Going green is not only good for the environment it’s also an easy way that businesses can save money. In a time when businesses are looking to save money before outsourcing, laying off employees or cutting back on marketing dollars there are simple ways they can save money by going green.
Reduce Utility Bill
Powering down computers, shutting off lights, using power strips and using energy efficient florescent light bulbs are all easy ways to save money. Fluorescent light bulbs can last more than 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and save you up to 75% in energy savings. Power strips are a good device that you can plug all of your appliances in and turn all of them off together. If a company wants to take powering down computers into their own hands, there is software like the Dell KACE service desk management system that allows a user to shut off all computers that aren’t in use from a centralized location. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated unused PCs that go into hibernation mode save $25-75 per computer annually. For a business with 200 employees, that would save the company up to $15,000 a year.
Buy Greener Products
Buy green office products like remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, recycled paper and recycled office products (pens, scissors, paper clips, paper towels, etc.). Many of these products are cheaper and are cost- efficient in the long run. For example, buying a remanufactured ink and toner cartridges results in lower waste and chemicals but also reduces the amount of energy you use. Of course remember to recycle all material when possible to maximize your eco- friendly ways.
Donate
There are many places that will happily accept your office’s old electronics. Replacing old computers, power cords and miscellaneous electronics will allow you to update your office to newer energy efficient electronics. Companies can also receive a tax deduction for their donations. Some of the best places to donate computers, laptops and electronics include:
- World Computer Exchange – Non- profit that provides schools, libraries, community centers in developing countries with used computers and technology.
- National Cristina Foundation – Non- profit that provides computers to those with disabilities or economic disadvantages.
- Computer Recycling Center- Non- profit that places computers in the public charity and community programs
Digital Storage
Instead of printing tons of paper and stuffing it into filing cabinets, storing information digitally is a better option. Cloud storage like drop box, SkyDove, iCloud, FilesAnywhere etc. allow you to share and store folders with co- workers. Portable storage devices, internal and external hard drives and online storage are all eco- friendly ways to save and store important documents.
Cut out the Commute
By cutting employees commute to work completely employers can significantly cut down all of the costs that go operating an office. An employee’s daily commute can be very expensive. You’ll not only save money on internet services, phone lines, electricity and office space, you can receive a significant tax cut. The Georgia House Bill 194 gives credits to companies that allow their employees to telecommute. The bill gives employers a one- time tax credit of $20,000 for the assessment of a telecommute program, in addition to a $1,200 credit per employee that participates in the program. For more information, companies should contact tax professionals about the bill and how they can qualify.
There are many tools that can help companies let their employees work remotely. For example, the Dell KACE software deployment application allows an IT manager to send out patches, configuration settings and software updates without needing computers to be in a centralized location. This application would be good for companies who provide work computers to their employees and need their computers to have all the newest updates in order to work efficiently.
Allowing employees to work remotely might not be feasible for every employee at every company. However, giving employees flexible schedules by allowing them to choose to work from home a few days a month can make a significant difference.
Going green will help your company reduce their carbon imprint on the world, save space for waste disposal, benefit the economy and reduce pollution. The money that your company will save is side note in the bigger picture.
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