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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Join Nevada’s Sustainability Alliance and be a part of the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future!
