Issue No. 20
October 09, 2013
Green business tips
T
he significant phase of greening your business is improving energy efficiency. You can save more money by decreasing energy use wherein it will automatically reduce your business’ carbon emission footprint. If you focus on fixing waste reduction, equipment use, and other aspects, you can also earn more from your company. Here are some practical “green” tips that you can apply to your venture: • Turn off equipment. It has been an automatic rule to turn off all lights, machinery, and equipment when not in use, especially during nights, weekends, and holidays. Make it a company policy if employees are not conscientious about this matter. • E-documents. Encourage communication through email regarding office announcements and other documents. Read email messages onscreen and determine whether there is a need to print them. If there’s no need, don’t print. • Use recycled papers. Recycled papers usually generate 20% - 50% less carbon dioxide emissions than paper produced from virgin fibers. Invest in 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Also, print double-sided to reduce paper costs. • Reduce vehicle usage. Encourage staff to share cars when there are out of the office meetings or if the errands are just around the corner, better to ride a bicycle or just walk. • Eliminate unnecessary use of water. Just like at home, turn off the faucet after use. Install pressure-reducing valves if needed to decrease high water pressure. Install low-flow faucets, toilets, and waterless urinals. Also, regularly check water facility for any leaks.
•
•
Upgrade older equipment’s energy efficiency. Modern equipment are more energy efficient compared to the old ones. Most of the time, their energy usage is only half that of older equipment. High-efficiency upgrades for equipment usually have fast payback periods. Spread the word. Promote your green business advocacy to customers and suppliers. Being an environment-friendly business should be made genuinely. Once you have started, never go back to your old ways. It will take a lot of effort and money to be a green business but it will definitely benefit you and your business in the long run.
Source: http://www.greeningyourbusiness.org/ pages.php?tabid=245&pageid=1097&title=Top+21+Green +Business+Tips
Published by the Trade and Industry Information Center (TIIC) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us at publications@dti.gov.ph.