However, a green energy audit for your business comes with a number of benefits for your company. Find out why you should schedule an energy audit for your business sooner rather than later.

1. Compliance with Local Laws

Many jurisdictions and municipalities have regulations and standards in place regarding energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Failure to adhere to these standards and laws can cost you dearly — through both fines and updating your business to comply.

By conducting a green energy audit, you can ensure your business meets these regulations without any surprise expenses. Staying ahead of regulatory requirements can also help you maintain a competitive advantage, especially if you’re proactive in your green energy approach.

2. Reduction in Overhead Costs

A green energy audit for your business can pinpoint a variety of aspects that you can improve to save energy and money. By upgrading outdated HVAC systems, using energy-efficient lightbulbs, or even caulking around windows, you reduce energy waste to an exponential level.

As a result, you reduce your overall energy bill, which is one of the biggest overhead costs faced by businesses of all sizes.

3. Rebates and Incentives

Depending on where your business is located, you may be eligible for a number of rebates and incentives related to green energy and sustainability. During your green energy audit for your business, you can identify potential ways to take advantage of rebates, incentives, or grants that can positively impact your bottom line.

4. Better Comfort for Employees and Customers

During a green energy audit, the auditor will assess your HVAC system, insulation, and temperature control systems. Outdated systems tend to use far more energy, while imprecise thermostats can cause you to spend far more money than necessary.

A green energy audit can identify any faulty or outdated equipment that you should replace. By doing so, you not only meet green energy standards but also provide steady, comfortable temperatures for your employees and customers.

When employees are comfortable at your business, you may see a substantial rise in productivity, morale, and engagement. The same goes for your customers. When you create a comfortable setting, customers are more likely to stay longer and browse, hopefully leading to a few more sales along the way.

The Simple Way to Schedule a Green Energy Audit

Although local utility and power companies offer green energy audits, a more beneficial way to get one is through a green energy consultant. Our green energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables can conduct an audit while also giving insight into other ways to improve your business’s energy efficiency. It may cost more upfront, but the cost savings and recommendations you receive will do more than offset this cost in no time at all.

Give us a call and let’s work together on getting you the most beneficial options in renewable energy.

The post 4 Reasons to Consider a Green Energy Audit for Your Business first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

Energy Monitoring

One of the simplest ways technologies can help small businesses become greener is by monitoring energy usage. With the help of energy monitors and sensors, small businesses can track their energy usage in real time. This allows them to identify areas of waste and take action to reduce their energy consumption. For example, businesses can use this data to turn off lights and appliances when not in use or adjust temperature settings based on occupancy.

Energy Management Systems

Energy management systems take energy monitoring a step further by automating energy-saving processes. These systems can be programmed to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, adjust temperature settings based on occupancy, and even control the use of energy-intensive equipment such as HVAC systems and refrigerators. By automating these processes, small businesses can reduce their energy consumption without sacrificing comfort or productivity.

Cloud Computing

Onsite servers and infrastructure can be a significant source of energy consumption for small businesses. However, cloud computing allows businesses to store and access data and applications on remote servers, reducing the need for energy-intensive on-site servers and infrastructure. This not only reduces energy consumption but also saves businesses money on hardware and maintenance costs.

Telecommuting

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that many businesses can operate remotely without sacrificing productivity. By allowing employees to work from home or use telecommuting solutions, small businesses can reduce the need for employees to travel to and from work. This can lower their energy usage, save money on office space and utility bills, and even cut the emissions produced by commuting by car.

Video Conferencing

Business travel is a significant source of carbon emissions. However, video conferencing technology can reduce the need for travel by allowing businesses to conduct virtual meetings with clients, partners, and employees. It can help companies save on travel expenses, all while reducing the mass amounts of emissions from airplane travel.

Online Sales and Marketing

Physical storefronts require energy-intensive lighting, heating, and cooling systems. However, e-commerce is changing the game. Small businesses can use online platforms to sell products and services, reducing the need for multiple physical locations or large offices. Online marketing can also help businesses reach a wider audience without relying on paper-based marketing materials.

