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.

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.

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.

1. You Can Save Money

Business owners and homeowners stand to save plenty of money by using green energy as their main power source. On top of the 22% tax credit from the federal government on installation, homeowners and business owners can break even in as little as seven years. After 20 years, savings can reach an average of $43,000.

2. Green Energy Provides Roughly 10% of the World’s Power

With emerging technologies and the wider abundance of green energy solutions, renewable energy has grown exponentially in the past few decades. Today, around 10% of the world’s power comes from renewable energy and about 12% of the energy is the U.S. comes from green sources. Solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power are the greatest contributors.

3. Green Energy Could Power a Substantial Portion of the Planet by 2050

Thanks to the Paris Accord and the lower costs of producing green energy solutions, a large section of the planet could be completely powered by green energy in the near future. According to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, renewable sources could power all of Europe and most of North Africa by 2050 if the trend toward green energy continues.

4. Hawaii Leads the U.S. in Commitments to Green Energy

While every state in the Union has committed, at least in part, to green energy, Hawaii is the emerging leader. While the state’s climate has a lot to do with this commitment, the government is still leaning toward 100% renewable energy sources by 2045. Whether Hawaii is able to achieve this lofty goal remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

5. Green Energy Is Set to Become a Profitable Enterprise

Naysayers of green energy point to prohibitive costs as a reason why a full-scale rollout is impossible. However, manufacturing is becoming more cost-efficient and the global push for renewable energy is leading to profitability. According to numerous studies, green energy is set to become a $400 billion industry by the end of 2022.

6. Green Energy Consultants Are a Real Thing

If you own a single business or a national brand, our team at 3 Phase Renewables can help.  Green energy can cut costs while preserving the planet far into the future. However, implementing a green energy plan by yourself isn’t nearly as easy. That’s where we can help.

Give us a call to discuss your current plans and we can review all the solutions available for your business.

The post 6 Awesome Facts About Green Energy You Probably Didn’t Know first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

1. Implement a Hybrid Work Schedule

While COVID forced many workers out of the office and into the home office, the return to the office is inevitable at some point. The only problem is that workers got a taste of the freedom and work-life balance associated with remote work.

However, even if you want your team to return to the office, you can balance their desire to work from home with your business needs by using a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid allows them to work a certain number of hours at home and a certain number at the office. With this balance, you get happier employees and lower overhead and energy costs as a result, effectively greening up your business.

2. Reduce Waste

The average American produces about 4.5 pounds worth of waste each year. However, you can limit the impact of waste by putting together a few initiatives in the office.

Offer your employees some swag in the form of mugs and water bottles to reduce the use of paper and plastic. Start a composting bucket in the lunchroom. Or even replace the hand towels in the bathroom with a hand dryer. The ideas are almost endless, but all of them result in your business going green.

3. Supplement Your Current Energy Sources

While you need electricity and power for your business to operate efficiently, you don’t have to rely on the power grid alone. Adding solar panels, geothermal power sources, or even a wind turbine can give you the extra juice you need to run your business without running up your electric bill. Plus, the federal government and even some state and local governments will provide you with a tax break for your efforts.

4. Hire a Green Energy Consultant

Last but certainly not least is hiring a green energy consultant, especially if you’ve never gone green in the past. Our team at 3 Phases Renewables is experienced, seasoned, and has helped hundreds of companies go green.  We will help you through every stage of the planning process, as well as provide suggestions and tips to improve your green initiatives and lower your bills.  We want to ensure you get the credit you deserve when you go green with your business.

With our team on your side, you will get the most out of your investment and can make informed decisions about what updates and upgrades to add to your green program.

Making the Leap to Green Energy

While spring is the ideal time for cleaning or improving your business, don’t let green energy go by the wayside. With just a small investment of time and money, you can make the world or your business that much better. It’s one of the rare options that’s a win-win in almost every scenario.  Let’s Go Green!

The post Go Green This Spring at Your Business with These Ideas first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

Buy Used Furniture

Office furniture isn’t just expensive; it’s also some of the least ecofriendly furniture created. Void of wood and other natural products, office furniture is mostly synthetic fibers, plastic, and metal. With those materials, it’s not exactly ecofriendly.

