Energy is a major expense for small businesses in the United States, accounting for more than $60 billion of operating costs every year. But you can save money on energy by being conscious of how your business uses it. Here are 5 steps to help you identify opportunities for efficiency.

1. AUDIT YOUR ENERGY USE
WITH 5 EASY STEPS

2. Energy is a major expense for
small businesses in the
United States, accounting for
more than $60 billion of
operating costs every year.
But you can save money on
energy by being conscious of
how your business uses it.
Here are 5 steps to help you
identify opportunities
for efficiency.
UNLOCK YOUR SMALL BUSINESS SAVINGS POTENTIAL
1

3. 1
When you understand
your business’s energy
consumption, you can
make informed energy
decisions and implement
efficiency strategies.
Check out these free tools
that can help you track
your usage and input
energy data.
ASSESS HOW
YOUR BUSINESS
USES ENERGY

4. It’s time to set clear and
attainable energy-saving
goals for your business.
Identify target focus areas
like lighting, HVAC and
equipment, set benchmark
goals, and measure your
progress over time.
2BENCHMARK
YOUR ENERGY
PERFORMANCE

5. By making straightforward
efficiency upgrades,
changing behavior or
locking in a more
competitive energy rate, you
could reduce your
business’s energy costs
between 10 and 30 percent.
3
2
TAKE ACTION
ON YOUR
FINDINGS

6. Saving on energy is a
team sport. Keep
employees informed
about how they can save
energy and encourage
them to share their own
ideas. By having an open
dialogue, you can create
an energy efficient work
culture at your business.
4INVOLVE
YOUR
EMPLOYEES

7. When you focus on
efficiencies and cost
savings, you’re making an
investment to do what’s
best for your business.
Celebrate to keep everyone
invested in the goal.
5CELEBRATE
YOUR
PROGRESS

8. For more ideas about how to unlock your business’s savings
potential, check out our 50 energy saving tips.
REVEAL THE TIPS
UNLOCK YOUR SAVINGS POTENTIAL.

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Sources:
1. NFIB, “Climate and energy policies that affect small business.” Retrieved October 21, 2016.
2. ENERGY STAR®, “Small Businesses: An Overview of Energy Use and Energy Efficiency Opportunities.” Retrieved October 21,
2016.
DEB-0646-2016