Don’t let energy inefficiency rob your business
If you operate a business that is energy inefficient, it’s like openly inviting shoplifters to steal from you. It’s really a crime to see that happen. When "nothing appears to be broke" it’s easy to ignore the potential benefits your business can reap from undertaking energy-saving improvements. But in all likelihood, as a small business owner or operator, you’re required to wear many hats. Thinking about your energy usage may not be a high priority on your radar screen.
Money in your pocket
Although many businesses think they can’t realize additional cost savings because they’ve already implemented energy-saving measures in the past, the opportunity to save even more money is significant. It may get your attention, however, if you realize by implementing a variety of energy saving measures, your business can save 10 to 50 percent on your energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That can be accomplished with modest upfront investments and a quick payback. In some cases, energy savings can be realized without any upfront investment.
Playing the stock market is a risky business. Implementing energy saving improvements with an established payback provides a solid return on your investment. In fact, with a simple payback of three years, you’ll realize a rate of return that would make any stock market manager green with envy.
Most recently, we’ve experienced a downturn in the economy. Last year, newspaper headlines were filled with news of potential electrical brownouts and blackouts and of record-high natural gas costs. Those external factors will continue to present challenges to small business owners. By making your business energy-efficient now, you’ll be better able to compete and "weather" the next external storm that puts profit pressures on your business.
Not only does saving energy lower your operating costs, it’s good for the environment, depleting less natural gas and using less electricity, the majority of which is generated by burning coal.
Free help
Fortunately, there’s a team of experts available for small businesses to identify the energy thieves that are robbing you, and make recommendations that can save you significant money. There is no better time for small businesses in Wisconsin to save money. There are new technologies, new funding options, and other incentives and expert advice available.
Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program is an innovative public/private partnership that strives to increase energy efficiency while saving business money. The Focus on Energy’s Small Commercial Program is designed to make energy efficiency easier for small businesses by providing the tools, information and links to other resources at no direct cost to you. You read that right – at no cost.
The Small Retail and Services Program (available to businesses with a building size of less than 25,000 square feet and with no manufacturing process) introduces small business owners and managers to energy-efficient practices and technologies and assists them in implementing those technologies in their businesses. This program is also available to chain accounts as long as no building is more than 25,000 square feet.
The program has two major components: First, participating program ally contractors will be able to give small commercial customers an instant incentive on their invoice for the installation of energy-saving equipment. Second, the program will promote energy conservation awareness through speaking engagements at trade association meetings, Chambers of Commerce, other local organizations and networking opportunities where small businesses would benefit from this information.
As Focus on Energy evolves and grows, more and more programs will be offered to specific businesses, such as the recently launched program for commercial Laundromats. Through Focus on Energy, commercial Laundromats may now qualify to receive a $350 discount for each high-efficiency washing machine installed.
A few tips
While the Focus on Energy team can help you identify energy-saving opportunities for your business, here’s a few tips you may want to consider to help reduce energy usage and save money.
Office Equipment
* When purchasing new office equipment, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label which indicates the product you are purchasing meets federal energy efficiency standards.
* Turn off PCs, monitors, printers, copiers and lights every night and every weekend. If you can’t turn off the whole computer, turn off the monitor and the printer.
* Implement paper-reducing strategies such as double-sided printing and reusing paper.
* Use e-mail instead of sending memos and faxing documents.
Lighting
* Retrofit T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 lights with electronic ballasts.
* Retrofit incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights bearing the ENERGY STAR label.
* Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms, eating areas and copy rooms.
HVAC
* Consider replacing old HVAC systems with new energy-efficient systems.
* Install time clocks or setback-programmable thermostats to maximize efficiency, and maintain thermostats at 78 degrees F for cooling in the summer and 68 degrees F for heating in the winter.
* Perform regularly scheduled maintenance on units, including cleaning condenser coils, replacing air filters, and checking ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
Motivated employees
When these projects are done correctly, don’t be surprised if sales and employee productivity increase. A well-lit, properly heated and cooled work environment makes for more productive employees and a more attractive workplace.
Nearly every type of small business has an opportunity to initiate projects that will save on energy costs, produce great paybacks and positively motivate employees.
It’s just a crime not to make energy efficiency a part of your business plan.
Rob Everhart is a program manager with the Focus on Energy Program. To learn more about the program, visit www.wifocusonenergy.com or call 1-800-762-7077
Editor’s Note: Small Business Times Business Forum Series, in conjunction with Focus on Energy, presents a seminar "Increasing Your Bottom Line with Energy Efficiency" Thursday, May 16, at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. For information about attending, call 414-277-8181.
