Greening up your commercial space is not just about the environment because itâs also about your bottom line. You can not only help the environment but you can reduce a lot of your overhead costs with a well conceived approach to reducing your energy, heating and lighting costs.
So, letâs see how well you do.
What about your Lighting?
Did you know that lighting can account for as much as 50 percent of your average lighting costs for your commercial premise? If youâre still using incandescent lighting and switched to CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights), you would be using a lower wattage light bulb that uses up to 75 percent less energy. This means that for every 5 light bulbs you replace, it could mean a savings as high as $200 dollars. Leaving lights on when they arenât required can also save you a ton of money.
What about your Power Cords?
If youâre using old style power cords, you should consider switching to âSmart Stripâ power cords. Not only do they double as surge protectors they have the ability to know when an electronic device is shut off and are a better option for any lasers printers you use in your business. Their ability allows them to boast that they will pay for their cost within six weeks of being installed.
Do you Leave your Computers Turned On?
If you do leave your computers turned on when they are not in use, you could be needlessly wasting a whole bunch of money. All computers, printers and copiers should be set to go âto sleepâ and shut off when they are inactive after 30 minutes. Screen savers donât save money as it still means that the monitor is fully operational and using power. Some energy efficient experts say that you can save between $50 – $150 per electronic device.
How well do you Monitor your Heating and Cooling?
The majority of your utility bill is comprised of what you use for your heating and cooling costs in your commercial premise. You can greatly reduce your costs simply by installing programmable thermostats. Raising or lowering the overall temperature by just a few degrees can also greatly impact your costs. If you use air conditioners, you could be losing as much as 25 percent of energy in units that have not been inspected and maintained by air conditioner technicians.
Are you Open to the Elements?
Did you know that by planting as little as 3 well-placed trees around key areas of your building, you could reduce the cooling costs of your building by as much as 30 %? In colder climates, they will also act as a natural windbreak and can reduce a cold winter wind by as much as 50% which will help save you money on your heating costs.
How well do you Reuse Materials and Recycle?
The efficient reuse of materials and setting up a recycling program can go a long way in saving your company money. It allows you to utilize your materials in a more cost effective manner.
Bottom Line
Thatâs what it comes down to when it comes to applying a strategical means to make your company more energy efficient. There are also many federal and provincial initiatives and programs that you can use to help make your business more energy sustainable and efficient. So, how well do you stack up?
Photo by Intelfreepress
