Taking a small business from an energy guzzling enterprise into a streamlined, zero impact endeavor takes some worthwhile effort. It’s also the responsible and right thing to do. Like homeowners, the first thing that needs to be done is to change the lighting to the most efficient lighting possible.
Electricity can be a big expense for certain types of small businesses as well as one of the greatest imprints on the environment. Each kilowatt hour of power made from fossil fuels pumps about 1.33 pounds of CO2 into the Earth’s atmosphere. Setting up a wind solar or mini hydraulic power system takes time and can be costly. However, there are programs which can offset your expenses. Federal tax laws include a tax credit granted for the 2011 year. Hopefully, this credit will continue for years to come. This credit is for the total cost of the renewable energy system which includes installation. You save a certain percent of the total cost from the total taxes owed. It is not just a deduction from your taxable income. In any case, it is a much greater value than a tax deduction. Consult your tax consultant for more information. There are also grants and loans available to people in most States. Find details about programs available in your area at http://dsireusa.org/.
Remember the three R’s of energy conservation; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Most retailers and many manufacturers use a great number of boxes. Reusing boxes can make a big difference in your small business imprint. Reduce the number of boxes as well as bottles and jars used in your small business. Reuse of boxes until they are torn or worn out can save more trees and energy.
Using reusable bags in retail makes a tremendous difference in the carbon footprint of a small business. Sometimes, customers are in a hurry and forget their reusable bags in the car. A small business can help further use of these bags by putting a sign in the parking lot to remind customers to bring their shopping bags into the store. It is also a good idea to have a display of reusable bags in a prominent area near the checkout.
Last but not least, the maintenance of equipment that runs poorly is a vital procedure in a small business footprint. Poorly running engines, refrigeration and air conditioners use a lot more energy The machine works harder to produce less. It is a good idea to keep freon gases at sufficient levels. Seal all leaks and make sure pressure levels are ideal. The oil and fluid levels need to be checked in vehicles and machinery frequently.
Saturday, June 25th, 2011, 12:12 am | 
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