Reducing electricity and natural gas use in your business will not only save you money, but also help preserve natural resources and combat climate change.  Here are some things you can do:

Lower your energy bills by purchasing Energy Star qualified products which have energy saving features.  Look for the Energy Star logo on the product. 

Use standby mode on equipment such as printers and copiers when available.  Download hardware programs that automatically turn off idle monitors, computers and printers after a designated amount of time. 

Replace inefficient refrigerators (usually older than 10 years) with a new efficient model, such as one labeled Energy Star. Contact Jaco Environmental to have your old fridge picked up and recycled, for PG&E customers.

Replace traditional incandescent lights with efficient lighting systems such as compact fluorescents.  Replace T-12 fluorescents with T-8 or T-5, and replace magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts.  Clean or replace yellowed light fixtures.  Use LED or LEC exit signs.

Readjust work space to take advantage of natural light.  If extra light is needed in a particular area, use “task” light directed at that area rather than lighting the entire room.  Post reminders for employees to turn off lights when leaving, or use motion sensors.   

Insulate all hot water pipes, water heaters and storage tanks.

Use and maintain weather stripping around your windows and doors to seal any air gaps.

Use ceiling fans to reduce the need for air conditioning when appropriate.

Shade sun-exposed windows with awnings, screens or shrubbery.

Replace inefficient or damaged windows with double-paned windows.

Avoid using the AC as much as possible by opening windows and using fans, which utilize less energy than the AC. If you must use AC, use an Energy Management System and adjust temperature and speed to reduce energy use. Close off any areas that are not frequently used from the AC and make sure the system is off after hours.

If you only need to heat or cool a small area, use a small fan or space heater instead of heating or cooling the entire office. Do not set the heat above 68ºF. 

Set refrigerator temperature between 38ºF and 41ºF, and freezer between 10ºF and 20ºF.