A small, local average Hawaii business consumes most its energy on lighting, air-conditioning, and office equipment. Because much of that energy is wasted, small behavior changes you make can go a long way and save your business money.

LIGHTING

Use natural or energy-efficient lighting and eliminate unnecessary lighting.

  • For desk lamps and decorative lighting, install energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which typically use 75% less energy for the same amount of light and last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • Turn off lights in unoccupied offices, conference rooms, break rooms, and bathrooms. Using timers or occupancy sensors in restrooms and conference rooms also reduces the time lights are on in little-used places.
  • Use abundant, free sunlight where possible.
  • Dust light bulbs and fixtures regularly for consistently bright light.
  • Make sure all lights are turned out when the last person leaves at night.

COMPUTERS

Set computers to automatic sleep mode. Computers and monitors save energy only when power management features are activated, so make sure automatic sleep settings are turned on. Screen savers do not reduce a monitor's energy use, as some believe. Using automatic sleep mode or just turning monitors off is a better energy-saving strategy.


ENERGY SNEAKERS

Battery chargers for mobile phones, PDAs, and other digital devices draw electricity when they're not in use. Unplug them when your digital devices aren't charging. Likewise, turn off and unplug coffee makers, microwaves, and toaster ovens when not in use. Use a smart power strip to cut power when it's not needed.


BUY GREEN OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Office equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR label uses special power management features to help eliminate wasted energy. When not in use, ENERGY STAR-qualified office products automatically power down to "sleep" mode, using about half the electricity of standard equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when replacing desktop computers, laptops, printers, fax machines, copiers, scanners, lighting, air-conditioners, and telephones. The ENERGY STAR designation means the product has met strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by DOE and EPA. Also, commit to buying recycled paper products. They require 70% to 90% less energy to make, and they help preserve forests and slow global warming.

The ENERGY STAR label appears on more than 50 different product categories. By using these products, your company can help lower energy use, save money, and help protect the environment.


Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative