegetation are better than drapes and can keep the office much cooler
- Use fans to keep air circulating and make the current conditions more comfortable, lowering the need for air conditioning. Fans also allow you to bring in air from outdoors if conditions are more favorable outside than inside
- Plug up leaks with caulking or weather strips to help manage ventilation and air quality
Lighting
- If you’re not using it, turn it off. You can also install occupancy-sensoring switch plates that will turn lights off automatically (but be sure to install them correctly to avoid frustration)
- ENERGY STAR qualified exit signs can save $10 per sign annually in electricity costs while preventing up to 500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions
- Swap out those old incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps. You save 75% on operating costs and they last 10x longer
- Consider a florescent lamp upgrade to T8 (1″ diameter) fluorescent lamp tubes with solid-state electronic ballasts instead of the older T12 (1.5″ diameter) tubes with magnetic ballasts. (This is more of an endeavor than the light bulbs, but may be worth looking into.)
- Daylight is always free – so utilize it when you can!
- Don’t over-light, as this is just as unhealthy as under-lit environments (and costs more)
Office equipment
- Always opt for the ENERGY STAR qualified equipment
- Turn your machines off when not in use. There is a common misconception that they last longer if never turned off, but this hasn’t been true since the days of mainframe computers.
- Lots of appliances draw energy even when switched off. (In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Yikes!) To avoid this loss, cut all power to appliances by unplugging them or using power strips that can be turned off.
- Screen savers do not actually save energy – set your computer to automatically go to sleep mode or manually turn it off to save energy
- Laptops use less energy than desktops
- Battery chargers as well as the AC adapter for your laptop draw power continuously whenever plugged in, so unplug it or use a power strip that can be turned off
- Rechargable batteries are usually more cost effective than throwaways (but if you do use throwaways, be sure not to toss them in the trash. Read up on safe disposal options.)
Hopefully these tips will help get you started going green while keeping some green in your pocket! Energy efficiency is just a start in implementing green practices – water conservation, green transportation, waste management, and sustainable materials are a few of the many worthwhile green business practices to explore.
