Eco-Efficiency Makes Cents: Tips for Saving Your Small Business MONEY
Presentation prepared by: Ricardo Bosshard & Wendy LeBreton (Masters candidates, School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada) with The Eco-Efficiency Centre, Burnside, NS
Outline
Introductions Office Eco-Efficiency Solid Wastes Conserving Resources
Water Energy Use
Logistics Program Implementation
Objectives of this Presentation
To present new ideas and opportunities for your new, growing company
Strategies for improving your environmental performance, which are low cost/no cost
Given the large number of small businesses, there is potential for a large scale reduction of ecological impacts
Keep This in Mind!
What we are going to present perhaps sounds obvious But it requires diligence to implement Is not a one day effort, it is a day to day process If management commitment is not present, it will not yield positive results If it is done properly, savings will be realized
Office Eco-Efficiency
Technology is designed for efficiency, so use it properly!
Install a network Easier email and internet management File transfers within the business You can install just one networked printer Two sided printing- make it a default setting Use computers, printers, and photocopiers with energy saving devices Turn them off at the end of the day!
Reducing Waste from the Internet
To save paper and ink from internet downloading:
Copy contents to a word processor document Reduce the size of the fonts Don’t print in color, do not print pictures if you do not need them. Print in draft quality, and two sided
Some More Simple Steps for the Office
Computer-based learning centers for new employees Edit documents on the computer (no hardcopy rough drafts!) Use e-mail as much as possible Email memos Use recycled paper for photocopying, printing, etc Reuse binders, folders, report covers If hardcopy memos are unavoidable, Direct mail to specific receiver Use boards for general advertisements
Solid Waste Management
Who Benefits?
Company benefits
Less costly waste disposal Creates business and job opportunities
Environmental benefits from separating out organics from other wastes
Fewer and safer landfills Reduce landfill leachate and methane (a greenhouse gas) Organics are valuable for soil quality
Organics Programs
On vs off-site composting program Separation schemes
General waste Recyclables: organics/paper/metals/plastics/ Hazardous wastes: Batteries/paint
Educate your employees
Reuse in the Lunchroom
Replace paper towels with cloth towels or rags Use reusable kitchen ware containers bulk condiments coffee mugs & reusable coffee filters permanent dishes and cutlery Implement recycling incentives Organics separation
Conserving Resources
Particularly good for saving $$$
Water
Use it sparingly! Check for and repair leaks Install automatic shutoffs, flow restrictors, and other water saving devices Use cold rather than hot water, where possible If you have a dishwasher, only run it when you have a full load
Energy Conservation
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Tell your lease holders that you plan to reduce your energy, therefore, lease costs! Savings can be achieved by:
Wearing a sweater! Control temperature and humidity settings Turn down heat during off hours (selfcontrolling devices) Routine maintenance schedule Cost/benefit analysis of old vs. new equipment Building insulation
Lighting
Use energy-efficient lamps and other light fixtures Natural light, where possible Clean your light fixtures regularly Install timers or motion sensors to control lighting Encourage "lights out when you go out" practices Install automatic shutoffs
Video: “Light Better…For Less!”
Logistics
Inventory Management
Less inventory =less capital invested =easier to manage stock =less risk of theft/losses =less chance of stock expiring Only requires a little more organization! Just in time management
Transportation
Purchases
Try to buy in a way to reduce transport costs Shop around for the best deals Program yourself, urgencies cost money (just in time)
Deliveries
Avoid extra delivery trips (e.g. one truck for one small box!) Try to combine your deliveries with other businesses in your area
Put some thought into this issue!
Packaging
Eliminate excess packaging Reduce weight or thickness of packaging Redesign packaging Increase capacity of shipping containers Transform waste into product Replace single-use with multiple-use products Purchase for long life
Program Implementation
Step 1: Getting started…
Define intentions of the program What goals do you expect to achieve? Keep it simple! Make it convenient Communicate clearly
Step 2: Maintain enthusiasm for the program!
Keep the program exciting Inform your employees regularly of the results achieved and problems faced Encourage feedback Thank and congratulate your employees! If your interest fades, the program will not last
Step 3: Results
Review the results constantly Return to step 1 Make your successes public (customers, suppliers, distributors)
Before you start:
CONVINCE YOURSELF of the advantages of greening your business COMMIT YOURSELF to achieving long-term environmental goals for your company BE PATIENT do not expect instantaneous results BE CONSISTENT do not put eco-efficiency on the back burner after a period!
QUESTIONS?
For more information, contact the Eco-Efficiency Centre 461-6704 (phone) 461-6703 (fax) http://www.dal.ca/eco-burnside kpcrawfo@is.dal.ca (email)