Several businesses these days have already realized the efficiency of using cloud computing. As it turns out, the benefits of cloud computing may also include lowering your company’s carbon emissions and helping achieve any sustainability goals you’ve set.

Cloud computing, the process of running computer applications from remotes servers like the Internet, helps reduce energy consumption in a few ways. It makes telecommuting more accessible for more employees as they can access information via the cloud versus an internal company server. It also lessens the need for office space because of increased telecommuting and because it eliminates the need for physical data rooms. Read the full story

As with any decision, the consideration to begin using any source of clean, renewable energy to fuel your business might be lengthy; consider the pros and cons of going green and make sure it truly works for you. New options in alternative, green energy continue to emerge, so keep in mind—there are plenty to choose from. One of the most popular sources seems to be solar energy.

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The prices of fossil fuels and coal continue to climb, burdening small businesses with ever- higher costs of effectively and comfortably supplying energy to their buildings. Instead of guzzling harmful sources of energy, companies should consider going green and lifting much of the financial load off their shoulders by looking into alternative sources like geothermal power. Read the full story

“In 2004, about 6% of all energy consumed and about 9% of total electricity production was from renewable energy resources,” reports the Energy Information Association. The developed world’s dependence on harmful sources of energy such as fossil fuels is nothing new; the Industrial Revolution spurred this trend. But, as energy prices now rise steadily in today’s withering economy, many small businesses find themselves drowning in the costs of powering their organizations. This won’t be the norm forever, though. One of the most important and exhilarating—and possibly one of the riskiest—ways to help the economy, and aid in reversing the global warming humans and their industries have brought on, is to invest in alternative energy sources. Read the full story

Energy is lost through windows while heating and cooling interior spaces. Double-paned windows can save energy and money. Energy Star labeled windows are twice as energy efficient as the average 10 year old window. They can reduce energy bills by up to 15% in hot and cold weather. The cost for an average window size is in the range of $600 and $850 or approximately $0.50 per square foot. The following are some tips for investing in energy saving windows.

Tip 1: Invest in Energy Star Labeled windows.

Tip 2: Look for the window performance, as certified by National Fenestration Rating, as per climate conditions.

Tip 3: For colder climate, a rating value of 0.35 or below is recommended by EERE.

Tip 4: For warm climates, look for doubled glazed windows and spectrally selective coating.

Tip 5: Choose windows with 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less of air leakage rating.

Tip 6: For locations with heating and cooling seasons, select windows with low U-values and low Solar Heat Gain Co-efficiency.

Tip 7: In order to install the windows correctly, choose qualified and a reputed window installer.

Small crevices and cracks around doors and windows let air flow in and out. This air leakage can contribute over 40% of energy losses in a building. Weather-stripping gaps along windows and doors can effectively save you energy in winter and summer. Insulation projects are cost effective and pay off in less than a year.

A) Test your office for air leaks. Check door and window frames, phone lines, air conditioners, vents and fans.

B) Before weather-stripping the door, make sure the door latches properly. Make sure the hinges do not have loose screws. Clean the surface. Select weather-stripping material that will stay flexible with the changes in the weather conditions. Choose appropriate door sweep and weather-strip the entire door jam. Use continuous stripping on each side such that they meet tightly at the corners. Click here for EERE’s weather-stripping guide.

C) Weather-strip the sash and the frame of the window. Make sure it does not interfere with closing or opening of the window.

D) Insulate air ducts in unconditioned spaces such as garages, unfinished basements, and attics.

Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs give out mostly light and very little heat. CFL bulbs use 70% less energy and last 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. Depending on the size of the bulb, CFLs can save $30-$100 over their lifespan.

A) Check with your utility for rebates on replacing existing bulbs with CFL.

B) Buy Energy Star CFL bulbs.

C) Start by replacing one bulb with CFL.

D) Purchase a CFL bulb (with Energy Star label) whose wattage is one-quarter of the existing bulb you want to replace. For example, a 15-watt range CFL bulb replaces a 60-watt incandescent bulb. CFL bulbs cost as low as $1.50. Click here to view the Energy Star guidelines on CFLs.

