Summer’s here and now’s the time to think about reducing energy usage through green sources such as solar energy, which offers the potential to also reduce costs for small business.
Like many Australian business owners, you’re probably always looking for ways to reduce overheads and improve your bottom line. Cutting costs wherever possible is an excellent way to accomplish these goals. There are many ways to go about this, but reducing your energy costs has the added bonus of helping the environment.
When it comes to reducing energy costs, it’s hard to beat commercial solar energy systems. More Australian companies are investing in these systems than ever.
What are the key advantages of commercial solar energy systems?
Significant cost savings
A commercial solar energy system can help you slash your company’s energy costs by up to 40 per cent or more. The money you save could be used to grow and expand your business or to offer better benefits to your employees.
It’s more affordable than you think
Many business owners immediately rule out solar power because they are convinced that it’s too expensive. In the last few years, however, commercial solar power costs have dropped by more than 50 percent in many cases. If you haven’t looked at these systems lately, it’s time you did. You’re sure to be pleasantly surprised by how much more affordable they are.
Save more with Government incentives
The Australian Government is eager to have as many businesses switch to solar energy as possible. To encourage this, the Government offers many significant incentives. Make sure to familiarise yourself with these incentives before deciding against commercial solar power. When you subtract the amount you will save through incentives from the total price of a new system, you may discover that there’s room in your budget for one after all.
Lots of sunshine equals more electricity
In many parts of the world, the sun hardly ever shines. That’s not the case here in Australia, where we enjoy many sunny days. Businesses that use solar energy systems in Australia can rest assured that they will produce a significant amount of electricity, which will result in considerable energy savings from the very start.
Show customers you care
Many people are concerned about the environment and prefer to do business with eco-friendly companies. After investing in a commercial solar energy system, there’s no reason not to share the news with your customers. Doing so will cast your business in a very favourable light.
Risk management
Rising energy costs and the recent introduction of a carbon price could eat away at your bottom line. A great way to reduce your exposure to these risks is by investing in solar power for business. By doing this now, you will take a proactive approach to the situation.
Five easy-to-implement tips for making your office greener
There are plenty of simple ways to make your office a greener place. Five excellent examples include:
1. Go paperless
Encourage employees to store documents online whenever possible. Have them think twice before printing anything. In many cases, printing something is done for convenience instead of out of absolute necessity.
2. Use non-toxic cleaning products
The cleaning products you use can have a major impact on the environment. These days, it’s easy to find eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products. They may cost a little more, but you can feel good about using them.
3. Turn off computers when not in use
Businesses in Australia waste millions of dollars by keeping their computers running day and night. In some instances, computers have to be kept on at all times. Most of the time, however, they can safely be turned off at the end of the workday. In fact, employees should turn off the power strips that their computers are plugged into at the end of the day.
4. Recycle and use recycled products
Set up recycling bins in easy-to-access areas. The majority of the waste that is generated in an office can be easily recycled. Similarly, make a point of purchasing products that are made out of recycled materials.
5. Print as sparingly as possible
Even if your office goes mostly paperless, there will still be times when printing will be necessary. Whenever possible, print on both sides of paper. Set the printer to draft mode unless high-quality copies are absolutely essential. Avoid using colour ink whenever possible. With these tips, you will use less ink and paper, which will help save the environment and keep costs low.
By investing in solar power for business and implementing these green office tips, your company will be doing its part to help the environment. Your business bottom line will be a lot healthier as well.
