Below are some suggestions on making your business more sustainable.

Important Changes

Obtain a free onsite PG&E energy assessment at your facility, track monthly gas and electricity consumption, and utilize your business' PG&E smart meter.

Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, LEDs or other more energy efficient lights.

Use weather stripping to close air gaps around doors and windows.

Perform regularly scheduled maintenance on your HVAC filters.

Create and implement a written policy to turn off lights and equipment when not in use.

Remove extra lights, (e.g., lamps, light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, etc.), where possible.

Create and implement a written policy focusing on energy efficient practices.

Equipment Changes

Complete a more thorough energy assessment, such as one by the Building Performance Institute or ASHRAE.

Install and use computer programs that save energy by automatically turning off idle computer monitors and printers.

Install dimmable ballasts to dim lights when daylight is available.

Install economizers on an existing AC system to increase air flow.

Install occupancy sensors for lighting in low occupancy areas.

Install a programmable thermostat to control heating and air conditioning.

Insulate hot water heaters and hot water pipes.

Replace major appliances and electronic equipment with Energy Star models.

Replace or supplement an existing AC system with a unit that has a greater EER rating.

Retrofit exit signs with LEDs or fluorescent bulbs.

Shut-off water-cooled air conditioning units when not needed.

Upgrade existing fluorescent lighting with more energy efficient (T-5 or T-8) fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts.

Use an energy management software system to control lighting and HVAC systems.

Use an ink jet printer instead of a laser printer.

Use task lighting to directly illuminate a work area rather than light an entire area.

Utilize solar energy sources/equipment.

For outdoor lighting, utilize two tier motion sensors, barring security concerns.

For outdoor lighting, cap outdoor lights to minimize light pollution.

Purchase and utilize smart power strips and/or timers.

Facilities Changes

Install double-paned windows.

Apply a film or solar screens for windows to reduce heat gain.

Install a cool roof or a cool roof coating that is certified by Energy Star.

Install solar carports to generate power and shade cars.

Install tankless, on-demand hot water heater(s).

Rearrange your workplace to take advantage of natural sunlight and other passive solar design principles.

Provide shading for outdoor HVAC condenser(s).

Practice Changes

Shift energy consumption to off peak times and/or during time varying pricing.

Clean lighting fixtures and lamps as needed to increase efficiency.

Drain and flush hot water tanks every six months.

Plug all office equipment into a timer switch to turn off after working hours.

Routinely close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain.

Schedule routine janitorial services during the day instead of at night to save lighting energy.

Seal off unused areas and insulate unneeded windows.

Set refrigerator temperature between 38 and 42 degrees F, freezer between zero and five degrees F.

Set thermostat to 78 degrees F maximum for cooling and 68 degrees F maximum for heating, use thermostat's night setback, and lock thermostat.

Use light switch reminders to remind guests and staff to turn off lights.

When possible, use laptop computers instead of desktop computers (consume 90% less energy).

Use lighting control devices such as time clocks or photocells.

Use small fans and heaters outside normal business hours and when occupancy is low in lieu of central HVAC.

Take advantage of incentives and rebates mentioned after the completion of your facilities energy audit.

Form an Office Sustainability Team and create action items to improve the facility.

Only operate dishwashers when full.

Reduce temperature for hot water in dishwashers, clothes washers, and other appliances to the lowest temperature allowed by health regulations.

Clean coils on fridge every six months.

Purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) or offsets.

Make monthly goals to reduce your electricity and gas use within your business by utilizing the PG&E Smart Meter data available online.

Provide energy conservation tips to employees and customers for their home/office.