E) Try out the CFL bulb for its light color. Bulbs that are labeled ‘soft’ or ‘warm’ white give the soothing yellowish glow usually associated with incandescent lighting. Those labeled ‘cool’ white (3200K-4000K) give out a bright white light, while ‘daylight’ bulbs (400K+) produce the harsh bluish tones.

F) For dimmer-controlled lighting fixture, read the package carefully. Look for three-way CFL bulbs. Most CFLs do not work with dimmers.

G) CFL bulbs contain tiny amounts of mercury. Carefully recycle them. Read the EPA guidelines on CFL recycling.

Overheating and overcooling costs you money. As per the Rocky Mountain Institute, you can save 2% in energy cost for every 1 degree lowered on the thermostat. So why not reduce energy used for heating and cooling?

A) Set the thermostat to 78°F to 80°F in summer months. Save on cooling costs of about 4% to 8% for every degree raised.

B) Set the thermostat to 68°F in winter months. Save 2% or more on heating costs for every one degree lowered on the thermostat. Wear appropriate clothing to suit the season.

C) Invest in a programmable thermostat. Typically a programmable thermostat costs between $30 and $100. Click here to view thermostat products.

D) Set time clocks for usage on the thermostat. Program it for the place when unoccupied.

E) Use locking covers to avoid tampering of the temperature settings.

F) Turn off the thermostat when not in use especially weekends and holidays. You may also turn it off half hour before leaving the office.

Turning off lights after use reduces your electricity bill. It’s probably the easiest way to save money.

A) A normal bulb uses 60 watts of energy in an hour. The same bulb when switched off can save nearly 22,000 watts or 22 kW energy per year! Considering electricity costs $0.10 per hour, you could save $2.2 for switching off one light for one hour every day throughout the year. For eight hours when not in use and switched off, the same light can save you $18 per year and $180 if there are ten such lights. These savings can go up if the lights are switched off on weekends and holidays. Now imagine how much money and energy you are NOT saving by keeping lights on after work or on weekends and holidays. Also, nearly all incandescent bulbs use 10% to 15% of electricity to produce light whereas the rest is turned into heat. So turn off the lights if you are not going to return in five minutes. Make sure your lights are turned off on weekends and holidays.

B) Stick a note at every lighting switch like ‘turn off the lights’ or ‘Don’t forget to turn off the lights’ to remind people. Or purchase posters and stick them up in the office.

C) Ask yourself how many lights you need. Do you need the decorative lights? Maybe you need a task light instead of lighting the entire room. A regular lighting bulb consumes 60-100 watts. Get rid of fixtures not in use.

D) Place your work area near the windows and use natural light. You don’t need a lamp when the room is sunlit. Consider using daylight dimming controls. These devices lower artificial light depending on the ambient natural light. According to the EPA, daylighting controls can boost energy savings by up to 40%. Corridors, open cubicles or private offices near windows can effectively use daylight dimming controls. Solatube Daylight Dimmers may cost between $180 and $250.

E) For areas that are not occupied continuously such as conference rooms, break rooms, individual offices, hallways or basement, install occupancy sensors. The occupancy sensors will automatically switch the lights on/off when you enter or exit the room. Occupancy sensors can eliminate 20% – 80% of lighting energy costs. An occupancy sensor will cost between $50-$100. They are easy to install; if you can replace a light switch, you can install an occupancy sensor.

F) For exterior lighting, use motion sensors. Whenever anything moves within the range of the sensors, the area will be automatically illuminated. Make sure your exterior lights are switched off in the day. A timer can also be used to control the exterior lighting. Lumapro motion sensors cost over $25.

G) According to Future Forests, only 5% of the power drawn by cell phone chargers is actually used to charge phones. The other 95% is wasted when you leave it plugged into the wall, but not into your phone. Turn off or unplug the phone and other battery chargers.

H) A typical desktop computer consumes 65-250 watts whereas a laptop 15-45 watts. Set your computer in energy saving mode. Make the power settings to go into sleep or standby mode within 15 minutes of inactivity. Click here to learn how to set the computer. Turn off the computer at the end of the day. Consider using a laptop computer.

I) Turn off printers and copiers when not in use. A printer uses 10 watts in standby mode. Electronic devices with LCD screen and clocks use energy even when not in use. Stick an energy saving poster near the printer and copier to remind yourself and others.