“Small business owners are no strangers to making the most out of limited resources—they are, after all, natural efficiency experts. While it can sometimes feel like trying to squeeze water from a stone, they consistently find ways to maximize productivity and achieve success.”
This is the goal of energy efficiency experts, too.
Getting the same or better outcome with less energy is what energy efficiency is all about. Energy efficiency brings other significant benefits as well, including potential savings on gas and electric bills, improved performance of devices and appliances, and, ultimately, a cleaner, greener environment. Increased adoption of energy efficiency also brings new jobs in construction, plumbing, electrical work, building design and maintenance, and other industries.
October 2, 2024, is Energy Efficiency Day across the United States. According to EnergyEfficiencyDay.org, there are 1,163 local governments, universities, organizations, corporations, and other stakeholders that have pledged to participate this year in the annual event and awareness campaign. The goal is to share tips and tools that promote the multiple benefits of energy efficiency.
To celebrate Energy Efficiency Day, here are five steps you can take around the office to reduce your company’s energy usage. Remember, just a little bit of effort can lead to significant benefits.
- Unplug. Business may be 24/7, but your electricity use doesn’t have to be. The experts at the U.S. Department of Energy recommend ensuring “…your monitors, printers, and other accessories are on a power strip/surge protector. When this equipment is not in use for extended periods, switch off the power strip to prevent them from drawing power even when shut off.” BONUS: A break from the soft glow of the screens is good for the soul as well as the electric meter.
- Be a star…an ENERGY STAR. When you are at the office, make sure your technology is energy efficient. When buying computers, copiers, telephone systems, televisions, and more, look for products with the Energy Star label to get the most out of your systems and keep your energy costs down.
- Make the switch to LED: LED lights last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs and consume up to 90% less electricity. It’s also important to switch your lights off when you are not at work or, at a minimum, put them on a timer.
- Throw some shade. Keeping cool under pressure is what businesses do every day. Keeping cool on summer days is possible, too – consider shades and blinds for office windows to block direct sunlight and maintain lower temperatures inside. And on those chilly days of winter, let the sunshine in to help out your thermostat and heating system.
- Audit – the good kind. Audit is not a word that most businesses want to hear, but when it comes to an energy audit, it doesn’t need to be stressful. If you own your building, you can start by using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to benchmark your usage against other commercial properties. BONUS: No tax receipts are required.
The benefits of practicing ways to reduce energy usage are significant in lowering energy costs, reducing harmful carbon emissions that pollute our air and water, and helping to preserve our natural resources. RESA invites you to share ways that you are practicing energy efficiency at the office or at home by sharing these tips and tagging @RESAUSA #EEDay2024.
