21 Best Green Business Tips

Posted on 20. Nov, 2008 by Jen in Eco-Office Gals

We're so glad you found us, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

In today’s era of escalating energy costs and climate change, energy efficiency is the most important aspect of greening your business. You can reap immediate savings by lowering your overall energy use and doing so will automatically reduce your business’s carbon emission footprint. You can also save money in the areas of waste reduction, equipment use, transportation, and building design. Here are 21 green business tips that you can institute quickly and easily in your own business:

1. Set a company policy to shut off all lights, machinery, and equipment when not in use, particularly on nights and weekends. Much equipment is idle and unused for up to 90 percent of its life. Simple inexpensive timer devices can be used to accomplish this task easily.

2. Install low-cost energy monitors that can provide an accurate display of the cost and energy use of individual equipment. Research shows that this step alone can lead to energy savings of up to 40 percent. See, for example, www.powermeterstore.com.

3. Consider using energy-efficient power strips or surge protectors. The latest versions can be found with remote control shut-offs, main shut-offs that can power down peripheral equipment, and motion-detecting shut-offs.

4. Lighting can often account for up to 40 percent of energy costs for many businesses. Install motion-sensor and/or automatic dimming switches for all lighting to be certain that you are not inefficiently lighting areas when no one is present.

5. A very cost-effective upgrade is to replace all of your incandescent lighting with new compact fluorescent bulbs. Your older 1.5″ diameter fluorescent tube lighting should also be replaced with newer 1″ tubes and solid-state electronic ballasts.

6. Install programmable thermostats to automate your HVAC system and to significantly scale back your heating and cooling when your business is not in operation. About 6 months of energy savings generally pay the installation and cost of these units, an excellent return on your investment.

7. Use fans in your business. Comfort is a function of temperature, humidity, and air movement. Thermostat settings of 3 to 5 degrees higher can feel as comfortable with fans.

8. Upgrade the energy efficiency of your older equipment. Modern equipment is much more energy efficient, often with less than half the energy use of older equipment. High-efficiency upgrades for motors and drives for equipment, air compressors, lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment generally have rapid payback periods, often less than one year.

9. Always buy Energy Star qualified products for your business. The Energy Star label indicates the most efficient light bulbs, computers, printers, copiers, refrigerators, televisions, windows, thermostats, ceiling fans, and other appliances and equipment.

10. Travel and transportation costs have been rising rapidly as fuel costs increase. Efficiency in transportation is often an effective way to lower your energy costs. If your business has company-owned cars or a fleet of vehicles, consider purchasing vehicles that are hybrid whenever possible. Check www.hybridcenter.org for the latest information on hybrid vehicles.

11. If your company ships products or is a truck or rail company that delivers these products, look into the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership. This is an innovative collaboration between EPA and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. Hundreds of businesses are benefitting from this partnership. See www.epa.gov/smartway.

12. Develop a company-wide policy to eliminate unnecessary idling of truck engines. One way is by installing auxiliary power units that will heat or cool the truck when stopped, allowing the main engine to be shut down. Wal-Mart installed auxiliary power units on its 6,845 semi tractors and saved $22 million in 16 months.

13. Many areas in the U.S. are facing rising water and sewer costs. Better water efficiency can be attained with relatively simple and low-cost steps. For example, check your facility carefully for any water leaks. If feasible, shut off all water-using outlets and monitor your water meter. If meter is showing water input, you have leaks in your system. Locate and repair any such leaks.

14. Eliminate unnecessary wash-downs or cleaning. Install pressure reducing valves if necessary to reduce high water pressure. This can reduce water use when high-pressure water is unnecessary for a particular use.

15. Install low-flow showers, faucets, toilets, urinals, hose valves, etc. (Zero-water urinals, 1 gpf toilets, and .5 gmp faucets are all readily available. See, for example: www.zeroflush.com). Use Energy Star certified equipment whenever possible to insure the highest efficiency.

16. Computers and their peripherals consume a surprising amount of power. Consider using laptops as desktop computers. Laptops are far more energy efficient and can consume up to 80 percent less energy than equivalent desktops. Inkjet printers use 75 percent to 90 percent less energy than laser printers.

17. Turn your computers off when they are not needed. It does not harm modern computers to be turned on and off repeatedly. Enable power management modes on your computer. These features allow computers to go into lower-energy modes after a certain amount of time. Sleep modes can save up to 90 percent of the energy consumed.

