THE GREEN ENERGY BLOG

Business Energy Greening

Guest Post by Rhian Farnworth

How Your Business can Save Money and Help the Environment

Many small and medium enterprises are faced with a struggle for survival in the current economic climate. This is why some managers overlook ways in which to improve business activities and processes in an environmental context. While managers are understandably preoccupied with matters of profit and loss, what many fail to realize is that business energy greening can help to save money, as noted by energy consultancy firms such as uSwitchforbusiness.

There are numerous ways in which businesses can save money by streamlining activities in an environmental context. Reducing a company’s carbon footprint – the extent to which something emits (directly or indirectly) greenhouse gases into the atmosphere – can be tackled on all fronts.

Paper usage is one area in which business greening can lead to significant improvements. Whereas firms of ten or twenty years ago were heavily reliant on paper, most need comparatively little to function in today’s electronic business environment. In fact, some firms have championed paper free offices to prove the point. Going paper free means relying more heavily on computerized systems. It also means that customers receive electronic bills and statements rather than monthly updates by post.

The benefits of reducing paper usage in the office include a reduction in expenses (paper obviously costs money), a reduction in maintenance costs (e.g., printers, ink and related equipment) and a reduction in carbon emissions. On the latter point, it stands to reason that reduced paper consumption means less paper is needed. In turn, this means that fewer trees are cut down to supply an office with paper. Trees absorb carbon dioxide. a harmful greenhouse gas. More trees means the ozone layer is afforded greater protection.

Another simple greening tip is to recycle more. Commercial recycling is important if society is to take responsibility for the materials it consumes and the waste it produces. Without exception, small and medium enterprises ought to recycle all waste items that can be recycled, a move that would almost certainly improve a firm’s image in the public eye.

One direct method of business energy greening is to install energy efficient lighting throughout the office. Moreover, the lights should be fitted with motion sensors so that rooms are only ever lit when people are occupying them. Installing energy efficient lighting with motion sensors can significantly cut energy bills while serving to lower carbon emissions.

Upgrading computer hardware is also important. Old technology tends to be as power hungry as it is energy inefficient. Upgraded systems can help to cut electricity consumption. Likewise, ensuring that monitors and hard drives switch off after a period of inactivity can significantly lower energy bills.

Finally, businesses can make further savings – both directly and indirectly – by switching to more environmentally friendly business energy suppliers. uSwitch provides free advice on this area. Generally speaking, firms should be given the option to switch to so-called green tariffs, which are those that source energy from solar panels, wind turbines and other environmentally friendly, low carbon systems.