From Guest Blogger Brooke Chaplan: How Companies Can Become More Energy Efficient and Responsible
Increasing your corporate energy efficiency and environmental responsibility shows your commitment to the future. Businesses with an Earth-friendly code of operations are often seen favorably by the public. Keep in mind these four ways of becoming more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible in your business operations.
Having an Energy Audit
Contact your commercial utility suppliers and schedule an energy audit. Most energy companies offer this service at a low cost or for free. If you have to pay for the audit, you may get those dollars back in the form of a rebate after sending in receipts that show you have taken action on the recommendations offered by the auditor. An auditor will examine your facilities from top to bottom, inside and out, to identify areas that are energy-inefficient. You will receive a detailed report on the findings and action steps to improve energy efficiency.
Using Industrial Boilers
When your business’ heating system is due for replacement, consider installing industrial boilers. These units, like those from companies like Nationwide Boiler, offer comfortable heating. They operate on a variety of fuel types, which allows you to take advantage of the most affordable or greenest type of fuel. An industrial boiler could heat an entire office building, warehouse or factory.
Make investments in green technology for your business. For example, automated systems can shut off the lights and computer monitors when no motion is detected. These systems work well in bathrooms and break rooms that only see occasional use. Replace old windows and roofing systems with environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient products. When equipment needs to be replaced, choose systems that use less fuel to operate.
Purchasing Green Energy or Carbon Credits
If a business cannot fully convert to a green energy system, one option to be more environmentally responsible is to purchase carbon or energy credits. These credits are an offset to make up for the pollution caused by the fossil fuel-based energy consumed by the business. The energy offset dollars may go to an environmental protection organization or to a company producing or using green energy solutions such as solar power.
As you make your company more environmentally responsible and energy-efficient, you may notice that your costs of operation decrease. It may even be easier to attract new customers and investors to work with you because they will see your commitment to the future. Each of these steps allows you to take action and work toward a more sustainable environment for your business.
