20 Ways Businesses Can Save Energy

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate your building temperature on a 24/7 cycle and automatically save energy when the building is not occupied.
Clear HVAC vents of obstructions and make sure condenser coils are cleaned and air filters are replaced regularly.
Use fans, which can decrease humidity and allow a facility to turn up the air conditioning by 3 to 5 degrees. Each degree of higher temperature can reduce energy costs by 3 percent.
Seal and insulate ducts on air furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps.
Caulk and weather strip around drafty windows and doors.
Use adjustable shades and blinds, and install reflective shades or awnings in all south facing windows to keep heat out in the summer.
Up to 75% of energy used by digital equipment (including computers, microwaves, and televisions) is consumed when equipment is turned off to keep equipment on standby mode. To avoid electrical drain, use a power strip to completely turn off equipment when not in use.
When purchasing new computers, buy those with energy-efficient LCD screens versus high energy consuming CRT screens.
If equipment needs to be replaced, replace it with Energy Star qualified products.
Install variable frequency drives on motors to reduce the initial inrush of current during start up, which lowers peak demand and electricity costs.
Clean dust and debris off lights, and clear away lighting obstructions.
Add light for specific tasks versus overusing ambient lighting.
Install motion detectors to control lighting in infrequently used places, like restrooms.
Retrofit exit signs with cost saving, energy-efficient LED exit signs. Watch for emerging opportunities to replace all lighting with new, cost-saving LED lights.
Rather than adding more light to a dark area, add reflectors or lighten the walls of the room.
Assure that outdoor lighting is properly shielded so light is directed down rather than into the night sky. Install motion detectors to save energy for outdoor security lighting.
Increase efficiency by changing T-12 bulbs with magnetic ballasts to low-mercury, T-8 bulbs with electronic ballasts. Replace eight-foot bulbs with four foot bulbs, which last twice as long. Additionally, replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescents (CFLs).
Reduce the water temperature to only as hot as needed (110-120 F, for most sanitation uses) and insulate water heaters.
Save on fuel costs by reducing the amount of time that delivery vehicle engines idle. This can be done by shortening the warm-up time for engines (modern engines need less than five minutes to warm up, even in cold weather), turning the engine off at stops, and consolidating deliveries and errands.
Clean refrigerator coils twice a year and replace door gaskets if a dollar bill slips out between the door's seal.

- Leah Christian and Marie Steinwachs, MU Environmental Assistance Center 10/7/09