Small Business Sustainability Guide

Do you own or work for a small business (or satellite office/franchise/regional office)? If so, you can use this easy to follow guide to start making small changes today. Or if you are already on your way, skip to Level 2 where you will find next steps to make your business even more sustainable! You can also download or print the pdf version here: Small Business Sustainability Guide.

LEVEL 1 – GETTING STARTED

1

What can I do?

Contact local energy providers to see if they offer commercial energy assessments

Why should I do it?

A professional review of your energy usage can help your business understand the amount of energy you are using, establish a baseline, and identify areas for reducing usage and saving energy and money.

2

What can I do?

Participate in the commercial rebate programs through Southwest Gas. (Rebates are available for natural gas saving equipment including: furnaces, tankless water heaters, fryers, conveyor ovens, dish washers, pre-rinse spray valves, and more!)

Why should I do it?

By improving your facility with high efficiency natural gas equipment, your business can be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible while maximizing your business potential.

3

What can I do?

Replace any incandescent lighting and inefficient florescent fixtures (where feasible) with energy efficient lighting (such as compact fluorescent, LED, or T5 or T8 fluorescent lighting).

Why should I do it?

Efficient lighting solutions last longer, save you money on your energy bills, and requires less cooling.

4

What can I do?

Insulate your water heater and set the water temperature to 120 degrees.

Why should I do it?

You can save $12-$30 annually for each 10 degree reduction and it will slow mineral build-up and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.

5

What can I do?

Conduct a water assessment (self guided walkthrough) of your facility as a first step to understanding how water is used and to identify opportunities for improvement.

Why should I do it?

Understanding your water usage will help you know where you are using water, how much, and what it is costing your business as well as help identify areas to conserve.

6

What can I do?

Place accessible recycling bins in all office areas, at desks, in common areas, and outside the building.

Why should I do it?

The more bins available, and the more convenient they are, the more likely your employees are to use them.

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