Energy Efficiency

Energy savings can be found in almost any business practice. (See 20 Ways Businesses Can Save Energy.) Many utility companies provide on-site energy audits for businesses, or offer on-line software that identifies opportunities when provided information on the building, equipment, operations and lighting. Check with local utilities to see if these services are available. Limited energy audit services for large facilities (including manufacturers, institutions and service industries) are available through University of Missouri's Pollution Prevention Intern program and the Missouri Industrial Assessment Center.

One way to reduce electricity bills is to reduce electricity demand during "on peak hours." Each electric utility will provide information on its peak and off peak hours. If a business uses significant energy during peak demand hours, it is possible to reduce those fees simply by moving some operations to off-peak hours. Equipment controls can also lower peak charges by automatically leveling out start up current usage, shutting down idle equipment, and adjusting temperature, speed, or other settings to use less energy.

Finally, businesses should consider using new incentives provided by federal, state and local agencies, and utility companies. A comprehensive list of tax breaks, rebates and grants can be found on the
Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Resources

The Small Business Guide To Energy Efficiency was produced by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Business Gateway, and Energy Star. This website contains energy saving tips and valuable information on energy efficient upgrades, calculating energy savings, and greening your business. It also contains specific information for a number of business sectors.

The Energy Star Program has an excellent publication, "Putting Energy into Profits" that can guide businesses in saving money from lighting, heating, air conditioning and office equipment purchase, use and maintenance. Energy Star also operates a toll-free hotline at 1-888-STAR YES for answering questions, providing engineering support and product information.

The Department of Energy website also contains the Quick Plant Energy Profiler, an online software tool that helps industrial plant personnel quickly understand how energy is being used at their plant and how they might save energy and money.

The Alliance to Save Energy has compiled the Industrial Energy Efficiency Clearinghouse, an introduction to the technologies, management strategies, training, and financing opportunities that are available to industrial energy users. Included are:

• Energy Accounting: A Key Tool in Managing Energy Costs – explains energy accounting how to get started with a program for your business.
• What You Should Know: Buying Electricity and Natural Gas in Today's Restructured Market – provides information for negotiating the best price for energy.
• How to Hire a Construction Manager For Your Energy Efficiency Projects – helps determine whether you need a construction manager and how to budget for one.
• How to Hire An Energy Services Company - helps you decide whether you need an ESCO, how to select the best one for your facility and how to stay on track with a project.
• How to Hire An Energy Auditor to Identify Energy Efficiency Projects – for businesses planning to hire an energy consultant or energy auditor to identify technically viable and cost effective ways to reduce energy use and operating costs.
• Corporate Energy Management – provides information and resources regarding successful corporate-led energy management efforts.

The Guide to Making Your Company More Green has several ideas for greening operations for small businesses.