With the increase in energy costs over the last few years, small businesses can cut costs by moving toward a more energy efficient or “green” work environment.  

Here are a few tips you can use to start this process:

• Turn off your computers and monitors overnight and on weekends. Program computers to go to sleep after 15 minutes of inactivity. 
• Provide carpooling opportunities, and if possible, move to four ten-hour working days. This will save on gas and decrease energy costs by reducing the business’s hours of operation.
• Go paperless or significantly reduce the amount of paper used. This can be done by not printing emails or letters whenever possible. Instead of printing reports, store or transmit them in a digital format.
• Give preference to locally manufactured supplies.
• Use Energy Star qualified copiers, fax machines, computers and printers.
• Nothing is better than natural light, but when that type of lighting is not possible, use energy-efficient light bulbs such as compact fluorescent bulbs or LEDs instead of incandescent light bulbs. 
• Turn off lights when not in use.

If possible, integrate these ideas into your marketing strategy so clients or potential clients will appreciate your willingness to go green. Even though your efforts may seem small, keep in mind that when thousands of small businesses choose to do these things, it can have a significant impact on the environment.

Let Zions Bank’s Business Resource Center assist you with your business needs. Call us for a free appointment at (801) 594-8245. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beth Holbrook can be reached at beth.holbrook@zionsbank.com.