So if you want to show your love of the planet, look for used furniture whenever possible. Used office furniture or used furniture, in general, can save you thousands of dollars. Plus, repurposed and vintage furniture is in style and original, adding a touch of flair to your interior decor.

Implement a Hybrid Work Schedule

Another way to love the planet while saving money is to implement a hybrid work schedule. As the name implies, a hybrid work schedule is when your staff works from the office on certain days and at home on other days.

The reason that this is a benefit to your business and the planet lies in one aspect: overhead. Without employees at the office each day, you can cut down on energy bills and paper waste.

Replace Your Light Bulbs

While incandescent lighting is all but gone, cheap halogens and CFLs have taken their place. These are still energy-efficient compared to incandescent light bulbs, but they pale in comparison to LED lighting.

When you replace your current light bulbs with LEDs, you can cut your electricity bill by up to 30%. LED bulbs also last three times longer than halogens or CFLs, with some options lasting as long as 20 years.

Install Ecofriendly Power Sources

You may pay your energy bill each month without thinking about ways you can lower it. To this effect, it’s become second nature. But what if you could lower your bill while doing it in an ecofriendly manner? That’s exactly what solar, wind, and geothermal power can do.

By installing a supplementary power system at your business, you can harness the power of the sun, wind, or underground to heat, cool, and power your business. And with tax breaks available, you’ll save a bit on your tax bill and utility bill at the same time.

Consider a Green Energy Consultant to Make the Transition Easier

Although you may see yourself as a DIYer and opportunist, building an ecofriendly business is time-consuming and takes away from your other duties as a business owner. So, if you’re serious about green energy and solutions, talk to our clean energy consultants for ideas and to help you transition with various options available.

A reputable green energy consulting firm has worked with businesses of all sizes and has years of experience working with people just like you. So rather than play a guessing game or simply following a YouTube video, put your trust in people with the knowledge to get the job done. You might just find that going green makes you more green long term.

3 Phases Renewables is here to assist your business in achieving a seamless transition with all your clean energy needs.  Call us to have all your questions answered.

The post How Loving the Planet Can Help Your Business Save Money first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

With a green energy initiative, you not only enhance your business dynamic and foster a better tomorrow for the planet, but you also reap a number of other benefits. If you’re searching for a win-win addition to your business and how your business can benefit, read on about green energy initiatives.

Earn Tax Credits

As a business owner, you’re always searching for ways to lower your tax liabilities and maximize your bottom line. But rather than use creative accounting to cut your taxes, a green energy initiative can lower your taxes in a way that won’t alert the IRS to your business dealings.

In 2009, the federal government established a number of initiatives to encourage business owners to use green energy. Several states followed thereafter. That means if you install solar, wind, or geothermal power in your business, you can get about ⅓ of the installation cost back on your taxes.

Become a Steward of Social Responsibility

While business owners want to maximize their profits and cut costs, successful companies are so much more than that. They’re pillars of the community and lead by example.

A green energy initiative demonstrates this leadership role and helps them become a steward of social responsibility. Although you may not see an immediate impact in your community, the increased visibility is half the battle. You may just see more businesses and residences around town follow suit.

Attract Customers

In the modern age, corporations understand the attractive nature of green initiatives. That’s why you see compostable cups at Starbucks, plant-based “meat” at McDonald’s, and other measures designed to cut waste and help the environment.

But what’s the real reason for these transitions? To attract customers. As a proponent of green energy, you encourage growth and business from people who care about the environment. And even those that just want a low price may come to your business due to societal pressure.

Either way, you can go green and reap the benefits of a larger market and customer base.

Save on Costs

More and more companies are going remote during COVID, but just as many are itching to get back in the office. If this describes you, green energy is a godsend. Not only can you return to your workplace, but you can also cut costs while doing it. Whether you’re installing green energy systems or just moving all your paperwork to a cloud, you’re going to see the difference on your energy bill or office supplies.

Implementation Issues? Rely on Our Clean Energy Consultants

If you’ve never implemented a green energy initiative, the entire process can feel overwhelming. But don’t go it alone. Instead, call our green energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables. With experience in the business, an understanding of how to cut costs, and ideas for a greener future, our team has everything you need for a successful transition to sustainable energy and business practices.  Send us a message or give us a call to discuss your clean energy business plans.

The post How Your Business Can Benefit from a Green Energy Initiative in 2022 first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.