Originally published above Ecology.
One way for small businesses to make their activity green may be by choosing a renewable energy source, whether it is to install solar energy on the roof or buy clean energy through convenience. their local benefits. However, a hanging fruit is much lower for the sustainable initiatives of small businesses and one can have a great positive effect on the key point, which is reducing the energy demand of the business.
Of course, improved energy efficiency does not seem as interesting as receiving solar energy, but it must be an essential element of any business sustainable plan, even if the renewable energy is available. must be part of the mixture, and perform energy audit is an important first step.
By training students to conduct free energy audits for small businesses, Green action campaign Helping both sides, by helping students get important green business skills and determine great energy saving for businesses.
Students are trained to use a cloud -based energy audit tool, called GEMS (Green Energy Management System), they use to answer the reminder of the business when they walk through through building. When all data on energy and water use of the enterprise has been introduced, it is thought to take about 20 minutes, the Gems tool creates a report on energy efficiency recommendations, with costs. Calculate and save estimates for those proposals.
According to Green action campaign Websites, small businesses in the United States suffered about 60 billion dollars each year energy costs (along with creating carbon emissions from that energy), but most of them can cut the level. Their energy consumption on average 20% with the appropriate energy efficiency plan. By participating and letting students perform free energy audits for them, small business owners can have a very good idea about what they need to do to increase the energy efficiency of their businesses, How much does it cost and how much they will save.
Since its inception in 2011, Green action campaign Helping students at more than 70 universities conducted energy audits at more than 300 small enterprises, determining the annual energy savings accumulated of 2 million kWh, equivalent to about $ 250,000 saving.
According to an article by one of the founders of the new global citizens, students also achieved from it, by being able to experience the real world in sustainable practicality and efficiency. quantity:
Through their participation with a green impact campaign, students have the opportunity to deepen knowledge about energy efficiency and sustainable business practice by being able to touch, view and interact with concepts. Sustainable recitation in real environment. Many students have continued to practice and work with companies specializing in energy audit or sustainable advice. Others have continued to bring their sustainable knowledge further by sitting and passing the Leed Green's link exam, allowing them to work in the Green Construction industry.
Small businesses can register here to get a free energy audit, students can join here to become a volunteer and for other community organizations, Green action campaign also looking for partners and sponsors here.
For students who are seeking to start a sustainable consulting service or operating a Green House Counseling like Pono Home, The Green action campaign It may be a great way to get one foot in the door and be trained in practice.
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