An energy audit will identify opportunities for cost savings through efficiency improvements. In the absence of an audit, consider implementing some or all of the tips in the sections below.

Pacific Gas and Electric offers a number of incentives for businesses looking to increase the efficiency of their energy use. Contact them at businesscustomerhelp@pge.com or (800) 468-4743 for more information. For a list of additional energy efficiency incentives and rebates in California, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

The following are examples of environmentally-intelligent contract language:

• Computers and computer services
• Lighting
• HVAC
• Appliances

There are many things that your team can do to increase the efficiency of its energy use. The tips below are a useful start.

• Buy Energy Star-rated appliances, electronics, lighting, and HVAC systems. For product categories that are not rated by Energy Star, consult the Federal Energy Management Program’s procurement guide.
• Seal leaks in building envelope
• Increase insulation, especially along windows and above ceilings
• Lower the temperature on your thermostat
• In the heating season, keep shades on sun-facing windows open during the day and closed at night. In the cooling season, keep shades on sun-facing windows closed during the day
• Install programmable thermostats
• Lower the thermostat on your water heaters
• Properly insulate hot water storage tanks
• Replace single-pane windows with double-pane Energy Star-rated windows
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescents

Reducing your team’s energy consumption is smart business. The Oakland Convention Center, for example, saves $78,000 yearly in energy costs because of enhancements made to the air handler, central plant controls, and energy management systems. The cost of these improvements was paid back within a year. The facility operators also report the possibility of saving an additional $174,000 per year with longer term equipment replacement. In addition to direct energy savings, many utilities, government agencies, and other organizations offer cash rebates for implementing efficient and/or renewable energy improvements.

Between 1990 and 2002, IBM avoided 12.8 billion kWh of energy, yielding an energy savings of over $700 million dollars. At the same time, these improvements reduced their emissions of carbon dioxide by 32%.

Since 2000, with the assistance of Avista Advantage, an energy consulting company, Food Lion has been able to reduce energy consumption by 25%, even though its total number of stores increased. Through a variety of upgrades to lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems, the company has saved $105 million. Case Study

Electric power plants are the country's largest industrial source of the pollutants that cause global warming, acid rain, and mercury poisoning in lakes and rivers. By conducting an energy audit, your team can identify ways to reduce its consumption of fossil fuels and contribution to emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, as well as other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (causes acid rain), nitrous oxide (creates ground level ozone and causes respiratory disease), mercury (poisons streams and lakes and causes neurological damage), and fine particulate matter (causes respiratory disease).

Commercial Office Building Best Practices
New York City – Manual for Quality, Energy Efficient Lighting
Environmental Benefits and Cost Savings Calculator for Purchasers
Energy Star Savings Calculators
Energy Star Building Manual
Energy Star Building Manual: Lighting
Energy Star Building Manual: Financing
Energy Star Building Manual: Fan Systems
Energy Star Building Manual: HVAC
Energy Star Building Manual: Business Analysis
EPA - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator
EPA - Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency