Energy

Commecial energy use makes up approximately 18% of total energy use in the US.  Not surprisingly, most of this energy comes from electricity.  Though computers have reduced the amount of paper waste in offices, they have also upped our electricity use.  Luckily there are some simple measures your workplace can take to lower its electric bill (and who can argue with saving money on utilities?).

For computers, the most obvious way to mitigate energy use is by turning them off and unplugged when you go home at night.  You can also leave your computer on a timed “idle” setting for when you are away for short breaks (screensavers still use a lot of energy).

With lighting, LED lights and CF (Compact Flourescent) bulbs are most efficient.  Though LEDs cost more than regular fluorescent lighting, they also last six times longer.  With CF bulbs the savings are even greater—the bulbs use ¼ of the energy of regular bulbs and last ten times longer.  When LEDs replace incandescent bulbs, there is also the added advantage of reducing AC requirements in the summer.

Seattle City Light offers a number of energy conservation programs from rebates for conservation to strategies and technologies that will help reduce energy use and optimize your building's performance.

*Energy Smart Services: Offers financial incentives to help medium and large businesses reduce electricity use and save money. Incentives shorten the payback on energy efficiency investments and help improve your company's bottom line. Incentive amounts can range as high as 70% of the installation cost, and are based on energy savings.

* Facility Assessment Audit (for large and medium-size commercial and industrial customers): This free program offers assessment audit services for commercial buildings. It is designed to help monitor, manage and control electricity and other utility costs, and improve your operating efficiencies. City Light has helped customers reduce operating costs by $8 million over the past five years.

* Smart Business Program (for small business): Provides financial incentives to your small business for replacing existing inefficient lighting with approved energy efficient lighting equipment. Rebates range from $25-$65 per fixture for replacing existing lamps or fixtures with new efficient ones.

* Lighting Design Lab's energy efficient lighting design assistance: Provides free design assistance and access to lighting resources. The Lab also has an in-house library and offers occasional seminars.

* Federal Tax Deductions - Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT2005):  New commercial buildings or reconstructed buildings that achieve a 50% reduction in energy use qualify for a range of tax deductions up to $1.80 per square foot. Partial deductions are also available for lighting, HVAC and building envelope improvements.

A few more tips to conserve energy:
Use motion sensors or timers on bathrooms and hallway lights
Use natural lighting as much as possible.
Buy “energy star” energy-saving appliances
Appliances that are turned off but plugged in are still using electricity!  Unplug your computer when you leave at night and encourage others to keep kitchen appliances unplugged.