Everyone should be concerned with the environment in this day and age. Gone are the days where we think we can use all the fuel and energy we like, release toxins into the air and dump tons of refuse into landfills without there being serious repercussions. In addition, many consumers and business owners are also realizing that being environmentally conscious not only helps save the environment, but it can also help save us money as well. When you take this into consideration, you may think why wouldn’t I (or my business) do my best to be environmentally efficient? However, many people are not properly educated about the importance of ‘going green’ or don’t even know where to start. There are some easy ways to get started once you know some of the options available, though, and relying on experts in the industry to help you out is the best way to get started.
What does it involve?
Becoming more environmentally is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for business owners. Tim Boonstra with K2 Construction explains, “By adopting environmentally efficient business practices, benefits to business owners include cost controlling measures, attracting customers and becoming even more socially responsible.”
Being ‘environmentally efficient’ can mean a number of things. According to Pat Killeen with Engineered Controls, it could mean: Where a business creates an environmentally-friendly and energy efficient workplace, where a business performs energy audits on their building to identify areas where you can save energy costs; or where an owner makes sure their building has the most energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, equipment and lighting. The important thing is that a business owner is taking steps to reduce their negative impact on the environment, which in turn should save them money.
What are the barriers?
Saving the environment, saving money…when you look at the perks of being more environmentally efficient, you may wonder why everyone doesn’t do it. The fact is that many business owners simply don’t know where to start and are already so overwhelmed with their other daily tasks of running their business that they don’t think they have the time to look into it. Another challenge is convincing their employees and others involved in the business to get on board. “Making sure your employees fully embrace the benefits of being environmentally friendly is a big challenge,” states Pat Killeen with Engineered Controls. “This moves beyond the typical ‘what’s in it for me’ response that usually occurs when companies introduce new programs. Business owners should educate their employees on ways they can help with operating their buildings more efficiently. They need to have their employees ‘invested’ in the energy futures of the companies.”
Easy ways to go ‘green’
As Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu famously said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Simply put, you don’t need to start big, you just need to start. Here are a few ways to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices into your home or business:
Recycle It’s as simple as putting cardboard, aluminum and other recyclable materials into a different receptacle than your regular trash items. You can take this material to a recycling center or arrange to have it picked up.
Reuse How much do you throw away that could easily be re-used, either for the purpose it was originally intended for or for another use entirely? Plastic grocery bags can easily become lunch sacks, bags to clean up pet waste, or even packing materials when shipping fragile items. Cardboard boxes can be broken down and stored to be used for your next move or they can be transformed into forts, art surfaces or targets for the kids’ new BB guns. The less you throw away, the less ends up in landfills (and the less new stuff you have to buy!).
Cut back Whether it’s turning the thermostat down a degree or two in the winter, walking or riding your bike a few times throughout the month instead of driving or simply using a cloth bag to carry groceries and reducing the number of plastic sacks you use, cutting back is a great first step and probably one you won’t even notice in the overall scheme of things.
Upgrade If you own a home or an office building, you have a number of chances to go green through upgrades. If you have an older home or building, it’s likely that your heating and air conditioning equipment, lighting, windows, insulation, etc. is not the most energy-efficient. Not only does this cause you to use more energy (bad for the environment), but it also causes you to spend more on your utility bills (bad for the pocketbook). Look into upgrading just one piece of equipment or one aspect of your building in 2013 for an easy way to become greener and save money!
Educate Yes, you are only one person and you might be wondering how much your little contribution can actually make a difference. The truth is, it makes a big difference. When you incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your home life and your business, you are not only taking steps toward a better world, but you’re also setting an example. As your family, employees, co-workers, friends and colleagues see what you’re doing and, when you get the chance, if you can educate them a bit on the importance of what you’re doing, you’ll be starting a ripple effect that could have wide-reaching implications. Yes, you are only one person, but you can easily affect hundreds or more with changes in your way of life.
What professionals can help you?