Digital Document Management

Small businesses can reduce their paper usage by using digital document management solutions such as cloud storage and electronic signatures. Companies like DocuSign and its competitors provide great options on a shoestring budget, regardless of your needs. Through these platforms, your business reduces the amount of paper and slashes printing and mailing costs.

Ask a Green Energy Consultant

Implementing all of these technologies and alternatives at once can feel overwhelming for a small business owner.

So, if you’re not sure what the next step should be, contact our green energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables.  We can help you harness reusable energy while maximizing all the credits available to you. With a simple consultation, we can help you discover many ways to use tech, as well as employ other ideas to go green.

The post How Small Businesses Can Use Tech to Go Green first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

While green energy may seem like a stretch for a business owner, it’s become more accessible than ever. If you want to cash in on green energy, find out how businesses can save by making the switch.

1. Improved Reputation

You can’t really put a monetary value on a reputation, but with more shoppers looking to do business with socially and environmentally conscious companies, businesses can expect an increase in sales by making the switch to green energy.

The improvement in reputation is also aided by the idea that your company is more progressive and forward-thinking than your competition. And for a one-time, upfront cost, green energy is well worth the investment, creating a buzz and generating revenue.

2. Reliability

Another benefit of green energy comes in the form of reliability. If you live in an area that’s prone to extreme weather, you may have power outages happen with alarming regularity. When the power’s out, you can’t work — you’re essentially just losing money.

Renewable energy fixes this issue by storing any excess energy and using it when necessary — just like a generator would. By having on-demand energy stored, you won’t have any downtime associated with power outages.

3. Extra Income

Although renewable energy sources for your business allow you to store energy for power outages and other uses, you can also sell the extra energy back to the grid. In some states, electric companies will purchase the excess power produced by wind and solar power and deduct that amount from your business’s monthly power bill.

4. Lower Energy Bills

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of green energy for businesses is that it substantially lowers your power bills. According to a Bloomberg article, solar power is now 33% less expensive than natural gas, and oftentimes, less expensive than other types of fossil fuels. While you have to purchase the panels upfront, the cost of solar energy panels has dropped dramatically within the past five years. And with the reduction in your energy bill, you see those savings in just a short time.

5. Avoid Energy Price Fluctuations

The supply and demand of fossil fuels to produce power are highly volatile. As a result, price fluctuations can happen quickly and without much warning, leaving you holding the bag. But with solar energy, you can avoid price fluctuations altogether. As long as the wind is blowing or the sun is shining, you won’t have to worry about a hefty energy bill.

Making the Change

If you’ve never thought about green energy for your business, the transition may seem overwhelming. But with the help of our green energy consultant, you don’t have to worry.

Our team of professionals can provide an assessment of your business energy usage and needs, and then provide solutions that match your budget. It’s a productive use of your money, giving you time to focus on the other aspects of your business while also saving money and doing your role to minimize climate change.

The post 5 Ways Businesses Can Save and Earn with Green Energy first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

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.

The post How To Implement Green Energy at Your Business on National Renewable Energy Day first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

Partner With Green Suppliers

One of the best ways to show your support for National Green Week is by choosing suppliers and partners that have the same eco-friendly mantra. This doesn’t necessarily mean that all of their products are green, but if they can manufacture products using solar energy at their production plant, that’s a step in the right direction toward sustainability.

Use Sustainable Lighting

Natural light is the preferred way to illuminate the office, so open the shades and blinds and let the light pour in. Interestingly, human mood and happiness have been shown to increase in this manner—and that’s just the cherry on top of the savings and sustainability.

If you don’t have much natural light or you can’t remodel, you can still have sustainable practices simply by swapping out your lightbulbs. Switch your incandescent or even your CFL bulbs for LEDs. Not only do they lower your bill and energy usage, but they also last 10 to 20 years. That’s a pretty solid return on investment.

Save Water

Regardless of the plumbing setup in your office, you can always build a more sustainable business by cutting your water usage. Replacing your toilets with low-flow options cuts wastewater immensely. You can also install an Energy Star dishwasher to reduce water usage compared to non-efficient appliances.

