Making your business greener doesn't require a complete overhaul. Simple changes, like buying a light dimmer or opening a window, are changes you can feel good about that can also help you reduce long-term costs.
Existing federal standards on energy-consuming products like washers and water heaters have reduced U.S. energy consumption by 3.6 percent (greater than Louisiana's total annual energy consumption). According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, if businesses continue to keep usage down, energy consumption could be reduced by 5.7 percent by 2020.
Giant retailers, like Wal-Mart and Target, are so serious about cleaning up their business that they demand for suppliers to meet or exceed social and environmental laws, even offering to teach top suppliers how to increase energy efficiency and cut the amount of raw materials they use.
Here are five wallet-friendly ways you can make your business greener today:
1. Have the government foot the bill
Many states offer incentive programs that can refund your business for buying energy-saving products (like refrigerators or air conditioners) or lowering your utility bill. By going to energy.gov you can check for rebates available in your area. The state of New York offers rebates from $50 to $555, other states, like North Carolina offer a 15 percent rebate on your green purchases.
2. Good-old-fashioned recycling
While trash-collecting services or dumpsters can add to a business' expenses, many recycling contractors can haul the materials for free. Cities like Hoboken, NJ, also offer residents free recycling bins to keep residents from making the trip to the recycling center.
3. Keep it close to home
Think of where your supplies are coming from. If you can find a similar supplier that's miles closer to the office, you won't only be helping the local economy, but you will also reduce the ecologic impact of that trip on the environment. Also, when possible, choose teleconferences over business travel, and offer benefits to carpoolers. Preferred parking, anyone?
4. Beware of greenwashing
Business are more than happy to call themselves "green," but more than ever, customers are weary of undeserving businesses trying to jump into the eco-friendly bandwagon. Customers should know that you are making an effort to save energy or recycle materials, so clearly state what it is you have done—like installing new energy-efficient fixtures, or using recycled packaging.
5. Track your efforts
The best green solution you can find will be one that saves you money and helps the environment. Measure your office's water, waste and energy use, and then try to come up with a budget that will significantly reduce them. Energystar.gov offers user a free, online portfolio where you can track your business' energy and water consumption, as well as estimate its carbon footprint.
More simple solutions: Replace bottled water coolers with water purifying systems, use e-mail over paper, move the furniture to allow for more natural light, or invest in a software that will power off office computers while not in use.