18. Any waste that your company generates is an unnecessary cost. Waste is simply inefficient. Examine all waste generated by your business and look for ways any current waste products can be reused on-site or by other businesses,eliminated or radically reduced. Brainstorm with the employees who are involved in the generation of the waste for fresh ideas. Look for ways to alter your waste generation so that the waste produced can be reused.

19. You can incorporate green business practices into your supply chain by incorporating green specifications into bid or quote requirements where appropriate. For example, you can specify that products contain no hazardous chemicals, that they do contain post-consumer recycled content, or that all plastic components are not painted or varnished, or that all electronics equipment be Energy Star certified.

20. Your business facility itself can be a source of excellent energy savings. Plug all leaks in your building’s outer shell with weather stripping or caulking. Use expandable foam to fill any gaps. If you will be remodeling or building a new facility, check the LEED standards for the latest efficiency techniques. See the U.S. Green Building Council website, www.usgbc.org, for more information.

21. Consider developing a comprehensive green business plan for your business that encompasses energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, transportation, computing and equipment efficiency, building design, and the design and actual operation of your business. Energy savings of 30 percent are easy and cost-effective to achieve and can reach up to 75 percent with a diligent effort.

These tips have been excerpted from “Greening Your Business: The Hands-On Guide to Creating a Successful and Sustainable Business”, by Daniel Sitarz, published by EarthPress. This guide includes a CD with dozens of worksheets, spreadsheet programs, and additional information and is available for $29.95. Please see www.GreeningYourBusiness.org for additional information.

Share and Enjoy:

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Green, green book, green business, Green Product Reviews, green your business

green directory | green message boards

25 Responses to “21 Best Green Business Tips”

EcoOfficeGals (EcoOfficeGals)

20. Nov, 2008

http://tinyurl.com/5md9h9 21 Best Green Business Tips
teresamorrow (teresamorrow)

20. Nov, 2008

RT @EcoOfficeGals: http://tinyurl.com/5md9h9 21 Best Green Business Tips
PlanetTran (PlanetTran)

21. Nov, 2008

21 Best Green Business Tips http://tinyurl.com/5md9h9
Tony from HVAC Repair

25. Nov, 2008

Upgrading your HVAC system can potentially reduce your home’s energy consumption by 30 to 40%. With a new high-efficiency system and properly sealed duct work you could dramatically reduce or even eliminate utility increases.
Jason from Paint Sprayer

24. Feb, 2009

I upgraded my HVAC last year and it has helped me on energy tremendously. I should make my money back in less than a year.

Jason´s last blog post..Titan LX-60 Paint Spray Gun
Carla Alvarez from Business Marketing

22. Apr, 2009

Your post would make a great checklist for businesses that want to become more environmentally conscious.

Carla Alvarez´s last blog post..5 Easy Tips for Eco-Friendly Business Operations
GreenGirl

28. Apr, 2009

Thanks, Eco-Office Gals. Great top 21! I would add a 22nd — web conferencing. The very nature of web conferencing is eco-friendly, as there is no travel involved, but I’m personally impressed with one web conference provider in particular — iLinc and its Green Meter that actually calculates the energy saving based on where each participant is in the world and how much carbon it would have emitted into the atmosphere if all of these people had traveled to facilitator’s host city. It’s worth a look. They have a free trial you can get at http://www.ilinc.com/trial/index.php?lead_src=Cybermark
21 Best Green Business Tips Eco Office Gals Green Virtual | Outdoor Ceiling Fans

31. May, 2009

[...] 21 Best Green Business Tips Eco Office Gals Green Virtual Posted by root 21 minutes ago (http://eco-officegals.com) Use fans in your business comfort is a function of temperature humidity and air movement televisions windows thermostats ceiling fans and other appliances and equipment type your comment here this site uses keywordluv powered by wordpress theme by woo the Discuss | Bury | News | 21 Best Green Business Tips Eco Office Gals Green Virtual [...]
deck contractor

02. Jun, 2009

If everyone followed step number 3, and turned their power units off everynight, they would save big!!!! And conserve huge amounts of energy and thus reducing our carbon footprint.
Tilly from Jute Bags

03. Jun, 2009

Some great green tips from Eco-Office Gals!