And if you want to go that extra sustainable mile, purchase some rainwater barrels. By catching rainwater, you can water the landscape or lawn of your office if necessary, all without using additional water from the spigot or tap.

Encourage Green Transportation

Cars are the largest source of greenhouse gases in the world, so if you want to promote sustainability, promote green transportation at your business.

If you’re not sure how you have plenty of options. You could provide swag or prizes to those who bike or walk to work. Or you could pay for a monthly or yearly public transportation pass. Finally, you can install charging stations for electric cars—not only will this reduce emissions, but it will also put you ahead of the curve when the government requires more EVs to hit American roads.

Discuss Your Ideas with a Green Energy Consultant

Not every business owner has the resources and time to put together a comprehensive list of sustainability initiatives. So, if you want a green business while maximizing all the benefits and incentives available to you, discuss your options with our reusable energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables

Our team has the expertise to discuss sustainable practices at your business, as well as how to put the ideas in place. Whether you just want some basic ideas or you’re going to install solar panels, or charging stations our consultants have the information you need. With their help, you can celebrate National Green Week with savings that last all year.

Contact us today to discuss all the options available for your business.

The post Celebrate National Green Week with Small Business Sustainability first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

By making eco-friendly solutions part of your business’ New Year’s resolutions, you can enjoy a number of benefits all year long. Discover how you can improve your business here.

1. Switch to Solar

Solar panels continue to fall in price as the technology becomes more accessible and more companies provide competition for customers. While the initial cost of solar power may seem cost-prohibitive, the reduction in your energy bills says otherwise.

According to a survey from EnergySage, businesses can experience as much as an 89% reduction in their monthly energy costs simply through the use of solar power—cutting energy bills out of the bottom line almost entirely.

2. Cut Your Paper Usage

In the business world, you use paper just about everywhere, from reports to memos to bathroom towels. However, this creates a lot of waste, especially if you don’t have a proper recycling program in place.

Fortunately, you can reduce your waste and make an eco-friendly New Year’s resolution for your business simply by eliminating paper usage or making the switch to recycled paper.

For example, you could replace paper towels in the bathroom with hand dryers. Or you could try digital documents instead of printouts. Whatever you decide, cutting paper usage is easy, can save you money, and should definitely be on your list of resolutions.

3. Eliminate Single-Use Water Bottles

You always want to make sure that your staff is properly hydrated. Proper hydration is not only good for the physical well-being of your employees, but it’s also been linked to improvements in cognitive function—which can boost productivity, reaction times, and short-term memory.

However, many offices still cling to the idea that single-use plastic water bottles are the best option—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. By making the switch to metal water bottles that carry your company logo or insignia, you can cut waste, advertise, and keep your staff hydrated—all while keeping true to your eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions for your business.

4. Try Eco-Friendly Cleaners

Keeping a clean office is important for the sake of the organization and the health of your employees, customers, and clients. However, many cleaners commonly used around the office aren’t exactly eco-friendly. But upgrading to better options is easy.

Whether you hire a cleaning crew or do the work yourself, make a switch to cleaners that are less harmful to the environment. You’ll get the same results, all without damaging the ecosystem and the health of those around you.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask for Help

Navigating the confusing world of green energy—especially in a commercial sense—can be a dizzying and overwhelming affair. But don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Our Green energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables are knowledgeable individuals with the experience and expertise to provide practical solutions to your business resolutions. If you’re struggling or don’t have the time to upgrade your business, let our team of green energy consultants take care of the busy work so you can do what you do best.

Contact us to discuss all the business reusable energy options available to you.

The post Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions for Your Business first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

So if you want to do your part and cut waste from the holiday season at your business, the best option is to go green. Discover ways to have an eco-friendly Christmas and do your part to keep the planet just a bit cleaner and greener for the future.

1. Upgrade to LEDs

If you want to integrate a bit of Christmas cheer into the office, Christmas lights are a no-brainer. However, you shouldn’t just keep going with the same old incandescent or CFL options. Take your energy savings one step further by using LED bulbs or light fixtures.

LED lights save up to 90% on energy costs compared to incandescent bulbs while also lasting up to 25 times longer. Not only do you save more on your energy bill, but you also aren’t filling the landfill with bulbs that burn out so quickly.

