Energy
Reducing energy usage and improving efficiency isn’t just good for the environment it’s also good for business.
Implementing some of these tips can cut costs, lead to energy savings and help businesses lower their GHG emissions.
Managing resource efficiency is just another way of doing smart business. Now let’s get started!
- Basic
Just Getting Started - Intermediate
Going a Little Deeper - Advanced
Transforming Your Organization
- Turn off lights when not in use
- Turn off workplace electronics when not in use
- Install motion sensors or timers on light switches
- Install ENERGY STAR® rated lighting and equipment
- Put reminder stickers on light switches to turn them off
- Optimize heating and cooling systems (21 Celsius when occupied 16 Celsius when unoccupied)
- Use natural lighting whenever possible
- Unblock heat flows by moving furniture
- Switch from incandescent to CFL, HID or LED lighting
- Maintain and replace caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors
- Look for leaks in building’s exterior to make sure you’re not losing energy through the front doors
- Obtain an energy audit
- Use laptops whenever possible
- Consider using multi-user CPU computing
- Specify 80 plus power supply when ordering computers
- Install solar panels
- Change old power bars to the latest current sensing power bars
- Install programmable water thermostats
- Replace older boilers
- Find out about energy saving financial incentives
- Create 5-year or 10-year ambitious sustainability vision, goals and targets of success
- Set and implement bold goals to reduce waste, emissions, water and resource use
- Engage employees at all levels in greening the workplace, their homes and communities
- Embed your green goals into your products and services – help your customers “go green”!
- Engage suppliers and business customers in collaborative projects to help achieve your mutual green goals
- Champion green initiatives to your industry association and solve eco-problems together
- Measure and report your progress, share your efforts with others
Energy Resources
Free do-it-yourself home energy audit document
21 tips: no-cost ways to save electricity
BC Hydro Savings and Rebates: Residential
BC Hydro Energy Study: This program provides co-funding and technical expertise and support
Fortis Energy Saving Tips: Residential
Fortis Rebates and Energy Savings
Fortis Energy Saving Tips for Your Business
Fortis Energy Saving Tips by Sector
Vancity Energy Grants, Loans and Resources
CleanBC Reducing Pollution. Powering Our Future