TIP OF THE WEEK:

If you are planning to upgrade your television to a flat screen, chose a 32" LCD panel over an equal sized plasma screen and you will save about 275 kilowatt-hours of energy and $25 per year.

 

10 Things Business can do to be more “Green” [from Ted Lieu”s October 5th presentation to the TACC).

1. Get a free energy audit through the South Bay Energy Savings Center (SBESC) in Torrance as a first step to becoming environmentally conscious.

2. Unplug computers and office equipment at the end of the day.

3. When replacing old equipment look for products that are Energy Star qualified (energy efficient).

4. Replace old lighting with high efficiency fluorescent bulbs and fixtures.

5. Recycle office paper, newspaper, beverage containers, electronic equipment, and batteries to reduce pollution and GHG. Use 2-sided printing as well as using recycled products.

6. Maintain cooling/heating – set them to turn on only 30 mins before people arrive. Cooling should be set no lower than 78’ and heating no higher than 68’. Check filters regularly – a dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder.

7. Water use in restrooms constitutes more than 40% of water consumption in most office buildings - SBESC in conjunction with MWD and West Basin can provide free restroom retrofitting which includes free installation and devices for old water-wasting devices, including water free urinals, high efficiency toilets and automatic faucets.

8. Businesses should properly dispose of any hazardous waste products such fluorescent lights, cleaning supplies, oils, filters, paints, etc.

9. Evaluate your building’s landscape – rebates available on smart irrigation controllers.

10. Have your building use natural cleaning products such as simple green (all purpose cleanser).