Turn Off the Lights to Share the Light: Why Good Environmental Practice is Great Business Practice
by Mark Polet
There is a misconception that good environmental management always costs money. Well, sometimes it does seem to cost when externalities are not costed fully (waste management, air and water pollution control) or when the company is not managed properly (contamination).
Turn Off the Lights so You can Share the Light
However, there is another area of sound business management where good environmental management saves money. It’s called efficiency.
In short, turn off the lights.
It is easy for all of us to fall into complacency or just get too busy to really manage our costs, especially in the challenging places where you work. That is why we are looking for quick wins. The first quick win my colleagues and I have noted in working for Kingdom Companies is energy efficiency.
Turn off the lights when you leave! I find it remarkable how many times energy is wasted in companies, even where energy availability is inconsistent. We have seen whole factories lit up with not a soul in them.
Manage your air conditioning. 25°C (77°F) is often recommended, no cooler. If you have your suit jacket on while you work at your desk, something may be wrong.
BAM is in the relationship business, and enrolling staff in Creation Care is one more step in discipleship.
Watch for phantom power costs. Turn off appliances when not in use.
Many electronic appliances (i.e. monitor screens) are still drawing power even when ‘off’. If at all possible, shut off at the main plug.