Ten Easy Ways to Green Your Business

1)  Get an energy audit
Energy audits are free, and qualified contractors can save you hundreds of thousands annually by recommending ways to make your business more energy efficient. Call 1-877-WISE-USE to request one from a Small Business Energy Advantage administrator at CL&P.
 
2)  Replace old lights with Compact Florescent (CFL) light bulbs
It is estimated that a single CFL saves $30 in electricity bills over its lifetime and lasts substantially longer than its incandescent counterpart

3)  Make sure thermostats are up to date
A high-tech thermostat can cost as little as $50 and save you hundreds on your utility bill by regulating heat peaks and overcooling.  Programmable models also reduce heating/cooling inputs when employees leave work.  One Middletown business owner saved $200 a year on his utility bill by replacing an old thermostat with a newer model.  Learn more about ENERGYSTAR models by clicking here.

4)  Turn off all equipment when it’s not being used
Computers and other electronic equipment use up massive amounts of energy even in ‘sleep’ mode.  Plugging appliances into a power strip and turning everything off when you leave will save a business an average of $5 a month

5)  Keep small recycling containers by all employee work places
Keeping recycling containers accessible to all employees greatly increases the amount of paper waste diverted from your waste stream, reducing hauling costs.

6)  Buy energy from renewable sources
Connecticut Light and Power offers business owners the option of buying all or part of their electricity from renewable sources such as wind or solar for a slight fee.  Find out how to sign up on CL&P’s Green Energy page.

7)  Print all documents double sided, buy recycled paper and host as many documents online as possible
Reducing the amount of paper you use through these methods will save your business money while reducing your environmental impact.  EPA guidelines suggest 30% minimum recycled content for paper products, but the higher the recycled content the better.

8)  Regularly change air filters on your HVAC equipment
Dirty filters overwork equipment, reducing its lifespan, and reduce air quality.  New filters usually only cost a few dollars.

9) Clean with Green Products
Green cleaning products are easier on the earth and easier on your business space.  For deals on these products, check out http://www.ecologicsolutions.com/

10)  Conserve Water with Low-Flow Appliances
Conserving water use can be as easy as installing a small device on a faucet head.  To decrease your water use and your water bill, visit http://www.itseasybeinggreen.com/