On March 21 each year, National Renewable Energy Day allows people across the globe to reflect on the use of fossil fuels and their impact on people and how governments, individuals, and businesses can turn toward green energy sources. As a business owner, renewable energy has never been more important to your reputation and bottom line. But many small businesses still struggle to implement a plan to achieve their green goals. So in the spirit of National Renewable Energy Day, here are some ways to proactively observe the occasion.
Understand the Benefits of Renewable Energy
One of the most crucial parts of going green as a business is to understand how renewable energy can benefit your business. While it’s always a positive for your business reputation and social responsibility, renewable energy also has several other benefits:
- Although green energy comes with a large upfront cost, it saves you money in the long run. According to some estimates, you can cut your energy bills by up to 75% per year simply by switching to an eco-friendly energy source.
- You can increase the value of your business and property. By installing a renewable energy source, you increase the value of your business and/or property when you want to sell it. In this sense, it’s no longer a sunken cost—it’s a valuable asset.
- Renewable energy puts you in the good graces of eco-friendly customers. While the figures vary by study, somewhere between 35% and 85% base their purchasing decisions on the eco-friendly practices of a company.
- You can greatly lower carbon emissions. By reducing your greenhouse gas emissions, you build a solid reputation while also preserving the planet for future generations.
How To Implement a Green Energy Plan at Your Business
Now that you understand the advantages of employing green energy, it’s time to put the idea into action. For many people, this isn’t easy—green energy is still a relatively new concept for small businesses. But with the right game plan, you can enjoy clean, renewable energy much more quickly than you may have anticipated.
Get an Energy Audit or Hire a Green Energy Consultant
Energy audits are becoming more and more popular for businesses due to their low costs and potential savings. When you get an energy audit, you identify opportunities to cut costs and emissions that can impact your reputation and bottom line.
Once you identify these cost-saving opportunities, our green energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables can help you develop ways to implement a plan based on your needs and budget. Both are investments that pay for themselves in the short run.
Research Your Options
Like any other upgrade to your business, you need to research your options. Shopping around for a reputable, affordable contractor is a necessity. Moreover, you need to find out how to finance your improvements, as this is often the better option compared to a huge cash payment.
Federal, state, and local governments often have tax breaks that can make the transition more lucrative, and you can often find financing options through the Small Business Administration (SBA) if all other avenues are exhausted.
In just two steps, you can make the first step toward a greener tomorrow. While National Renewable Energy Day may fall under the radar for most businesses, taking the time to celebrate it with a plan takes you one step closer to energy independence and a juicier bottom line.
We’ve helped many customers turn their green energy dreams into reality and maximize their federal tax credit. Rely on our experienced team to help your business. Contact us to discuss green energy solutions available for your business.