Energy is a major cost for any small business. If your cost margins are tight, expenditures in this area
can make the difference between a struggling and thriving business. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can save on energy.
- Turn off lights when you leave the room.
- Change all of your light bulbs to more energy efficient ones.
- Install motion detectors that automatically shut off the lights when not in use.
- Mount skylights to your roof or ceiling to bring in the outside daylight.
- Install a thermostat you can program to use just the energy you need.
- Replace old equipment with more energy efficient ones.
- Install water efficient appliances, low-flow faucets, low-flow toilets, and high-efficiency urinals.
- Swap your old water heater with one that’s more energy efficient.
- Buy a laptop instead of a desktop computer because they consume considerably less energy.
Put Technology to Work for You.
The latest technology can help you lower energy costs. For your next long distance meeting, hold a virtual get-together using teleconferencing software instead of driving or flying to meet clients or colleagues in distant offices.
Rearrange Work Schedules. You can save on energy, overhead and wear and tear on equipment including phones and computers, if you let some of your employees work at home. A schedule where two or more employees share the weekly workload is one example how this arrangement can help save you money.
Going Green Saves Money Down the Road. Caring about the environment is great but it’s even better when going green saves you money. Some of the cost effective improvements you can incorporate include: installing solar panels, installing wider paneled walls and/or more insulation, which helps prevent energy losses, using more energy efficient lighting, and buying low energy appliances.
Take Tax Credits When Saving on Energy. When you purchase energy saving equipment or appliances or when you reduce energy consumption such as with window tinting or by adding insulation to your roof, you may be able to obtain a government tax credit. You can visit the federal government’s Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov to see which energy saving methods are eligible for tax credits.
