7 Green Tips for Reducing Your Biz’s Energy Consumption
Nancy Rubin, Ph.D.
Online Learning, Instructional Design, Consulting, Teaching @nancyrubin.bsky.social
Every business should strive to be environmentally-conscious. The manufacturing and packaging of products should be done in an eco-friendly manner. All the operations of the business should be geared towards making the environment safe. Consuming minimal energy is one of the best ways to run a green (environment-friendly) business. Plus, reducing energy consumption is also good for your finances. You will pay less in utility bills. Here is a look at some green tips you can apply to save energy.
Unplug Devices
Did you know that an electronic device uses up electricity even when it is not in use? Televisions, computers, sound systems, printers, scanners, and other devices continue to use small amounts of electricity even when they are powered off. Ensure that all devices that are not in use are unplugged. This will save a lot of energy especially when the impact is considered over time.
Upgrade to LED lighting
Compared to halogen, LED lights consume less energy. LED lights are also brighter and last a long time. By simply changing all bulbs to LED you will see a decrease in your monthly energy bill. Opt for a few bright lights instead of many dim ones.
Take Advantage of Natural Lighting
When designing your business premise, ensure that the place has enough windows. These windows should provide adequate natural lighting to ensure that you do not have bulbs on during the day. If you are situated in an area with less natural lighting consider adding mirrors to improve instead of relying on electricity around the clock.
Use Solar Power
Solar is a renewable and sustainable source of energy. Plus, with solar energy, you will not have an energy bill to worry about at the end of the month among other benefits. Solar energy can be used to power appliances, lighting, and for many other uses. If your business cannot fully rely on solar energy, mix it with other energy sources. For instance, hoteliers could use solar energy for heating water while electricity is used for lighting.
Switch Off Lights
Allocate someone the responsibility of switching off all the lights at the end of the day. There is no need to leave your office lights throughout the night. Even rooms that are barely used during the day (like server rooms) should have the lights off. For security lights, you will want to leave them on. To save energy on these, invest in motion sensors. This way, your business premise will be safe and you will save energy.
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Shop for the Best Energy Rates
Energy bills are an important part of the operations of the business but you do not have to settle on just any that you find. Shop around and look for energy suppliers who will supply you with a clean green environment. Compare?business energy rates?as offered by different energy providers before choosing whom to work with.
Buy Energy Efficient Equipment
Your appliances should consume as little energy as possible. Look at the energy star on all appliances before you buy. The fridge in the break room, the TV in the lounge and the computers in the offices should all be energy-efficient. If you have older appliances that consume much energy consider changing to newer ones that consume less.
Go Paperless
Papers are made from trees and reducing the use of paper will mean fewer trees are cut to make paper. As a business, opt to carry out operations online and share soft copies instead of printing all the time. Some businesses have managed to go paperless and this has not only impacted their eco-friendliness but also their operational costs.
Insulate Windows Properly
Your business premise should be well insulated. This way, you will not have to rely on your heater too much when winter comes. The insulated windows will keep the warmth so you do not have to turn up your heater. During summer, keep windows open and power down the AC whenever possible.
Bottom Line
With these green tips, you will be able to reduce the energy consumption of your business. You will make the earth a better place for the current and future generations. You will also save on operational costs and attract the environment-conscious client. There is nothing to lose by going green as a business.