It seems like a never ending discussion. Global warming, climate change, our carbon footprint and on and on it goes. We all know we need to reduce our energy consumption, waste and emissions but ...
where do we start? The costs related to change always seem daunting, which may very well be the reason there has been no implementation of a nation wide carbon tax in Canada, yet.
With our planet at stake, shouldn't we all consider working on these issues? Naturally the discussion of cost is on the table first and it is a significant consideration, but if we could revisit the age old say of "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" and consider this as a template for a plan to a greener business model, the odds of success may have just increased.
In a race you can't win unless you at least start and that is what we all need to do; we need to get started. But what does getting started mean? In all actuality it often can mean saving money. The reduction of an organization's waste can reduce costs and reviewing operations can cut electrical usage. For example, a hospital which is open 24/7 could significantly reduce its electricity cost by managing the usage of its lights.
Imagine if a manufacturing facility or your local municipality conducted heat loss testing on their buildings and over time literally plugged the holes in their heating budget. All of these elements can help lower operating costs. We all want to make a difference and getting a plan started will actually give us all something to work towards.
Universities have always been on the foreground of technology but often don't practice what they preach, with few exceptions including Durham College whose new technology wing has implemented virtually every innovative energy saving practice available to date. They have installed wind power, solar panels, solar water heating systems and more. Perhaps on a smaller scale, it would behoove us to follow their example by making positive changes to improve the world that we share. Regardless of the current state of your organization getting started on a Green Plan is the right action to take, both for the environment and for your bottomline.
If you would like some help in getting your plan developed and learning what cost saving options are available to you, simply contact us for a brief discussion. Wouldn't this be a great time to start saving money and the planet?
