Energy study?

Question

What type of companies would I call to study my business and report ways to cut energy uses and be more environmentally sound and green?

Answer 1

In our area the utility companies will come and do an energy audit if you contact them. I do not of course know where you are located but I would try that if I were you.

Answer 2

It depends on the size of your company.

If you have a large company, who owns their own buildings, perhaps owns a factory, then you may want to contact an ESCO - an Energy Service Company.   Many ESCO's belong to their professional organization - National Association of Energy Service Companies.  Their web site is linked below.  You could also contact a local green consultant.  I'd look for environmentally friendly architects or energy consultants in your area.

If you have a smaller company, maybe a small office environment, then you can call your local utilty - they will often do free energy audits, or you can contact a private consultant who will do an energy survey for you.

A third option, particularly if you don't own a lot of energy using equipment, would be to select one employee and give them the task of tracking down various things you could do.   The web has many great lists of ways to reduce energy usage in office environments, and a responsible & smart person could discover and assess most them in a relatively short period of time.

And by not owning a lot of energy using equipment, I mean not owning your heating and cooling equipment and your lights.  If you rent office space, then you'll need to work with your landlord on those (very large) energy users.

I do this professionally, and have worked for several ESCO's and energy consultants throughout my career.  Please feel free to email me if you have other questions.

Answer 3

Rivergirl gives great answers.

I would also suggest a HERS rater who would be an independent third party rater. You can find an energy rater registered with RESNET - www.natresnet.org. Many of the residential raters will also be available for businesses.

As for ways to become more environmentally sound and green check in with US Green Building Council - www.usgbc.org The website is packed full of information.