Commercial Energy Sustainability

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability has transitioned from a buzzword to a critical imperative. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of reducing energy use, not only to cut costs but also to align with global efforts to combat climate change. As businesses strive to minimize their environmental footprint, a comprehensive approach that includes smart procurement practices, energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy generation, and thoughtful carbon offsetting becomes essential.

In this blog post, we will explore the key strategies for reducing energy consumption in the commercial sector. We'll delve into optimizing procurement and waste management practices, enhancing energy efficiency across operations, investing in renewable energy sources, and leveraging carbon offsets to balance out unavoidable emissions. Additionally, we'll highlight the value of supporting environmental causes through donations, further amplifying your company’s commitment to a greener future.
​
By integrating these approaches, businesses can not only achieve significant cost savings but also contribute to a more sustainable planet. Join us as we navigate the practical steps and innovative solutions that can drive meaningful change in your organization’s energy use and environmental impact.

Procurement & Waste 
When a company is looking to start their environmental journey, beginning with “reduce and reuse” is an obvious first step. One area of focus should be on optimizing the lifecycle of office furniture and equipment, ensuring that each stage— from acquisition to disposal — minimizes environmental impact. “By partnering with eco-conscious suppliers and prioritizing materials that are recycled or sustainably sourced, we can ensure that the products we procure align with our mission to reduce energy use and carbon footprint,” says Jed Levenstein, Vice President of Wurkwel.

Refurbished office furniture and living decor are great ways to green any office space.
Photo by Uneebo Office Design on Unsplash

“To implement circular economy principles in the procurement processes,” Mr. Levenstein points out, “instead of following the traditional linear model of 'take, make, dispose,' we should strive to create a closed-loop system where resources are continually reused and recycled.” This not only conserves raw materials but also significantly reduces the energy required for production and transportation. By refurbishing and repurposing existing office furniture, we can extend the useful life of these items and divert substantial amounts of waste from landfills. 

In addition to sustainable procurement, there should also be a strong emphasis on efficient waste management and a dedication to reducing waste through meticulous planning and execution of decommissioning projects. This can be accomplished by collaborating with specialized recycling and donation partners, like Wurkwel, to ensure that outdated or unneeded office items are responsibly managed, further lessening the environmental footprint.

Increasing Energy Efficiency
Next, companies should aim to reduce the energy they use through energy efficiency, which can lead to substantial cost savings for businesses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, businesses can reduce energy costs by up to 30% through strategic energy management and investment in energy-efficient technologies. For example, upgrading to LED lighting can cut lighting costs by up to 80%, while modern HVAC systems can reduce heating and cooling expenses by 20-40%. 
​
“Identifying energy waste through monitoring and targeted analysis is a crucial initial step before implementing any energy retrofits,” recommends Jose Siandre of Krem Energy. “By understanding where energy is being inefficiently used, the business can then make informed decisions about upgrades,” continued Mr. Siandre. “This approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively and that retrofit efforts yield maximum impact.”

Many businesses will also want smart energy management systems that utilize advanced technologies to monitor and control energy use in real time. These systems can automatically adjust lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy and usage patterns, ensuring optimal energy use and significant cost savings. This can be as simple as a smart thermostat, or a complex AI monitored system; depending on your company's needs.

You can't manage what you don't measure. Use technology to understand and manage energy use.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Last, don’t overlook the importance of employee engagement and training. Work with your employees to create a culture of energy efficiency. Employees should be educated on the importance of energy conservation and encouraged to adopt energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use.
​
Energy Generation ​
After reducing energy use, you might want to consider switching to renewable sources of energy, like solar. The first step is to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study. This study should include an analysis of current energy consumption patterns, availacble roof or ground space for solar panels, local solar radiation levels, and financial considerations. Partnering with a reputable solar energy provider can help in conducting this study. To find a reputable solar provider, check online reviews, your local Better Business Bureau and ask for recommendations from their clients similar to your business. A detailed assessment should include projections of the potential energy generation, savings, and return on investment (ROI). Be sure to loop in your finance and accounting team to consider any state or federal incentives, tax credits, and rebates, such as the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which can significantly reduce the upfront costs of solar installations.

