ARTICLE
As summer business picks up, step up your efforts to save energy Now that summer is here, it’s a great time to make sure your building’s energy performance is in top shape. These measures have the potential to save significant amounts of energy, leaving you with more money for your business while maintaining or improving occupant comfort. Many small-business owners who cater to families see their traffic pick up in the summer months when school is out; others benefit from summer tourism; and some are inherently seasonal. Whatever the reason, increased summer business can also mean higher energy bills and more waste. Consider these tips to help offset that impact: 1. Take advantage of the longer hours of sunlight. Your customers are likely to appreciate the beautiful summer days as much as you do; they can enjoy them by keeping the use of indoor lights to a minimum. It can also help keep your space cooler. 2. Adjust your summer schedule. If your business is able to easily change hours, consider doing so to avoid peak energy demand times (4pm – 9pm Monday through Sunday). 3. Use energy-efficient landscaping. Many owners like to use the summer months to tidy up their grounds with professional landscaping; and it can also be an opportunity to save energy. For example, planting trees strategically to provide shade can save a business thousands of dollars per year. Article from Energy Upgrade California (they let us use their content and photos)