Persuasive ‘Everyday’ Sustainability Case Studies

 

To lots of companies, sustainability can seem like a pretty exotic exercise. This perception can make it hard for us to convince clients and colleagues about the benefits of green building. That may not have to be the case.

‘Tackling the Energy Monster’ was today’s Wall Street Journal report on how soaring energy prices have triggered a reality check among small businesses, which often pay higher utility rates than large companies and are less able to pass their cost increases on to their customers.

This article was packed with eight great case studies of specific ways, backed by cash results, that companies re-tooled their businesses to cut or avoid energy costs. I call these actions ‘everyday sustainability’ because they’re rather unflashy, but are accessible to many businesses and deliver long term positive results.

Here’s a partial list of the winning actions:

• Missouri delivery company: Using GPS-route mapping software from United Parcel Service, Inc. to eliminate excess miles driven by drivers. 25,000 miles were cut. Even though unleaded gas prices rose 31% last year, this company only experienced a 1% increase in fuel costs for that period (!). The company even saved more than that since the drivers were paid by the hour. Less miles driven = less payroll expense.

• Oregon shoe manufacturer: Had new facility built using designed-in energy saving options. The energy-saving improvements cost an additional $149,140. An energy audit revealed that the company saved $32,000 annually with the new facility. In addition to that, the new building qualified for $52,000 in state tax credits to offset the costs. The company figures it will recoup its entire (additional) investment within three years.

• San Francisco civil engineering firm: 40 employees and a second office in New York. Employees now travel 70% less than before due to web conferencing. The web camera and projector cost $70 and $850 respectively. The firm saves $30,000-$40,000 annually.

• Interest-free financing from public utility: Southern California Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric offer interest free loans of up to $50,000 to small-business customers if they use the funds for energy efficiency upgrades and equipment. That’s in addition to the free utility audit.

So, check the article out and add it to your arsenal of proof that sustainability initiatives are real world actions and save lots of money.

If you’ve got any good case studies to share with the rest of us, send them along so everyone else on the Green Journey can benefit from your good experience.