I hope people read this and put some thought into how their business could be greener.
21 Best Green Business Tips Eco Office Gals Green Virtual | Paid Surveys

03. Jun, 2009

[...] 21 Best Green Business Tips Eco Office Gals Green Virtual Posted by root 1 day 16 hours ago (http://eco-officegals.com) 21 best green business tips excerpted from greening your business the hands on powered by wordpress theme by woo themes middot creative commons license Discuss | Bury | News | 21 Best Green Business Tips Eco Office Gals Green Virtual [...]
Energy Saving Tip #2: Automate Your HVAC System — or Even Your Whole Building

29. Jul, 2009

[...] Consider the words of Daniel Sitarz, author of Greening Your Business, as excerpted in a blog post by your friendly neighborhood Eco-Office Gals: Install programmable thermostats to automate your [...]
David from Carbide Lamp

10. Aug, 2009

Wow these are some the best tips I have found online when it comes to converting your business to go green. Thanks for all of the great information you rock!
Martin from Light Idea

02. Oct, 2009

These are some great tips. I have saved so much money by changing all the light bulbs to energy saving bulbs, installing a low-flow shower, increasing the temperature of the fridge and using power saving features (turning monitor and hard drive off after a short time).
Chris from Small Business Phone Solutions

17. Oct, 2009

These are all great tips, and can prove to really help. It’s amazing how much electricity is wasted from idle computers and unnecessary lights.
Commercial Cleaning

07. Nov, 2009

What an awesome tip list – you can always count on Eco Office Gals for good info and more than the basic ideas. I realize that some of what I’m about to say might have been included in the book you excerpted from anyway, but my favourite no-fuss green contribution is in green power. Most companies have an option that costs you either a nominal fee per bill or a percentage of your power use, and you can say that you are contributing to renewable energy. Use it in your marketing – it would make a difference to me! Also look into the green roof phenomenon – makes the building a much nicer place generally and saves quite a bit of power.
Jill from Best Surge Protector

18. Nov, 2009

I like the turn off the computers idea. It amazes me how many people leave their computer on overnight and burn all that energy. When you leave your office, turn off the light and turn off the computer@! Thanks for the post.
Jill@Best Surge Protector´s last blog ..The Best Surge Protector For Your Home
Gwyn from Cabinet Depth Refrigerators

21. Nov, 2009

I think it is smart to turn off the computers and printers and items with small lights at the end of the day when they won’t be used any more. The only electronic thing that should be left running like that is a fax machine and that is basically it. At least in my opinion.
Terence from best low cost web hosting

01. Dec, 2009

Here’s another tip: There are “green” web servers that now run on 100% wind energy.
James from Magnet Generator

06. Dec, 2009

Here are some other quick tips:

Cut out the dishwasher’s drying cycle. Put the washed dishes on dish racks to air dry.

Unplug battery chargers or cell phone chargers when they are not in use or when batteries are fully recharged.

If possible use alternative energy sources such as solar panels or wind energy.
James @ Magnet Generator´s last blog ..Privacy Policy
stuartofficeequipmentuk

20. Dec, 2009

It sounds like good common sense to me. It is just that bad times makes people focus their attention a bit more.
Gavelect

21. Dec, 2009

I see you are interested in global warming and everything else that comes with it. I would just like to share my disappointment at the outcome of the Copenhagen climate council. The summit was supposed to halt temperature rise by cutting greenhouse gases. But after two weeks of negotiating it ended in a weak political accord that does not force any country to reduce emissions and has no legal standing anyway. As a result the world is “one step closer to a humanitarian crisis”, according to the Royal Society. It looks like it is every man for themselves but if your far away neighbors don’t do anything to halt it, what is the point. Here in Scotland, Scottish Hydro has shown the way forward with supplying clean hydro electric power from sources like, hydro damns and wind turbine farms but is it all in vein? It could well be.
Samantha from Goodyear

01. Jan, 2010

Nice job on the article. You really seem to know the details of this subject. I will have to bookmark this blog for future reference.
CW from home made energy

21. Feb, 2010

Reducing your energy consumption and increasing your energy efficiency is the first step you would want to take before considering an alternative energy system. For every $1 you spend on reducing your energy output, it’s estimated that you would reduce your cost for a renewable energy system by $3 to $5.
CW@home made energy´s last blog ..PV Solar – Homeowner Analysis (6)
JohnDonnerie from ReduceElectricityUsage

11. Mar, 2010

I totally agree with tip #1. In this way, we can really reduce more on our electricity consumptions and bills.