What is Your Office Doing To Go Green?
 Recycle,
Reduce, Reuse. We've all heard this, and we know the benefits. But what
else can we do? What about carbon emissions and the ozone layer?? What can we do?
First you can reduce your Carbon Footprint. Say what? A "Carbon Footprint" is
a measurement of the impact of human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount
of green house gases produced, and it's measured in units of carbon dioxide. In other
words, how much in the way of GHG's (Greenhouse Gas) do you or your business contribute to
global warming?
For your business, you want to look at all transportation, employees traveling to the office,
traveling on business, and how you transport your product...and the carbon emission produced
when you purchase materials or supplies. Your carbon footprint also comes from your
use of electricity, natural gas, and propane. Here is a calculator that you can use
to determine your carbon footprint.
http://www.safeclimate.net/calculator/ (you will need your electric and heating bill
to get an accurate calculation.)
How can you reduce your GHG
(Greenhouse Gas) emissions?
At Work:
- Carpool, or telecommute. About 40% of Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions come
from transportation.
- Buy a Hybrid car. They get 40 miles to the gallon (or more), are exempt from CT
Sales Tax until 10/1/2008, AND there is a federal tax income tax credit.
- Change old light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. They use about 75% less
energy and last up to 10 times as long.
- Replace bulbs in Exit signs with energy efficient bulbs. When installed throughout
a building, exit signs can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy and maintenance
costs. One sign alone can save about $10 annually on electricity costs and can last up
to 10 years without a lamp replacement, compared to less than one year for an incandescent.
- Buy local products and supplies.
At Home:
- Install a programmable thermostat. Winter temps should be 68 degrees F, and 60 F or less
while you sleep. In the summer, set the air conditioner at no cooler than 78 degrees
F.
- Adjust hydrostat on water heater to 120 degrees F, and insulate your water tank and pipes.
- Make your house energy efficient, seal gaps in walls, around windows and doors, insulate
walls and attic, and install weather stripping around doors.
- Buy locally grown foods. The less fuel required to get the food to your table, the
better.
- Unplug appliances that aren't in regular use. 5% of all US electrical use, is from
home electronics that are plugged in, but not turned on.
- Use less water. Install shower heads and toilets that are energy efficient.
CT Clean Energy Options:
- CT Light & Power offers financial incentives for businesses to "Go Green"...or "Go
Clean Energy".
- CT Light & Power and United Illuminating customers can choose to support clean energy
from wind power, small-scale hydroelectric power, and landfill gas.
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