Ten Energy Saving Tips
Energy conservation isn’t a new concept, but it has renewed meaning in view of high oil prices, which result into higher costs for electricity and other types of energy. Whether it’s fuel for your vehicles or for heating, cooling and lighting your facility, you can reap direct increases to your bottom line by following some basic steps.
1. Lower the energy consumption t your office, store, restaurant, factory or other facility. The easiest thing to do is simply turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use. But go one step further and use various technologies to improve energy efficiency (and therefore use less electricity). Examples:
- Switch from incandescent to fluorescent lighting. Even better, use new high-efficiency fluorescent fixtures – you can save up to 50% on your energy bills when you use this type of lighting.
- Turn the thermostat down in winter and up in summer. A degree or two can mean less energy use (and fewer dollars spent). The recommended settings are 68 degrees F for heating in the winter and 78 degrees F for cooling in the summer.
2. Reduce gas consumption by vehicles. Keep existing cars and trucks in top repair to minimize gasoline use.
When buying or leasing a new vehicle, check the suggested MPG (miles per gallon for city and highway use) and opt for the car with the best mileage, provided it otherwise meets your needs.
Consider buying a hybrid car (e.g., a Toyota Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid). Not only will you save substantially on gasoline, but you can also claim a $2,000 deduction for the purchase price.
3. Become an ENERGY STAR partner. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a program for small businesses which, depending on your company’s operations, can save you up to 25% in energy costs. The EPA will work with you to customize an energy-saving program and help you track your energy use and cost savings if you commit to making improvements. Participation in the program is voluntary and is also open to home-based businesses. To learn more and sign the partner letter, go to http://208.254.22.7/index.cfm?c=business.bus_commit.
4. Buy ENERGY STAR-labeled products. These products take advantage of the latest technology to save you money. For example, some products may automatically “power down” when not in use after a certain amount of time.
5. Use laptops instead of desktop computers.Upgrading your company computers and peripherals? Keep in mind that laptops use 90% less energy than desktops. Also, where practical, use inkjet printers instead of laser printers; the former use less energy than the latter.
6. Make capital improvements. Upgrade heating and cooling systems where appropriate. Even a home-based business owner can save on energy by upgrading room air conditioners to energy-efficient models. Ceiling fans can replace or supplement air conditioning. Adding insulation and replacing old windows are key energy savers. There are also industry-specific improvements that can produce substantial savings (e.g., special refrigeration for grocers).
Look for capital improvements with a three-year or better payback. In effect, the energy savings pays for the improvement over time – the sooner the better.
7. Encourage employee participation in energy saving. Educate employees about the need to save energy use where possible. This may require meetings or other educational venues to tell employees how they can save energy. For example, if employees use company cars, driving at 65 mph increases gas consumption by 20% over driving at 55 mph. Turning off a car rather than idling more than 45 seconds saves on fuel, so where possible avoid drive-through and other idling situations.
Solicit ideas from employees on energy-saving measures and reward those who come through.
8. Get an industrial assessment for free. If you are a manufacturer, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Assessment Centers provide free energy assessments for small businesses using teams of engineering facilities and students from local colleges and universities. Recommendations from the Centers for manufacturers have resulted in an average of $55,000 in savings per manufacturer. For details, go to www.oit.doe.gov/iac.
9. Borrow to make energy improvements. With interest rates low, it may make sense to finance fuel-saving measures.
To find a list of lenders, go to www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=sb_join.sb_financeproducts.
10. Check resources for additional energy-saving ideas. Government agencies, utility companies and others provide online tips to help you save on energy costs. Here are just a few examples:
- Alliance to Save Energy (www.ase.org).
- ENERGY STAR (www.energystar.gov).
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (www.pge.com/biz/energy_tools_resources/small_biz).
Copyright © 2005 by BWideas.com, Inc.
Category: Organizational Strategies - Alliance to Save Energy (www.ase.org).
