Published November 2003

Energy-saving solutions
for small businesses

Dear BizBest: In the past, we never paid much attention to the cost of energy for our small manufacturing business. But we’ve expanded, rates have risen and suddenly, it’s a more significant expense. We’re not the most efficient energy users around, so I’m sure there must be a bundle of ways we can save money, beyond simply turning out the lights. Who’s got the goods on energy-saving solutions for small businesses? — Energized

Dear Energized: When it comes to conserving energy, small businesses can typically save as much money and prevent as much pollution per square foot as big companies. And all types of small businesses can easily cut energy costs, from home-based businesses and restaurants to inns, service firms and even nonprofits such as churches. Here’s where you can plug into the best energy-saving solutions for small biz:

n Energy Star, Small Business, is a government-backed program that offers free support for small businesses that want to save energy. Simply put, if you spend money on energy, the Energy Star program can help put cash back in your pocket. Yes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency runs Energy Star. But don’t let that affiliation put you off. This independent program is well run and helps small business save money on energy costs with all kinds of technical help, support services and resources. By signing up, you’ll receive free, objective advice on how your business can save energy; access to a toll-free technical support hotline; a how-to guide for analyzing and upgrading your facility; lists of energy equipment and service contractors; access to free workshops; and even public relations materials to promote your efforts. Program members agree to implement a plan, but only when it is profitable with a simple payback of three years or less. No reporting required, but if you tell Energy Star about your successful upgrade you’ll receive special public recognition. Visit www.energystar.gov/smallbiz. The FAQ section is especially helpful. Call 888-STAR-YES.

n ENERGYguide is a terrific Web site offering unbiased advice and information on saving energy and the many new energy choices available to small-business owners under deregulation. ENERGYguide can show you how to lower your energy bills by selecting a new supplier, replacing business equipment or changing the way you use energy. The Web site has custom tools to help you compare energy options, analyze energy use in your home or business and shop for energy-efficient products. There’s information on how much various energy-saving products and services cost and how much you might save by using them, how energy use in your small business compares with similar facilities and how your choices affect the environment. You can be comfortable knowing that ENERGYguide.com has earned both Better Business Bureau Online and Trust-e certification for its privacy protection policies. Although ENERGYguide does take ads and sponsorships on the site, and earns fees when you sign up with an energy supplier, it claims to have no biases toward any particular supplier, manufacturer or distributor. Its goal is to be an information conduit and let you make your own decisions. Visit www.energyguide.com or call the sponsoring company, Nexus Energy Software, at 781-694-3300.

n The Industrial Assessment Centers is a splendidly obscure little program run by the U.S. Department of Energy. Based at 26 universities nationwide, the centers offer energy-saving technical help to small manufacturers. Qualifying companies can get the latest advice and information on how to conserve energy, cut waste and reduce costs. See the Web site for locations and download the program brochure. Visit www.oit.doe.gov/iac or call their “Ask an Expert” hotline at 800-862-2086. E-mail the Office of Industrial Technologies Clearinghouse at clearinghouse@ee.doe.gov.

BizBest (www.bizbest.com) publishes independent ratings and analyses of nearly 2,000 small-business resources in hundreds of subject categories. Daniel Kehrer is editor and publisher. E-mail questions to dan@bizbest.com.

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