Energy Efficient Business Practices

As an entrepreneur, having an energy efficient office isn’t just about being environmentally friendly; cutting costs also comes into play. But you don’t want to give up quality just to be energy efficient. So, what’s an entrepreneur to do? Each Sunbelt Network office functions a bit differently but here are a few tips we’ve used in our own work to be both energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

1 – Buy in bulk. Lower cost per-unit by buying in larger quantities. Energy efficient purchasing habits reduce the number of supply trips which saves time and money. Stores like Sam’s Club and Costco both offer corporate/executive memberships to businesses. Alternatively, Target and other retailers are beginning to feature “bulk” sections at certain points in the year that require no membership and allow you to stock up on some of the essentials. Keep an eye out for terms like “high-efficiency” or “high-capacity” to lower these product costs.

2 – Go digital. Living 100% in the cloud may not be possible, so instead, make efforts to go paperless when possible. Interoffice memos about the contents of the fridge can be emailed while contracts probably can’t. Be conscious about paper consumption and you’ll be surprised where you can cut it out. Not sure where to start? Direct-deposit payroll and digital paystubs are becoming increasingly common.

3 – Print Smarter. With a switch to digital, you’ll likely cut back on printing costs including ink, toner and inevitable Friday afternoon emergency repairs. When it does come time to print, print in “draft” mode for documents that don’t require high-quality output to conserve ink and toner. Always recycle ink and toner cartridges properly.

4 – Opt for Energy Saving Products. Cut down on energy bills by purchasing “Energy Star” compliant appliances and light bulbs. Power saving, energy efficient modes can be enabled in computers, printers and other electronic devices.

Being energy efficient, environmentally friendly and cost conscious can seem like a lot but, as an entrepreneur, it’s these small changes that can lead to large savings. By taking steps to make your office energy efficient you also set a good example for other entrepreneurs in your area.

Sunbelt Network’s online radio show “Entrepreneurial Insights” recently aired a program titled “Cost Analysis and Reduction for Business Owners”. Check out some more cost cutting ideas from our experts.

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