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?
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.”
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:
Lighting Specialists: “Being environmentally efficient helps with having lower maintenance, lower utility bills and a healthier bottom line,” states Kevin Ross with Superior Lighting. “You are able to have more light and use less energy with the new technology that is being used today. For example, we are using LED lights more now and seeing it being used more in the near future once the price goes down. With that being said, businesses need to understand that in the long run, the investment will pay for itself.”
“Most people do not replace their florescent lamps until they go out,” Kevin adds. “But in a retail or office space, this is not energy efficient. This is a ‘life span’ to florescent lamps, and once they get to about 70-80% (3-4 years, typically), the lights are no longer producing the light they did when they were new, but they are still using just as much energy. There is also light depreciation created by the dust or dirt that accumulates in the fixtures. This is why many facility managers have adopted programs where they have a relamp of their whole facility completed on a scheduled basis of every three to four years. It also saves them maintenance costs to replace many lamps that would be failing over the next twelve months. One option we are providing is installing reduced wattage laps. Many types of florescent lamps are available in a reduced wattage 28 or 25 watt, to replace a typical 32 watt. Many utility companies are offering rebates or incentives to help offset the cost of relamping with lower wattage lamps.”
Whether you want to relamp your florescent lighting or upgrade to newer, LED technology, Superior Light can help. “We can go in and offer the client free audits, help them with design and make recommendations,” says Kevin. “We are a full service company and everything is done in-house. The staff has years of experience and are very knowledgeable in the field, so we can be a full service solution.”
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.”
Filter Experts
Grant Wells with The Filter Shop explains, “In today’s world, there is a huge focus on being energy efficient. One area that tends to get overlooked is air filtration. Reducing the amount of energy used by air handling units and other HVAC equipment can save money and be friendlier to the environment. But, the air filter can greatly enhance savings or it can create higher costs. There are many different types and efficiencies of air filters. Choosing the correct filter for your equipment is a key to enhancing the performance of your equipment while also ensuring optimal air filtration within the space you are conditioning. We have a wide selection of air filters designed for every HVAC system, both commercial and residential. We provide business owners and residential customers with the best products for their application. We also have dozens of partners in the air filtration industry where customers can find valuable information regarding air filtration related products.”
Grant continues, “Having your system checked on a routine basis is one of the best ways to ensure optimal performance. Inspecting your filters on a strict, routine schedule is the best way to know when it is time to change out dirty filters. Changing your filter at the right time is vital to keeping energy consumption minimized as well as maximizing filtration efficiency.”
Heating and Cooling Professionals
Business owners are not the only ones who should make ‘green’ strides. Homeowners can also be environmentally efficient and having the right heating and cooling equipment is a big key to that. Angie Timm with Complete Comfort Heating & Cooling says, “Homeowners can save money on their heating and cooling bills by installing high-efficient furnaces, heat pumps and programmable thermostats. Energy costs can also be reduced by turning the thermostat down a degree or two and having your system cleaned and serviced regularly. If you really want to be efficient, consider a geothermal heat pump, which is the most energy efficient system we have available. We also have a high efficient furnace or air source heat pump that would make a big difference.”
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!