The good news is, being more environmentally efficient does not have to take a big chunk of time. You can easily depend on professionals who can educate you and your team on the benefits of using their services and help you implement the tools to get the job done. Here are a few to consider:
Building Controls Experts
“Today, most all building owners want their facilities to be environmentally responsible and healthy places to live and work,” says Pat Killeen with Engineered Controls. “They always want to optimize the energy usage without compromising comfort. Together, a tall order to accomplish, but at Engineered Controls, that technology is available today. Furthermore, we are partnering with Honeywell, a major energy products company that is spending sizable research and development funds on developing new products that will improve our lives and reduce energy.”
“Companies like Engineered Controls have a big part to play in getting new and existing building owners in becoming a more environmentally-friendly company,” Pat continues. “Taking into account that lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) accounts for nearly 80% of a home or building’s energy usage, you want to make sure you are maximizing the energy options available. Engineered Controls can assist in total building control with occupancy sensors to control lighting, optimize HVAC system performance, monitor and control energy usage, monitor and control carbon monoxide or CO2 by way of introduction of fresh air into homes and buildings, monitor and control potable water use in a facility and many other variety of ways to help provide a healthier and energy efficient environment for occupants.”
Electricians
Electricians who specialize in energy efficiency, such as Eric Hoke with Eric’s Electric, are ideal experts to have on your side if you are trying to make your home or office more energy efficient. Not only does Eric specialize in helping his customers become more efficient through lighting and other electrical upgrades, but he also utilizes many ‘green’ initiatives in his own business, including being one of the first business owners in the area to begin converting his fleet to run on natural gas. He has been helping other business owners learn how to make their own businesses ‘greener’ as well through his numerous speaking engagements and continues to be a local leader in the ‘green’ movement.
Tinting Experts
Keith May with The Tint Shop states, “When building superintendents/owners are trying to become more energy efficient, the first place they will generally start is with more efficient lighting and fixtures or insulation, etc. Window replacement, of course, is a big upgrade in energy efficiency of the windows are old. However, window replacement is quite costly and may not give you the results you require and the payoff time that you have liked to see. 3M Window Films are a less expensive way to make existing windows three times more efficient without replacing them. The payoff time is considerably less and the process is much less intrusive and quicker than window replacement, which means your building is down for less time. Not only that, but 3M Window Films will conceal all the clutter from desks, blinds, papers, etc. that you could normally be seen from the outside of the building. A study done by 3M a few years ago found that for every 100 square feet of 3M Window Films installed, a building can save up to one ton of HVAC annually.”
He goes on to say, “The Tint Shop provides professional and educated sales and installation of a full line of 3M Solar Control Products that are not only proven to reduce energy costs, but also enhance the look of any home or building as well as keep the occupants comfortable and provide privacy in high visibility applications.”
Geothermal Experts
Tim Boonstra with K2 Construction says, “Our renewable energy division, K2 Geothermal, was formed nearly five years ago. Since that time, we have installed thousands of geothermal ‘loops’ throughout the Midwest. Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that utilizes the earth’s constant temperatures to provide the most energy efficient heating and cooling systems available. Geothermal systems not only help a business owner become more energy efficient, but home owners as well. We recently added a fourth drilling rig that is strictly dedicated to serving the residential market.”
He has this advice for those who are thinking about ‘going green’: “Take the first step. There are many options out there for geothermal systems and several very enticing tax incentives available. Owners of geothermal systems enjoy lower energy costs (typically 25%-70% lower than conventional systems), lower maintenance, and year-round comfort. Our certified staff and latest equipment allows us to provide our customers with energy savings and cost-effective construction options. K2 Geothermal is a Lincoln-based, full service geothermal operation. Our in-house services include drilling, horizontal piping, flushing and purging of the systems and much more.”
It is everyone’s responsibility to do our part to be more environmentally friendly. The good news is, by working with the right professionals, you can put some easy plans into place that will not only help you be ‘greener’, but will also save you money!