The expenses of a business have an obvious major effect on its overall viability. "Cost containment" - or learning how to limit expenses and contain costs - is a vital part of keeping a business going and achieving ultimate success. Decisions about energy can make a big difference on the expense side while also offering opportunities for business innovation and leadership.
A Matter of Choice
We all use energy resources in one way or another. So we all have the potential to make new energy choices that improve our businesses... in such areas as:
- Operations - Office equipment, lighting and appliances require an ongoing supply of energy. Most businesses use electricity to power their facilities and operations. Some use natural gas or propane for heating. Other energy sources are tapped as well.
- Transportation: Some businesses have their own vehicles or fleets for use by employees in their work. Some have budgets and policies for travel by employees. Personal transportation choices of owners and employees also come into play.
- Commodities: Day-to-day products used by businesses are made possible through the use of energy resources (in their production, packaging, distribution, etc.). Product design also influences customer energy use.
- Building Design: The design, construction and orientation of buildings have significant bearing on total energy use. Interior design choices also can have an impact.
Within Our Power
Whether in business or our personal lives, the power of decision carries great weight. Too often we forget about that power thanks to another powerful force: habit. We're accustomed to doing things a certain way... and that way continues until someone questions it and makes a change.
When it comes to energy, new opportunities abound for improved business decisions... decisions of great benefit to the business and to others as well. Businesses stand to save money and increase profits through direct means (like reduced utility bills) as well as indirect means... such as the effects of leadership and innovation on increasing customer loyalty, broadening customer base, reducing staff turnover and enhancing company visibility and reputation. "Being green" can make good things happen on multiple levels.
Exciting New Options
- Efficiency: Energy efficiency offers an immediate way to cut energy costs and in ways highly cost-effective for businesses. Selecting energy-efficient equipment, devices, appliances and vehicles is the way to tap this option. Many are available these days and often at costs the same as or not much higher than the more energy-consuming alternatives. Paying more up-front can make excellent sense (and "cents") too, when considering the short "payback time" on your investment. Once you reach the point where what you invested has been made up in the savings from energy that you otherwise would have used and paid for, the savings after that are like free money in the bank. That's why the cost of replacing certain equipment that's still functional but energy wasteful can make sense as well. It's all about return on investment. And some equipment can be sold to recyclers (for a double return) or donated to a worthy cause (and with tax benefit). Remodeling of a building to incorporate green design features (retrofits) can make sense for the same reasons.
- Conservation: Conserving energy is the easiest step of all as you just have to reduce your power usage and not buy a thing. Everyone can participate and, in most businesses, there are many ways to do so - in offices, in transportation, in purchasing practices, etc. Make it a team effort and track the results (energy bill-wise) so everyone shares in the glory.
- Energy Sources: Not all businesses have an easy choice on this but many do, including many that don't realize they do. I'll use our small business as an example. We switched a portion of our electric to solar electric (photovoltaic panels) years ago along with adding a solar water heater. We use propane for heat given its efficiency and performance. We have wood stoves for back-up in the event of an extended power outage in the winter (plus a generator for other needs). And we get the benefits of "passive solar" design in sending heat away from our office buildings in the summer while also capturing breezes for reduced AC demand. These are some examples of what others can do too.
In addition, some electric utilities offer "net metering" programs where you can use a renewable energy source like solar and literally sell the excess amount of power you generate (the part you don't use) back to the utility, to reduce or eliminate your power bill. Some utilities also offer programs where you can lease renewable energy systems from them (that they maintain for you, like a solar collector on your roof) or, in the alternative, programs where you can buy your energy from a centralized renewable energy system.
Advances in renewables have led to substantial cost reductions in these technologies and government tax incentives and rebates have been available to offset long-time incentives for conventional energy sources. Plus, using green energy sources and being more energy conserving wins support from customers and helps the environment and communities. Green business designations are also available from government and private sources.
4. Green Communications: Webinars, Webcasts, Simulcasts, Virtual Conferences, online meetings, social media, online digital products, virtual workplaces... these and other virtual resources are part of the "new frontier" of Internet-based communications and commerce. The opportunities are many and many more are quickly becoming available. These tools offer new and diverse ways to cut transportation energy use while also reducing demands on other resources, not to mention time and other expenses.
Making a Difference
Business owners and operators make choices that can make or break the difference. Some ways to cut costs, enhance profits, show leadership and otherwise boost your business include:
- Energy Systems: Break from tradition and check out today's menu of great choices. On-demand replays are available at no charge for a year-long online training series on a wide range of energy and green planning strategies. Made possible through funding from the US Department of Energy and State of Florida, the technical assistance series featured some 85 national and state experts and was geared to decision-makers. Access it at EnergySmartPlanning.org... plus a variety of other resources to help with energy decisions to boost your business.
- Communications/Operations: A wide range of "new era" business options are available as virtual solutions, via the Internet - for communications, marketing, professional development, operations and other strategies in changing times.. all with green energy benefits.
- Commodities: Many green products are available these days to reduce consumption of energy and other limited resources. Leadership opportunities exist here and can have a ripple effect on employees and others in their own purchasing practices. One great source of info on this is the US Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov). Start with their Energy Star program and go on from there.
- Building Design: While many businesses rent the facilities they reside in others purchase their offices and other buildings. The US Green Building Council has lots of great resources for improvements to benefit businesses (usgbc.org). So does the US EPA.
- Company Products: If your business sells good or services you may have the chance to lighten the energy demands there as well, by being resource conscious about packaging, delivery methods, maintenance and the products themselves.
Power of Decision
The choices are many. Results happen by making a choice, making a decision. Whether you take one step or many, every step counts toward your greater success. Now's the time to move forward... for better business and a brighter energy future.
Marcia Elder is President of a multi-disciplinary consulting firm specializing in strategic communications, innovative Internet technologies and other professional services, including long-time expertise and consulting in the energy field. The company (CPI Consulting -- Creative Pursuits, Inc.) is based in Florida and has been in business for over 25 years. Marcia also directs a nonprofit organization that provides education and training on energy and other topics. Her company hosts The Virtual Solutions Center at: http://www.thevirtualsolutionscenter.com. Since 2005 they have been leaders in online events and other virtual services to save time and money while expanding the reach and impact of organizations... and being green in the process.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcia_Elder
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