2. Make the Switch to Recycled Paper

Whether you’re wrapping presents at the office or just printing out your monthly reports, switching to recycled paper is an affordable alternative. Not only is recycled paper cheaper than virgin paper, but it also cuts down on waste. You still get the paperwork you need, you save the environment, and you do it all at a fraction of the cost.

3. Reuse Your Decorations

It may seem like common sense, but many businesses don’t reuse their Christmas decor. They buy it, display it, and throw it in the trash. Not only is that a ton of waste, but it also diminishes your bottom line.

The idea here is to get Christmas decorations that will last for multiple years. They may cost a little bit more, but you can reuse them every year, which leads to even more savings for years into the future.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

Energy is getting more and more expensive in the face of inflation, market conditions, and even war in Europe. While these aspects are out of your control, you can always reduce the amount you spend on energy and reduce energy usage on the whole by installing a smart thermostat.

Not only do smart thermostats lower your energy usage, but they also learn from your energy and temperature habits. That means you can expect the temperature you want without spending extra cash on top of it.

Give Yourself the Gift of Green Energy for the Future

Giving gifts to your employees and customers is a great way to show your appreciation, but don’t forget to give a little gift to yourself as a business owner by saving money in the future.

That’s why you should consider a green energy consultation. With the help of a green energy professional like our team at 3 Phases Renewables, you can find ways to lower your energy costs, adopt green energy solutions, and ultimately, become a steward of responsibility in the business world. That’s something that could net you some extra cash and the respect of current and future customers.

Got a question? Want to know more about reusable energy and how your business can benefit?  Give us a call to discuss all the options available.

The post 4 Ways to Have a Green, Eco-Friendly Christmas at Your Business first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

1. Turn It Off

Not every green energy initiative has to blow your budget in one fell swoop. Sometimes, it’s just the change of basic ideas or adding small actions. That said, turning off the AC/heat (you know how unpredictable fall can be), electronics, and lighting every day can drastically lower your bills and reduce energy usage. So add it to your nightly checklist and encourage employees to follow suit for a simple way to go green.

2. Set the Thermostat to 68

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting the thermostat to 68 in the fall can help you save tons on your power bill. This temperature is comfortable for most workers and allows for more productivity than warmer temperatures. Just make sure to tell people to bring a sweater and avoid touching the thermostat before you hop into this one.

3. Get a Green Energy Audit

Another effective way to go green this fall is to get a trained professional — such as a green energy consultant — to conduct a green energy audit. By choosing a reputable company, these audits are well spent, offering concrete answers to how you can lower your energy usage and environmental impact while effectively improving your company’s sustainability.

4. Go Paperless

Many companies are now offering a paperless option for their customers, and you should follow suit. According to a study by study conducted by Catalog Spree and PaperKarma, if companies cut paper usage by only 10%, it would equate to taking 280,000 cars off the road each year. And when you add in the reduced overhead cost of paper supplies, you’re looking at a total win-win situation.

5. The Little Things

Again, not everything has to be a major expenditure in terms of going green. Sometimes, it’s the little things. By giving out reusable bags to customers and employees, providing metal water bottles to employees, and just avoiding any single-use products, you can build a greener culture that can pour over into the daily lives of customers and employees. Setting an example for sustainability is always a victory.

The Coup de Grace: Hiring a Green Energy Consultant

If you’ve never dabbled in green energy solutions, the process of what productions and principles to choose can feel daunting and overwhelming, but you have options. One of the best ways to get the most out of your green energy business initiatives is to hire our green energy consultants.  We maximize the benefits your business will receive when going green.

With the right mix of experience and industry knowledge, our team can find the perfect solutions for your business. You may incur an up-front cost, but like any other thing in business, you can’t make money without spending money. The only thing you have to lose is profitability and an improved reputation in the near future.

Contact our team of renewable energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables and let’s discuss all the options available for your business.

The post 5 Simple Ways for Your Business to Go Green This Fall first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

1. Lowering Your Utility Bills

A green business isn’t just using solar panels or wind turbines. It’s about a holistic approach to sustainability. As a result, everything about your brick-and-mortar location lessens waste and creates value in the form of lower utility bills.

