Businesses across the country are searching for ways they can use clean energy to save money and help in creating a more sustainable world. Clean energy can yield significant rewards, both for your business and the environment. By greening your business you`ll be able to: save money by increasing efficiency and reducing waste; lessen safety and health risks; attract environmentally conscious employees and consumers; and differentiate yourself from your competitors.
How Businesses can Save Money with Clean Energy
- Use compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs
Although LED and CFL lights both have a higher purchase price than the standard incandescent bulbs, they use less energy and last significantly longer. CFL bulbs are cheap and are 4 times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. LED light bulbs use almost 90 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulb and can last up to 25 years.
- Conserve water
Energy is used and emissions generated to heat the water that`s used in your business premises and process waste water. Repair leaks and reduce water heater temperatures. Install aerated faucets and low-flow showerheads so that you can reduce the amount of water used. Facilities that have high hot water demand, like restaurants and hospitals, should consider installing heat recovery systems so that they can capture the energy from waste fluids to preheat or heat water.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle
There’re a number of ways you can implement strategies that are aimed at reducing waste, recycling on a regular basis and reusing your office supplies when applicable. For starters, ensure that you have spread awareness about the 3 Rs among your employees.
You should ensure that the recycling bins in your business premises are accessible to customers and employees. By placing recycle bins in highly visible and strategic locations, you will automatically attract the compliance, interest, and attention of your employees and customers.
- Generate solar power for your business
Having a solar power system installed in your business premises will mean that you`ll pay just a fraction of what you`re currently paying for electricity. If your business is located in Wales, England, Northern Ireland or Scotland, you will be able to claim the Government -backed feed-in tariff payments once your solar photovoltaic system is installed, provided that you meet all the relevant criteria –that will be assessed by a certified installer. You can be able to know how much cash you will save and other methods your company can use to go clean by contacting Watt.co.uk and requesting them to conduct an environmental audit and cost analysis of your business.
Additionally, consumers are becoming more attracted to businesses which are seen as being environmentally aware. By using solar energy, your business can attract more customers by expressing its participation in the fight against global warming and can reduce the dependence of the country on fossil fuels.
- Ship goods more efficiently
If your business supplies products, you should consider ways to reduce your shipping emissions. Ground shipments, by truck or rail, are generally more fuel efficient than shipping by air. Fewer, full-ground shipments will use less fuel than frequent light loads. If you don`t have enough products for full shipments, you should consider teaming up with other local businesses.