Put Energy Into Saving Money Around the Office

Kate Supino

November 18, 2015

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Going green around the office doesn't have to include going broke.

With a little creativity you can lessen your small business's carbon footprint just like you do at home, and save money at the same time.

Read on to learn how to save green by going green….

Don't Burn Daylight

You can significantly trim your office building's electricity bill by leaving the lights turned off during the brightest hours of the day.

If your office has windows (hopefully, it does), there are most certainly times when it's not necessary to have those overhead fluorescent lights turned on. Natural light is better for employee morale, too.

Insulate Your Water Heater Tank

If you have a home office, or a small office in a single commercial building, you probably have your own water heater.

The water heater is essentially a holding tank for hot water. The warmer you can keep the tank, the less it has to work.

Specially fitted insulation covers can be purchased online and in hardware stores, but an unused blanket will work almost as well. Just wrap it around the tank and secure with strapping or rope.

Unplug and Disconnect

Make it a company mandate that all office equipment must be turned off at night.

Many people still believe that it hurts a computer to shut it down every night.

New computers, however, don't have the same handicap, and shutting them down and allowing them to reboot fully in the morning is actually better for them. It's better for you, too, because it will save your company money.

Consider Solar

People have very different opinions on the cost savings of solar panels. They can be expensive to install and the savings may take years to offset the initial cost.

Do an Internet search to research the potential savings in your business situation.

Just as with homeowner incentives, sometimes there are state government incentives for businesses that can make solar panels an irresistible energy choice.

Certain states, like California, are leading the way in energy reform, as this article, "California Institutes First Ever Energy Reporting Requirements" shows.

Remember that you don't necessarily have to energize your entire office building with solar panels.

Even if you only minimize your oil or electricity use by a small percentage, remember that every little bit helps.

The thing to remember about saving electricity and going green in the office is it's easier than you think. You're at a big advantage, because the more employees who get on board with the idea of energy conservation, the easier it will be for each individual.

Also, individual employees who might have been on the fence about the need for saving energy will be inspired and motivated by those who see going green as a necessity rather than an option.

Some changes might take a small investment, but many don't require anything more than some old-fashioned ingenuity and creativity.