Energy
The most fundamental solution to all of our society’s energy issues—from the rising price of energy to climate change to our dependence on foreign oil—is to use less energy. It has been suggested that simply improving energy efficiency can meet more of our state’s energy needs than all new sources of energy combined.
Improving efficiency can also save most businesses an average of 25% on energy costs while streamlining operations, improving the work environment—even improving public relations! (Visit our Why go green? page for more benefits of energy efficiency.)
Strategies to improve your energy efficiency fall into a few basic categories:
- Improve materials and equipment, such as high-efficiency lighting, updated HVAC, ENERGY STAR-rated office equipment, etc.
- Eliminate energy waste through building improvements, better insulation, and repairs
- Reduce usage through common sense by turning off lights and equipment, removing unnecessary lights and appliances, closing windows, etc.
Renewable energy, such as solar, geothermal (ground-source heat pumps) or wind, can also provide your business with energy that is clean and, over the long term, inexpensive.
EMAP Resources
EMAP's Energy Efficiency: Getting Started brochure
Visit our Funding Information section for the latest on grants, tax credits and other incentives that may be available for your energy efficiency projects.
Useful Links
For industry-specific tips on greening your business, review Energy Efficiency for Specific Facilities and Businesses.
Also visit:
Energy Star for Small Businesses
Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Energy Information Administration's energy statistics for Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania SBDC also maintains a list of additional environmental links