Showing posts with label efficiency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label efficiency. Show all posts

Save $$$ by saving Energy- Step 1

Posted on 9:18 PM, under ,

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Sounds simple right? You might do this at home, but how does this effort translate to your business or workplace? And for what reason?

Heck we have all watched how energy costs have been rising in recent years and realize that new taxes and or regulations are on the horizon, so every business has good reason to become more efficient.

The timing is right to begin ASAP as opportunities to save energy and thus money is here. Some of the green tax incentives enacted as part of the recent stimulus bills expire in a year or two. Plus an investment now will yield cost savings for your business in the future, as Green buildings are more efficient, more comfortable, which essentially improves morale, boosts productivity and lowers your turnover.

The Greenbaroness will tackle a few of these practices from a practicality perspective of "payback" time.

Frankly the first step in helping your organization save energy is to change the habits of your people. Sorry it's not a new iphone application, but the way your building is managed and operated can have a huge impact than the actual technology of a building. So before you move ahead on any large renovations etc, drill into your day-to-day operations for some substantial savings.

However, in order to adequately measure your consumption, you need a benchmark as a starting point. The EPA's Energy Star program www.energystar.gov offers a set of tools called portfolio manager to help you set your benchmark relative to energy and water usage as well as offering spreadsheets that allow manufacturers in certain industries to judge their own consumption.

Next Post- maintenance


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So today could be the next “Friday”? The 4 day work week could save $$ and lighten your carbon footprint

Posted on 12:38 PM, under , ,

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As organizations are scrambling to become more efficient and cutting the “fat” from their budgets, one idea gaining attention is going to three-day weekends. This offering, without decreasing the actual hours worked per week, could not only save money, but also help the environment and public health.

This idea is being piloted in many states and companies across the country. While I was hoping to say the trend began as an effort to help the environment, as necessity is always the mother of invention, the economic downturn was the real reason it has been receiving such favorable notice. Companies realized they could close on Fridays and save money without having to reduce weekly hours.

It also aiding companies in a corporate responsibility perspective, as they strive to address some of the needs brought forward by employees in the last 5 years; environmental issues, commuting pressures as well as work-family balance.

Utah has already taken the 4 day workweek plunge- 17,000 of state employees since last August are working the 4 day work week. In their offices, there no longer a need to turn on the lights for three days, or clean buildings on fridays etc. Electric bills have dropped over the summer, thanks to less air-conditioning. As of late May the state has saved $1.8 million. Not pocket change by any means.

Employees surveyed on the 4 day work week love it- with 82 % wanting to stay the course. The shift in hours for their Monday- Thursday commute is off peak, so they have a better commute on the days they do come into the office.

An interim report released by the Utah state government in February projected a drop of at least 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually from Friday building shutdowns. If reductions in greenhouse gases from commuting are included, the state would check the generation of at least 12,000 metric tons of CO2—the equivalent of taking about 2,300 cars off the road for one year.


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