Solutions at the Speed of business Helping small businesses implement climate protection measures quickly, efficiently, and profitably
Sec%ons Best Bets Why Focus on Small Business? Small business represents half of the non farm economy in the United States in 2005 small businesses accounted for 48% of electricity use in the United States small businesses produce more than 3,590 million metric tons of carbon emissions every year to date no one has figured a way to enable smaller companies to implement climate protection
A Web Based Learning Platform will provide the information that small businesses need in the language they speak. businesspeople can work through the material on their own schedule, at their own pace.
Advantages Solutions is the only tool that offers small businesses an all-encompassing approach to climate protection and is the only tool designed by professional online educators
Navigation leads a user through the material while enabling them to move at their desired pace
Navigation Alternatively, users can move directly to the information needed by using the side navigation or the CogMap
Tools Interactive activities will make the tool effective and more enjoyable to use Embedded calculators will determine potential financial and carbon savings for each measure
Implementation detailed checklists will help businesses implement measures Our tried and tested activities will help motivate and mobilize employees pre-written materials will allow employers to communicate with stakeholders by simply pushing a button
Evaluation calculators will help evaluate the benefits and measure effectiveness online forums enable businesses to share and compare success stories Regular emails with the latest developments in sustainability help businesses stay ahead of the curve
Content - Office Measures Commercial buildings consume at least 18% of the total energy used in the U.S. Improving lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive energy-efficiency measures and can result in savings as high as 75% By implementing an array of simple measures, small businesses can make an office more comfortable, productive, energy efficient, and save money
Content - Office Measures Simple measures that can be taken by small businesses to become more efficient include: Replacing Lighting Technology DayLighting Sealing Leaks Water Use Insulation Heating & Cooling Window Treatments Saving Hot Water Powering down
Content - Office Measures Example: A Re/Max office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida was remodeled. During this process, the facility's manager implemented simple measures to save energy. All exterior windows and doors were sealed and caulked and the ductwork was re-sealed. These measures are saving about $7,900 annually
Content - Office Measures Example: John Deere Credit in Des Moines, Iowa incorporated lighting controls, daylighting, and more efficient heating and cooling equipment into their new building Saving 35% of energy use annually
Content - Employee Transit Automobile gasoline consumption accounts for 20% of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 27% of all miles traveled are incurred going to and from work, 78% are driven in single-occupancy vehicles
Content - Employee Transit Strategies that small businesses can use to help employees cut down on private vehicle emissions include: Car Pooling Cash-Out Program Bike to Work Providing bus Passes Car Share Programs Reducing the amount employees have to travel
Content - Employee Transit Numbers speak louder than words: An average parking space costs roughly $6,000 per year. When employees carpool, a company with 250 people can save upwards of $50,000 annually from the reduction of parking spaces needed. This can also save 500 gallons of gasoline per individual annually
Content - Energy Purchasing Using renewable energy can offer greater security and stability to a company by reducing its dependency on conventional energy pricing Renewables lower electric bills and generate revenue when excess energy is sold back to utilities Purchasing renewables now can place a company ahead of potential governmental regulations
Content - Energy Purchasing Example: California Metals & Electronics purchased a photovoltaic solar energy system. They installed 225 Solar Panels. Their system is able to produce excess energy which they are able to sell back to the utility company, completely negating their electricity bill. It qualifies them for a state rebate of 50%, a federal tax credit of 10% and a state tax credit of 7.5%
Content - Product Purchasing Businesses buy goods and services every day these purchasing decisions impact their organizations, their communities, and the environment Some environmentfriendly purchasing decisions save money immediately. Others may represent investments that will pay back over time.
Content - Product Purchasing Example: Set-N-Me Free is an Oregon-based business that produces and distributes a line of aloe vera skin care products. The company reuses incoming packaging materials for outbound shipments and use shredded office paper as a substitute for purchased void fill materials. Labor cost for shredding paper is less than $50 per week, and savings on materials are estimated at $150
Industry Specific Content Transportation Sector The transportation sector currently relies largely on fossil fuels to operate. This use accounts for about 31% of all energy related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. Solutions: Optimizing routes Avoiding idling Replacing fleets with fuel efficient vehicles Routinely maintaining vehicles Using alternative fuels Improve driving practices
Industry Specific Content Hospitality The country s hospitality industry reportedly spends over $5 billion annually in energy costs. Solutions: Energy Control Systems Heating and Cooling Systems Install efficient Refrigeration Replace Kitchen Appliances Reduce waste Reduction Change purchasing behaviors Reduce water usage
Industry Specific Content Universities Around 4,000 Universities prepare the majority of professionals assume leadership roles throughout society. Universities thus bear a profound responsibility. Solutions: Building design Retrofitting existing buildings Improving transit Integrating awareness within programs Dining services
Industry Specific Content Small Retail Businesses Local retail stores touch almost every facet of our daily life from grocery and convenience shops, clothing and hardware stores, pet stores and bookstores. These small retail shops are the cornerstone of many communities and a large part of the small business economy. Solutions: Replace signage Optimize Motors, Heaters, Condensers & HVAC Cover refrigeration Install controls Reduce packaging
Solutions at the Speed of business Helping small businesses implement climate protection measures quickly, efficiently, and profitably