Energy Efficiency Ideas for Businesses

by Travis Creswell

image credit: m.inmagine.com

Here is the first in a series of tips on how to get your business started on the road to saving money on your energy bills.

Part One - Make the commitment to reduce your energy costs.  The number one reason we see facilities continue to use more energy than they need to is that they've not committed to change. Many people are unaware of what's even possible related to energy efficiency and are throwing their hard-earned money away as a result.

A great first step is to form a company Green Team to identify where your operation is currently using energy, including waste streams such as cardboard, reusable chemical totes, and raw and semi-processed goods. The list of potential energy drains goes on and on.

Assess your facility's energy usage using a variety of no- or-low cost tools available from DOE, your state energy office,  and your local utility.

If neither of these approaches are feasible, it might be best to bring in an outside professional. The energy they help you save will more than pay for their fees.

Travis Creswell is a GreenTown Joplin committee member whose company, Ozark Energy Services, helps businesses assess the best ways to invest their energy conservation dollars.