10 Things I Know About ... Energy Costs
Ryan
10. ENERGY IS A CORNER-OFFICE ISSUE.
Every business feels the pinch of rising energy costs. According to EnergyStar, small businesses in the U.S. spend more than $60 billion a year on energy.
9. REGULATIONS ARE GROWING.
In Boston, the mayor has filed an ordinance to require large and medium-sized buildings to report energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Other cities may follow.
8. LOOK BEYOND THE BIG PICTURE.
Typically, companies only see the big picture of energy use, not the details they need to take meaningful action. So business owners just pay the bills and groan.
7. NEW TECHNOLOGY CREATES OPPORTUNITIES.
The cloud, micro-metering and other technologies are changing things. It's now possible to see exactly where energy dollars are going - which buildings, departments, and even which pieces of equipment are wasting energy.
6. SET GOALS.
Armed with detailed measurements, you can set baselines and targets, and measure progress so everyone is held accountable and rewarded for their success.
5. GET THE FACILITIES TEAM ON BOARD.
To optimize energy consumption, make sure your facilities people are on board and motivated. They're the ones who have to put the rubber to the road — and keep it there.
4. ENERGY SAVINGS ARE REAL.
According to EnergyStar, businesses can cut utility costs up to 30 percent without sacrificing service, quality, style or comfort.
3. BENEFITS GO BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE.
In this age of the Internet and social media, public image and citizenship matter more. Responsible energy use says a lot about your company.
2. IT PAYS FOR ITSELF.
If you do your homework and find solutions that fit your business, your energy improvements will pay for themselves. Some companies get full ROI within a few months.
1. START NOW.
Every month of not managing energy use equals lost profits. Write down 30 percent of your monthly energy bill as money wasted, and you'll soon be motivated to take action.
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Leo Ryan is vice president of business development for OutSmart Power Systems, a Natick-based manufacturer of energy metering solutions. Contact him at lryan@outsmartinc.com.
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