How to Run a Green Small Business Part 3

One advantage to going green with your business is that you’ll attract additional interest from investors, potential workers and the press. Changes that you make that protect the environment are news worthy. Highlight them in a press release to local media outlets. The news angle should emphasize environmental responsibility although you should not be shy about admitting that they will also ultimately save you money.

Here are some more ideas:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Install blinds or shades to keep out summer sun and lower air-conditioning costs.
   Heating and cooling costs are a big expense for many stores and small businesses. Awnings were universal on most grocery stores just fifty years ago. They practically disappeared in the days of cheap power.

2. Insulate.
   If you are in an older building, you could be very surprised at how little insulation your walls actually have. A neighbor of mine did some recent remodeling to learn that the only thing between his inner and outer wall was a layer of tar paper. Install a layer of fiber glass if you remodel. If you ever feel a draft you’re leaking heat. Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors. If you can afford to do so, replace windows with double glazed energy saving models. The changes will keep your place cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.

3. 

   Consider a Bio Mass Stove.
   If winter fossil fuel bills are killing your bottom line, you might be in an area where it makes economic sense to get a heater that burns bio mass, either wood waste pellets or corn. New models are efficient and computer controlled with catalytic combusters to scrub soot from exhaust. I’ve seen them in use and can vouch for how well they work. Owners boast of how little their heating costs now are.

4. Get an Energy Audit
   Most utilities will be happy to do an energy audit of your facility at a reasonable cost analyzing all the places you can cut energy use by increasing efficiency. These assessments pay for themselves.