One thing businesses tend to overlook is the ongoing operations and maintenance of a solar array to ensure the system continues to perform optimally. This might include regular inspections, cleaning, and performance monitoring, which can often be managed through the existing energy management system.
​
Transportation 
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, transportation accounts for about 28% of total energy consumption in the United States. Companies can take simple, no cost and low costs steps to curb transportation energy use. One effective strategy is promoting work-from-home policies. By enabling employees to work remotely, businesses can significantly cut down on the daily commute, which in turn reduces the overall carbon footprint and can reduce traffic congestion. Companies can support this transition by investing in reliable digital infrastructure and encouraging a culture that values flexibility and sustainability.​ ​

In addition to remote work, businesses can promote active and environmentally sustainable transportation options like public transport, walking, biking or car-pooling to work. “Providing incentives such as subsidized transit passes or secure bike storage facilities with electric outlets for e-bikes and disincentivizing driving by charging for vehicle parking can motivate employees to opt for greener commuting methods,” recommends Heather Deutsch, Executive Director of MOVE, an organization that advocates for sustainable transportation. “Additionally, businesses can organize carpool programs that connect employees living in the same areas, making it easier and more convenient for them to share rides,” continued Ms. Deutsch. “These initiatives not only reduce energy consumption, reducing Scope 3 ESG emissions, but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility towards environmental stewardship.”

Providing incentives for alternative transportation can benefit the business and employees.
Photo by mat comblang on Unsplash

Carbon Offsets
Carbon offsets offer hope for business owners seeking to mitigate their environmental impact while maintaining economic growth, or seeking to differentiate themselves in the market. By investing in projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gasses, businesses can claim a reduction in their carbon footprint, which can enhance their sustainability credentials and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. For many, this seems like a win-win: they continue their operations while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Furthermore, carbon offsets can be a cost-effective solution compared to direct emissions reductions, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that may lack the resources to overhaul their operations immediately. Importantly, small investments abroad can have big impacts like reducing kerosene use and improving air quality. 
​
However, there are significant hurdles to effectively implementing carbon offsets. The quality and credibility of offset projects can vary greatly, and it can be challenging to ensure that purchased offsets represent real, additional, and permanent emissions reductions. There are also risks associated with the transparency and verification processes of these projects. Businesses should ensure that they are buying credits on an independent, third-party verified platform like Verra or Gold Standard, to minimize these risks. For businesses interested in more than just carbon credits, Gold Standard requires projects to support at least three of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You can search projects for SDG impacts that are important to your business (like Gender Equality or Affordable & Clean Energy).

Carbon offsets alone are not a panacea for climate change and companies should not rely solely on offsets, they should address the root causes of emissions first. For businesses truly committed to environmental protection, offsets should complement, not replace, efforts to reduce direct emissions through improved efficiency, adoption of clean technologies, and changes in business practices. This dual approach can ensure that a business not only contributes to immediate carbon reductions but also aligns with long-term sustainability goals.

Environmental Giving
Companies can further amplify their impact by directly donating to environmental organizations that are working to improve the planet. 1% for the Planet membership offers businesses across the globe a simple solution to drive environmental impact and build credibility with consumers. Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet makes environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification. To date, 1% for the Planet Business Members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to approved environmental partners — including Unite to Light — that align with their values and interests. And, through 1% for the Planet’s flexible giving model​, businesses can give back in more ways than just monetary donations. From volunteer time to product and service donations, each business’ 1% commitment can look different.

"It's wonderful to see 1% for the Planet Business Members like Wurkwel and Krem Energy not only leading the way on efficient and renewable energy, but also fully committed to environmental giving," says Jenny Kalanges, 1% for the Planet’s VP of Impact. "1% for the Planet was founded on the idea that businesses have a responsibility to give back for use of our planet’s resources, and the power of our movement is even stronger when we have members who embody sustainability in all aspects of their business.”

Closing
The journey towards energy efficiency and sustainability is continuous, requiring ongoing evaluation and adaptation. However, the benefits — ranging from cost savings to improved corporate reputation and a healthier planet — make the effort worthwhile. As we move forward, let’s prioritize actions that reduce our energy footprint and inspire others to join us in creating a healthier and more prosperous planet for future generations.

The companies listed or referenced in this article were chosen for their expertise and commitment to improving the planet. We are all proud participants in the 1% For the Planet network — working together to support people and the planet. A big thanks to Pushpin Visuals for the graphic!