From better insulation to energy-efficient windows, everything in your business is designed to reduce costs further down the road. In most cases, these materials are also of a higher quality than less efficient options, providing not only lower bills but also lower maintenance costs for as long as you own the building.

2. Improved Durability

As mentioned above, a green building often has better-quality materials. But on top of that, many green commercial buildings use materials that also last longer than traditional or standard materials. For example, resilient roofing materials such as tin can last three times longer than shingles. Composite decking — often used in sustainable cafes and restaurants — is another example that doesn’t use wood and often lasts five times as long — all without the added upkeep.

3. Excellent Commercial Resale Value

Green energy isn’t just a fad — it’s becoming a way of life. As such, more and more commercial real estate firms or future business owners are looking for newer buildings that offer green features and sustainability. While you may pay more upfront for sustainable materials, you should see that money back when or if you ever decide to sell your brick-and-mortar or investment property.

4. Less Water Waste

Energy isn’t the sole focus of green building. It also includes water. By using modern water fixtures such as low-flow toilets or sinks with sensors, you use less water overall. The same goes for energy-efficient appliances such as on-demand water heaters.

On top of that, many green buildings come equipped with gray water or rainwater systems that use runoff or the weather to water landscaping. This efficiently and effectively reduces water bills, while also keeping your office front pristine and welcoming.

Ask for Help When You Need It

Few people are experts at everything, especially fresh topics like green energy. Even the most vigorous research may not unearth everything you need to know about building or remodeling a green business. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to call a green energy consultant.

With plenty of knowledge about products and solutions to create a greener, sustainable building, our team at 3 Phases Renewables have the experience and knowledge to turn your business into the envy of the renewable energy community. Just ask for help when you need it, and you may just learn some things to make you an expert in your own right.

Contact us today to book a discussion about reusable energy and how it can help your business thrive.

The post 4 Benefits to Building a Green Business first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

Solar Energy

In 2020, solar energy was responsible for 3.3% of the U.S.’s power. That may not seem like much, but it’s grown exponentially in the past decade and is the fastest-growing type of green energy in the country. While the reason for this growth varies, the creation of low-cost solar panels for buildings and solar tax breaks are two of the major boosts to the popularity of this renewable energy.

Wind Energy

Wind power is the most common type of green energy across the U.S., providing 8.4% of the country’s power as of 2020. While giant wind farms are most synonymous with the West and Midwest, small-scale wind turbines and tax subsidies have caused this type of energy to become more popular in the residential sector.

Hydropower

Accounting for 7.3% of the nation’s total power supply, hydropower was perhaps the first green energy source to become widely adopted in the U.S. and abroad. It’s also one of the oldest types of renewable energy. In 1882, the first hydroelectric dam opened in Appleton, Wisconsin, on the Fox River. Today, hydropower continues to expand into rural areas.

Tidal Energy

Although less popular than hydropower from dams and rivers, tidal energy is a form of hydropower that harnesses the power of tides. When the tide recedes and advances, generators turn the moving sea into green energy. Although tidal power is predictable in terms of when it occurs, it also only happens twice a day, making it less robust than other forms of green energy.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy utilizes the heat from beneath the Earth’s surface to create power. In industrial applications, power plants use this heat to create steam which then powers turbines.

However, geothermal systems have become a popular source to heat and cool homes. Because the ground under the surface stays at a consistent temperature between 50 and 60 degrees, geothermal systems heat and cool air that’s not exposed to extremes, allowing less energy usage to provide air conditioning or heating.

How to Choose the Right Green Energy

Now that you’re a bit more familiar with the various types of green energy, you may be considering it for your home or business. However, choosing the right option isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve never used green energy solutions before.

That’s when a green energy consultant can help. At 3 Phases Renewables we are focused on renewable energy solutions for businesses, with experience in the industry, loads of green energy options, and a roadmap from start to finish, you can make the best choice for your green energy needs.  Contact us to discuss today.

The post What Are the Most Popular Types of Green Energy? first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.