American business is teching-up like never before, with shiny new toys that suck electricity in huge amounts.
The average American small business has more than 44 electronic devises according to the Consumer Electronics Association. The fallout: Electronic device usage is one of the fastest-growing categories of electricity with consumption by small business have increased from 6% in 1980 to more than 18% today. By 2015 it is estimated to be closer to 25% for many small businesses.
What can a small business do?
When purchasing new tech products, it is good to be aware of the greener options. Programs like Energy Star and Natural Resource Defense Council have done considerable work to encourage manufacturers to deliver more energy-conscious products. "Green" appliances that meet the new standards, compared to the older models sold five years ago, will save five (5) billion kWh a year in the U.S., preventing the release of about 3.8 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the NRDC. That's the equivalent of removing 600,000 cars from our roadways.
Buy only Energy Star rated devices and appliances.
Turn off computers and other electronic equipment when not in use.
Connect a power strip/surge protector to all electronic equipment. It is one of the most useful tools in business energy conservation. When you think you are powering down an appliance, the device may still consume electrical power. The proper use of a power strip/surge protector will enable a company to turn off the drain vampires, reducing power consumption and CO2 emissions by a considerable amount.
Link all computer speakers, printers, scanners, and chargers to a power strip/surge protector so that when you turn off the power strip at the end of the day you will stop the drain of energy.
Unplug external power suppliers such as chargers for everything from cell phones and BlackBerrys to computer printers and digital cameras. They may be small but they can become a major energy drain when not in use. They draw power 24/7 while converting a lot of wasted power to wasted heat.
Consider waiting until July to buy that new computer. That's when some of the industry's most energy-efficient computers hit the market, thanks to a new specification from Energy Star. Desktops and notebooks that meet the spec will use 30% less energy, on the average, than current models.
Get rid of screensavers on existing computers. A screensaver serves no useful purpose and eliminating them could save between $50.00 to $100.00 per computer.
Consider a laptop. Laptop's may use four (4) times less energy than an older computer with an LCD monitor. " Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps.
As fluorescent bulbs burnout, replace overhead fluorescent light bulbs with low-mercury, eco-friendly fluorescent bulbs. They use less energy, are brighter and last longer while reducing mercury pollution.
Install a programmable thermostat and do not allow employee access to it. If properly set, it can save up to 30% on heating cost.
Install motion detectors in bathrooms and low traffic areas so that lights are automatically turned off when the area is not in use.
By Garry H. Peterson, CEO
Institute for Green Business Certification, Inc.
Effective July 21, 2008 - All checks are to be made payable to - The Institute for Green Business Certification, Inc.
We cannot be held responsible for monies paid directly to an individuals or organization claiming to be affiliated with The Institute for Green Business Certification, Inc.
